A good CV is easy to scan. The reader should understand who you are and what you have done within moments.

Lead with a short summary

Two or three lines at the top describing your field, your experience and the kind of role you want. Avoid generic phrases and say something specific.

Put results next to responsibilities

Instead of listing only duties, add what came of your work where you can. If you do not have numbers, describe the outcome in plain words.

Keep the layout simple

  • Use a clean, readable font and consistent headings
  • List your most recent role first
  • Keep it to a length that suits your experience
  • Check spelling and dates carefully

Tailor it lightly

You do not need a new CV for every application, but adjusting the summary and the top few bullet points to match the role is worth a few minutes.

Be specific about your skills

A list of skills is more useful when it is concrete. Naming the tools, methods or areas you have actually worked with helps a reader judge fit quickly. Avoid vague claims that anyone could make about themselves.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Long paragraphs where short bullet points would be easier to scan
  • Unexplained gaps or dates that do not add up
  • Inconsistent formatting between sections
  • Details that are out of date, such as old contact information

Ask someone to read it

Hand your CV to a friend or former colleague and ask them what they understand about you after thirty seconds. Their answer shows you what the page is really saying. If it is not what you intended, adjust the top section until it is.

Finally, keep a plain, well-structured master version and save tailored copies separately, so you always have a clean starting point.

Match the structure to where you are in your career

If you are early in your career, lead with education, projects and internships. If you have several years of experience, lead with your recent roles and keep education brief. If you are changing field, put a short skills summary at the top to show how your experience relates.

Practical details

  • Save and send your CV as a PDF unless asked for another format, so the layout does not change on someone else's screen
  • Name the file clearly, for example Firstname-Lastname-CV
  • Include a phone number, an email address and your city
  • Add a link to a professional profile only if it is up to date

Details such as a photograph or marital status are usually not needed unless an employer specifically asks for them.