Crafting a strong CV is one of the most important steps in securing the job you want. Employers make decisions quickly — often within seconds — so the way you present your skills and experience determines whether you get shortlisted or overlooked.
This guide breaks down how to structure your CV and showcase your strengths in a way that employers immediately understand and value.
1. Start With a Clear and Professional CV Structure
A good CV is not complicated. It is clean, easy to read, and well-organised. The standard structure includes:
a. Header
- Full Name
- Location (City, Country)
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn or portfolio link (optional but recommended)
b. Professional Summary (3–4 lines)
This is a brief statement at the top of your CV summarising:
- Who you are
- Your key strengths
- What you are looking for
- What value you bring to an employer
Example:
Results-driven administrative professional with 3 years’ experience supporting business operations and improving workflow efficiency. Skilled in customer service, data handling, and office coordination. Seeking a role where I can contribute to a fast-paced organisation.
c. Skills Section
List 6–10 skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Break them into categories if needed:
Technical Skills:
Software, tools, systems, industry-specific knowledge.
Soft Skills:
Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management.
Employers often scan this section first.
d. Work Experience (Most Important Section)
List your experience starting with the most recent job.
Each entry should include:
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Dates of employment
- 3–6 bullet points describing what you achieved
Use action verbs: Managed, Improved, Coordinated, Led, Created, Delivered, Increased.
Focus on results, not just responsibilities.
Weak Example:
– Worked with customers
– Answered calls
Strong Example:
– Improved customer satisfaction by responding to queries within 2 minutes
– Resolved customer issues on first contact, reducing follow-up calls
e. Education
Include:
- Qualifications
- School or institution
- Year completed
If you don’t have much work experience, move your education section higher on the CV.
f. Certifications or Courses (Optional)
Any short course, online learning, workshop, or certificate that supports your skills can be added.
g. Additional Sections (Optional)
- Projects
- Awards
- Volunteer work
- Languages
- Technical portfolio
Choose these based on relevance to the job.
2. Tailor Your CV for Each Job
A CV is not a one-size-fits-all document.
Your CV should speak directly to the job.
To tailor your CV:
- Read the job description
- Highlight the keywords the employer wants
- Adjust your skills and experience to match those keywords
- Remove anything irrelevant
Tailoring increases your chances dramatically because employers want to see alignment between your profile and their needs.
3. Present Your Skills Effectively
a. Use measurable achievements
Employers want proof of your abilities. Add numbers, percentages, or specific results.
Example:
Reduced processing time by 30% by redesigning workflow.
b. Match your skills to employer needs
If the job asks for:
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Time management
Make sure you mention them clearly and give examples in your work experience.
c. Highlight your strongest skills at the top
Place your most relevant skills where they will be seen first.
4. Make Your CV Easy to Read
Employers scan CVs fast. To stand out:
- Use bullet points, not long paragraphs
- Keep it to 1–2 pages
- Use a clean font (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
- Use consistent spacing and formatting
- Avoid unnecessary graphics or colours
- Save as PDF before sending
A clean CV shows professionalism and attention to detail.
5. Bonus Tip: Use a Powerful Cover Letter
A cover letter can strengthen your application by explaining:
- Why you want the job
- Why you are a strong fit
- How your experience aligns with the company’s goals
Keep it short — 1 page maximum.
6. Final Advice
Your CV is your personal marketing document. It must:
- Clearly communicate your strengths
- Show your achievements
- Make it easy for employers to understand your value
When done well, your CV becomes a powerful tool that opens doors and gets you interviews.