The best way to write a CV for a job application is to tailor it specifically to each role rather than sending a generic document. Recruiters spend an average of 6 to 7 seconds scanning a CV, so your most relevant achievements must be immediately visible. Start with a strong professional summary that includes your target job title, key skills, and a quantifiable career highlight. Use a reverse-chronological format as it is the most widely accepted by recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Focus on achievements over duties. Instead of saying "Responsible for managing a team," write "Led a team of 12 to achieve a 20% increase in sales over two quarters." Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure each bullet point under your experience section. This gives concrete evidence of your impact.
For ATS compatibility, include keywords from the job description naturally in your skills and experience sections. Use standard section headings like "Professional Experience," "Education," and "Technical Skills." Avoid images, tables, or fancy fonts — they can confuse the parsing software. Always save your CV as a PDF unless the job posting specifically requests a Word document.
A well-structured CV can significantly improve your callback rate. Below is a comparison of common CV formats and their best use cases:
| Format | Best For | Key Strength | Weakness |
|---|
| Reverse-Chronological | Most job seekers | Shows career progression clearly | Highlights gaps in employment |
| Functional | Career changers | Focuses on transferable skills | Often flagged by ATS as lacking context |
| Combination | Senior roles or specific industries | Balances skills and experience | Can become too long if not edited carefully |
Final tip: keep your CV to two pages maximum unless you have over 15 years of highly relevant experience. Proofread it aloud to catch awkward phrasing, and ask a trusted colleague to review it for clarity.
