How to Make a Professional CV

Your CV is your first impression on employers. A well-structured, professional CV can determine whether you get shortlisted for an interview or not. Here’s a detailed guide to help you create one that stands out.

1. Keep It Concise
Recruiters often spend less than a minute scanning CVs. Limit your CV to one or two pages, highlighting only relevant experience.

2. Structure Properly
Use clear headings:

• Contact Information

• Professional Summary

• Work Experience

• Education

• Skills

• Certifications (if applicable)

3. Write a Strong Summary
Begin with 3–4 lines summarizing who you are, your top achievements, and your career goals. This gives recruiters a quick snapshot of your profile.

4. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties
Instead of simply listing responsibilities, emphasize what you achieved. Example: “Increased sales by 30% in six months by developing targeted campaigns.”

5. Use Keywords
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. Use industry-specific keywords from the job description to increase visibility.

6. Keep Design Clean
Avoid unnecessary colors or graphics unless you’re in a creative field. Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

7. Proofread Carefully
Spelling or grammar mistakes create a negative impression. Proofread multiple times and, if possible, ask a mentor to review.

Conclusion
A professional CV is about clarity, relevance, and impact. With a clean design, strong summary, and achievement-focused content, your CV can effectively present you as the right candidate for any role.