Writing a CV can feel daunting — but once you know the formula, it becomes straightforward. This guide walks you through every section of a great CV, from the first line to the last.
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae — Latin for "course of life." A CV is a document that summarises your professional experience, education, skills and achievements. It's your primary tool for getting a job interview.
For most professionals, two pages is the ideal length. One page is appropriate for students or those with under two years of experience. Three pages is acceptable for senior professionals with extensive experience.
Start with your full name, professional title, email address, phone number and location. Include your LinkedIn URL if it's up to date. You don't need your full street address — just city and country.
A professional summary is 2–4 sentences at the top of your CV that immediately tell the recruiter who you are and what you bring to the role. This is often the only part recruiters read before deciding whether to continue.
A strong summary includes: your job title, years of experience, two or three key strengths, and what you're looking for next.
Photo policy: In the US and UK, don't include a photo. In Germany, France, and most EU countries, a professional headshot is expected.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order — most recent role first. For each position include job title, employer name, dates, and 3–5 bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements.
The secret to a strong experience section is quantification. Instead of "managed social media accounts," write "managed social media accounts, growing followers from 2,000 to 18,000 in 12 months."
List education in reverse chronological order. Include the degree title, institution name, dates, and any notable achievements. For professionals with 5+ years of experience, education moves to the bottom and can be kept brief.
Keep your skills section focused and relevant. Focus on specific technical skills, tools, certifications, and industry-specific abilities. Avoid generic skills like "Microsoft Office" or "good communication."
Tailor your skills section for each application by mirroring the keywords in the job description. Many companies use ATS systems that screen CVs for specific keywords before a human ever sees them.
Always include languages. List each language with your proficiency level: Native, Fluent, Advanced, Intermediate, or Basic. For EU applications, use the CEFR scale (A1–C2).
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