A well-structured CV is essential for making a strong first impression on employers. Whether you're applying for your first job or looking for a career change, yourCVshould clearly highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements of a great CV and how to tailor it to your desired job.
Why a Good CV Matters
Your CV is your personal marketing document. It provides potential employers with a quick overview of your career, skills, and achievements. A well-written CV increases your chances of being shortlisted for interviews, especially when it effectively matches the job description.
Many companies also use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant keywords. Structuring your CV properly and including industry-specific terms can improve your chances of getting noticed.
How to Write a CV in 7 Simple Steps
1. Start with Your Contact Information
At the top of your CV, include:
- Your full name
- Phone number (Use the number you check most frequently)
- Email address (Use a professional email format)
- LinkedIn profile or personal website (if relevant)
Avoid including personal details like your age, marital status, or nationality, as they are not required.
2. Write a Compelling Personal Summary
Your personal summary is a short paragraph (3–4 sentences) at the top of your CV that highlights:
- Who you are professionally
- Your key skills and experience
- Your career goals and what you can offer an employer
Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional with five years of experience in digital advertising and content strategy. Skilled in SEO, campaign management, and data analytics. Seeking to leverage my expertise to drive brand growth at [Company Name]."
This section should be tailored to each job you apply for to align with the job description.
3. List Your Key Skills
Create a bullet-point list of your most relevant skills. Focus on hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal qualities) that match the job posting.
Example:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM software
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience with graphic design tools (Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
If you are applying for a technical role, include specific tools and programming languages relevant to the industry.
4. Detail Your Work Experience
List your most recent job first and work backwards. Include:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities and achievements (use bullet points)
Example:
Digital Marketing Specialist
XYZ Marketing Agency, Amsterdam | Jan 2020 – Present
- Developed and managed digital marketing campaigns, increasing web traffic by 40%
- Led a team of content creators to optimize SEO strategies, boosting rankings
- Analyzed customer data to refine marketing efforts, improving conversion rates
If you have employment gaps, briefly explain them (e.g., further studies, travel, or personal projects).
For graduates or those with little experience, emphasize internships, volunteering, and freelance work that showcase your skills.
5. Highlight Your Education
List your educational background, starting with the most recent qualification. Include:
- Degree or certification
- Institution name
- Years attended
- Grade (if relevant)
Example:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
University of Rotterdam | 2016 – 2020 | GPA: 3.8
If you are a recent graduate, you can place this section before work experience if your education is more relevant to the job.
6. Include Additional Sections (Optional)
If applicable, add extra sections to strengthen your CV:
- Certifications & Training: Relevant industry certifications (e.g., PMP, Google Analytics, CFA)
- Languages: If multilingual, mention proficiency levels (e.g., Fluent in Dutch and English)
- Professional Memberships: Include relevant industry organizations (e.g., Chartered Institute of Marketing)
- Publications & Research: For academic or research positions
- Volunteer Work: Especially if it provided relevant experience
These sections can differentiate you from other candidates, particularly in competitive industries.
7. References
References are not always required on a CV. In many cases, employers will request them separately if they are needed. Instead of listing full contact details, you can simply write:
"References available upon request."
However, if an employer specifically asks for references in the job description, include:
- The referee’s name
- Their job title
- Their company
- Their contact details
Make sure to ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.
CV Formatting Tips
- Keep it concise – Aim for one to two pages.
- Use a clean, professional layout – Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 11-12).
- Use bullet points – Makes it easier to read.
- Avoid long paragraphs – Recruiters scan CVs quickly.
- Proofread carefully – Check for spelling and grammar errors.
Cv template
A well-structured CV is your ticket to landing job interviews. By tailoring your CV to each job, highlighting your most relevant skills, and keeping it professional, you can stand out from the competition.
To simplify the process, download our CV template and customize it for your next application. Take the next step toward your career goals today.