How to Make a Good CV for a Job in 2026?

[SanPaul]

I’ve spent years reviewing hundreds of CVs, and the single most important thing is clarity. A good CV tells a recruiter in under 10 seconds whether you’re worth a deeper look. Start with a strong professional summary – 2–3 sentences that highlight your biggest achievements, not just “hardworking team player.” Use bullet points for experience, and lead each bullet with a power verb like “led,” “increased,” or “optimized.”

Quantify results whenever possible. For example, instead of “helped improve sales,” write “boosted regional sales by 18% within six months.” This builds credibility. Tailor your CV to each job description – pull keywords from the posting and weave them naturally into your skills and experience sections. If the job asks for “project management,” make sure that phrase appears.

Formatting matters more than you think. Use a clean, professional template with consistent font, clear headings, and plenty of white space. Avoid graphics, photos, or tables that confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS). Stick to a simple reverse-chronological layout.

Include a skills section that lists hard skills (e.g., Python, Salesforce, budget forecasting) and soft skills (e.g., cross-functional collaboration, conflict resolution). For those with limited experience, a “Projects” or “Volunteer” section can fill gaps.

Finally, proofread three times. A single typo can signal carelessness. Below is a quick reference table for common CV sections and their ideal length:

Section	Recommended Length
Contact Info	1 line
Professional Summary	2–3 lines
Work Experience	5–8 bullet points per role
Education	2–4 lines
Skills	2–4 lines
Additional (Certifications, Languages)	1–2 lines

Keep it to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, two pages max otherwise. Recruiters appreciate brevity.

[MacJustin]

I’ve applied to maybe 50 jobs in the past two years, and what worked best for me was customizing my CV for each role. I know it’s time-consuming, but just swapping the company name isn’t enough. I looked at the job description, picked out three key requirements, and made sure my experience matched them directly. I also started using a simple, plain-text format – no fancy columns – because I heard ATS systems get confused. My interview rate went up after I did that. One more thing: I added a short “Achievements” bullet under each job, even if it was a small win like “cut email response time by 15%.” It made my CV feel more concrete.

[StEthan]

I’m a manager who has hired over 30 people, and I can tell you that the biggest mistake I see is a CV that reads like a job description. I don’t need to know what your daily duties were – I need to know what you accomplished. A good CV answers the question: “Why should I hire you over someone else?” Use numbers, use results, and keep it focused on the last 3–5 years. Older roles can be summarized in one line. Also, don’t include a photo or your age – in many countries that’s a bias risk, and it takes up valuable space.

[EllaLynn]

From a recruiter’s perspective, consistency is key. I see CVs where the tense switches from past to present, or where bullet points vary in length and style. That immediately signals a lack of attention to detail. Pick one format – either all past tense for previous roles, present tense for current role – and stick with it. Also, use a clear section order: contact info, summary, experience, education, skills. Don’t bury your most relevant experience at the bottom. And please, avoid “References available upon request.” That’s assumed. Use that space for something valuable instead.

[AndersonMarie]

I’ve been on both sides – as a job seeker and as someone who screens CVs. What I’ve learned is that simple beats fancy every time. Once I switched from a two-column layout with icons to a single-column, black-and-white format, my callback rate nearly doubled. Another tip: include a “Key Strengths” box at the top with 4–5 phrases that match the job ad. For example, if the job wants “data analysis” and “team leadership,” put those right there. And don’t forget to save your CV as a PDF unless the job says otherwise – it preserves your formatting.