Hiring managers often make a first decision about a CV in less than a minute. That is not much time, so your resume has to make its point quickly.
Start with a short summary. Two or three sentences at the top should say who you are, what you do well and what kind of role you are looking for. Keep it specific. “Hardworking and dedicated professional” tells the reader nothing. “Customer service officer with four years of experience handling billing queries and supervising two staff” tells them a great deal.
Lead with achievements, not duties. Many people list what they were supposed to do. Employers want to know what you actually did. Instead of “responsible for stock,” try “reduced stock losses by tracking weekly counts with a simple spreadsheet.” Use numbers wherever you honestly can.
Keep the layout simple. Use a clear font, consistent spacing and headings for each section. Avoid tables, graphics and columns that some systems struggle to read. Put your name and contact details at the top, and check that your phone number and email are correct.
Tailor it for each job. You do not need to rewrite your whole CV every time, but you should adjust your summary and move the most relevant experience to the top. Read the job advert, highlight the skills it asks for and make sure they appear in your CV if they are true for you.
Leave out what does not help. You do not need a photo, your full home address or a list of hobbies that have nothing to do with the job. Your references can be provided when asked.
Proofread twice. Read your CV aloud, then ask someone else to read it. Typos are one of the fastest ways to lose a reader’s attention.
When you are finished, you should be able to read the first half of your CV and know exactly what kind of worker you are. If you cannot, the summary and achievements need more work.
