Write a CV that proves what you can do

A recruiter should be able to see, within a short scan, what work you have done and why it matters to the vacancy. That does not require an elaborate template. It requires accurate details, a sensible order and examples that match the role.

Start with the vacancy, not an empty document

Highlight the requirements that appear repeatedly: tools, responsibilities, industry knowledge and level of ownership. Choose two or three that you can support with real experience. Your opening profile should name the type of work you do and your strongest relevant evidence, not describe you as a “hardworking team player.”

Replace tasks with evidence

“Responsible for customer service” tells little. A stronger line describes the action and context: “Resolved customer queries across email and phone and documented recurring issues for the support team.” If you have a reliable result, add it: reduced response time, improved record accuracy or handled a known volume. Do not invent percentages to make a line sound impressive.

Use the same approach for early-career experience. A class project, internship, volunteer role or small business can show planning, analysis, communication or technical skill. State your actual contribution rather than claiming the whole team’s result.

Keep the structure easy to follow

• Put your name, usable contact details and location at the top.
• List experience in reverse chronological order with month and year dates.
• Give each role a title, organisation, location and a few relevant evidence points.
• Include education, licences and technical skills that the vacancy asks for.
• Use clear headings and export a readable PDF unless the employer requests another format.

Avoid tables, tiny text and decorative graphics when they make the content harder to read or copy. Check the document on a phone as well as a laptop. If you are applying across borders, spell out qualifications and organisations that an international reviewer may not know.

Make one tailored version

Keep a complete master CV, then make a copy for each role family. Move the most relevant examples upward, mirror the employer’s terminology where it accurately describes your work, and remove details that distract from the fit. Before sending, check the employer name, dates, file name and application instructions. The best CV is one you can defend line by line in an interview.