How to Write a CV or Resume ? | Step-by-Step Guide for Job Seekers

How to Write an Effective CV or Resume: A Complete Guide to Standing Out

Whether you are applying for your first job, seeking a career change, or aiming for a promotion, your CV (Curriculum Vitae) or resume plays a major role in making the first impression. It is more than just a document—it is a professional marketing tool that highlights who you are, what you have accomplished, and why you deserve the opportunity. Many job seekers underestimate its importance, which leads to missed opportunities even when they have the right skills.

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This article will guide you step-by-step on how to write a CV or resume that is clear, professional, and impactful. By the end, you will know what to include, what to avoid, and how to format your information to stand out from other applicants.

Understanding the Difference Between a CV and a Resume

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a CV and a resume are not exactly the same:

Feature	CV (Curriculum Vitae)	Resume
Length	Usually longer (2+ pages)	Typically one page (max two)
Purpose	Detailed academic and professional history	Snapshot highlighting skills and experiences
Use	Common in academic, research, education, government jobs	Used for corporate and private sector jobs

Start with a Clean and Professional Format

Your CV or resume should look neat, organized, and easy to read. Many recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume. Your formatting must help them find key details quickly.

Important Formatting Tips:

• Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Font size should be 10–12 for text, 14–16 for headings.
• Use proper spacing so the document does not look cramped.
• Avoid using bright colors or fancy designs in professional settings.
• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.

Remember: A clean resume is always better than a stylish but confusing one.

Add Your Personal Information Correctly

At the top of your CV, include your basic contact information:

Important Tips:

• Use a professional email address (e.g., name+surname@email.com
• Adding a LinkedIn profile or portfolio link shows professionalism.
• You do not need to include your full home address for privacy.

Write a Strong Professional Summary or Objective

Your summary is the first thing a recruiter reads after your name. It should tell who you are and what you bring to the position.

Professional Summary Example (For Experienced Candidates): “Results-driven Sales Manager with more than 5 years of experience in generating revenue growth, building client relationships, and leading high-performing teams. Skilled in negotiation, strategic planning, and market analysis. Dedicated to driving customer satisfaction and brand success.”

Career Objective Example (For Freshers): “Motivated business graduate seeking an entry-level position in marketing. Eager to apply academic knowledge, creativity, and analytical skills to support brand development and contribute to team goals.”

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not write vague statements like “I want a challenging job with growth opportunities.” Be clear and specific.

Showcase Your Work Experience (or Internships)

This section is the core of your resume. List your most recent job first and move backward.

How to structure each job entry:

• Job Title
• Company Name and Location
• Employment Dates
• Bullet points describing key responsibilities and achievements

Example:
Marketing Executive
ABC Company, Chicago | Jan 2021 – Present

• Developed and implemented marketing campaigns that increased brand engagement by 30%.
• Managed social media platforms and boosted follower growth from 5,000 to 12,000 within a year.
• Conducted competitor research and prepared analytical reports for strategic planning.

Tips:

• Use action verbs like Managed, Designed, Coordinated, Implemented.
• Focus on achievements, not just tasks.
• Include numbers or measurable results when possible. They make your work credible.

Highlight Your Education

List your highest degree first.

Example:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 2020 – 2022

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
XYZ College | 2017 – 2020

If you are a student or fresher, place your education section before the experience section.

List Relevant Skills

Skills tell the employer what you are capable of. Make sure they match the job description.

Example Skill Categories:

Technical Skills:

• Microsoft Excel
• Data Analysis
• Graphic Design (Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Programming (Python, Java)

Soft Skills:

• Communication
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving
• Leadership

Use bullet points and avoid overcrowding the section.

Additional Sections You May Add

Depending on your experience, you can include:

• Certifications (Google Digital Marketing, AWS Cloud Practitioner, etc.)
• Languages (English, Spanish, French, etc.)
• Projects (especially for IT, engineering, or freshers)
• Volunteer Work
• Publications / Research (For Academic CVs)

These extra details strengthen your profile and show that you are actively growing.

Tailor Your CV/Resume to Each Job

Never send the same resume to every employer. Each job is different. Review the job description and adjust your resume accordingly.

Example:
If the job is for a Digital Marketing role, highlight skills like SEO, Content Marketing, Google Ads.

Customization shows that you are genuinely interested, not just mass-applying.

Use Keywords to Pass ATS Screening

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically filter resumes. To avoid rejection, use keywords from the job description in your resume.

Example: 

If the job description includes “Customer Relationship Management,” ensure your resume mentions CRM tools or experience.

Proofread to Avoid Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

A resume with errors looks careless and unprofessional.

Check for:

• Spelling mistakes
• Incorrect dates
• Inconsistent verb tense
• Repetitive phrases

You may use tools like Grammarly or ask someone to review it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Resume

•  Using long paragraphs instead of bullet points
• Including unnecessary personal details (marital status, religion, etc.)
• Adding exaggerated or false information
• Writing a resume longer than necessary
• Using informal language or slang

Keep it professional, accurate, and focused.

Final Thoughts

A well-written CV or resume increases your chances of getting shortlisted—even before the interview stage. It communicates your strengths, achievements, and potential value to the company. Remember, employers don’t just look at your qualifications; they look at how clearly and confidently you present them.

To summarize:

• Keep your resume clear and professional.
• Highlight achievements rather than just duties.
• Customize for each job.
• Use strong action words and measurable results.
• Proofread carefully.

With attention, clarity, and well-organized presentation, your resume will help you stand out—and bring you closer to your next job opportunity.