How to Write a Standout CV

Your CV is your personal marketing tool. It tells employers who you are, what you can offer, and why they should bring you in for an interview. Whether you are actively job hunting or simply keeping your options open, a well-written CV ensures you are ready when opportunity knocks.

A strong CV is clear, structured and targeted. It highlights your achievements, reflects your career history accurately and positions you as a confident, capable professional. Below is a practical guide to help you create a standout CV that captures attention for all the right reasons.

What to Include in Your CV

The most effective CVs are concise, clearly formatted and tailored to the role. Use plenty of white space to improve readability and structure your information logically.

• Tailor your CV for the role. Mirror keywords from the job advert or position description. This helps with both human readers and applicant tracking systems.
• Use reverse-chronological order. List your employment and education history from most recent to oldest.
• Showcase your achievements. For each role, list measurable accomplishments rather than simple duties. Numbers, percentages and dollar amounts have stronger impact.
• Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Examples include “Delivered”, “Managed”, “Developed”, “Led”, “Implemented”.
• Demonstrate problem solving. Where possible, explain how you used your skills to solve an issue or improve a process.
• Include relevant supporting information. Such as certifications, professional memberships, volunteer work, technical skills and language proficiency.
• Be factual and accurate. Avoid vague statements and keep your descriptions specific.
• Use industry language carefully. Jargon can be useful, but always spell out acronyms on first use.
• Edit ruthlessly. Clarity and brevity make a stronger impact than long paragraphs. Remove anything that doesn’t support your job goal.

What to Avoid in Your CV

• No personal pronouns. Avoid “I”, as it is already implied. Do not use “we” under any circumstances.
• Avoid negative statements. Keep your tone positive, even when describing challenges or transitions.
• Exclude irrelevant personal details. Do not include age, gender, marital status, medical history, religion or political views.
• Only mention nationality or visa status if essential. Include these details only if they affect your right to work.
• Avoid salary information. Salary expectations or current earnings should never appear in a CV. If needed, address this in the cover letter when specifically requested.

When You’re Finished

A polished CV signals a polished professional. Before sending it out, follow these steps:

• Proofread carefully. Errors in spelling, grammar or formatting can undermine your credibility.
• Ask someone else to review it. A second pair of eyes will catch issues you may have missed.
• Use it to prepare for interviews. Your CV should act as your reference guide when preparing for behavioural questions using the STAR method.

Extra for Experts

Want to make your CV even stronger? Understanding how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work can give you a real advantage. ATS tools scan your CV for keywords, structure and relevance before a human ever sees it. If you want to learn how to get your CV past ATS filters, read our full guide on ATS optimisation.

A standout CV opens doors. With a clear structure, relevant content and a strong focus on achievements, you position yourself as a compelling candidate who knows their value. Keep your CV updated, keep it accurate and keep it ready — your next career opportunity might arrive sooner than you think.