A professional CV should help a reviewer understand your background quickly. It is not a decorative poster and it should not contain claims that cannot be explained or verified.
Use a clear headline
State the profession or direction that best represents your profile, such as “Industrial Electrician” or “Hospitality Management Graduate.” Avoid vague headlines such as “Hard Worker Looking for Any Job.”
Write a short professional summary
In three or four lines, explain your experience, strongest skills and the type of role you are seeking. Keep it factual and relevant.
List experience in reverse chronological order
Begin with the most recent position. Include the employer, location, dates, role and a short list of duties. Use the same date format throughout the document.
Describe duties with useful detail
Instead of writing “responsible for maintenance,” explain the machines, systems or tasks involved. Where appropriate, include scale, frequency or measurable responsibility.
Separate skills from experience
A skill list should highlight relevant tools, software, machinery, languages or technical methods. Do not fill it with generic words such as “honest” and “good communication” without evidence.
Include education and training accurately
Write the official qualification name, institution and completion date. Do not translate a qualification into a different level unless the equivalence has been verified.
Keep personal information appropriate
Include reliable contact details and location. Requirements for photos, age, nationality and other personal details vary by country. Avoid unnecessary sensitive information unless it is genuinely required.
Check language claims
Use recognised levels where possible, but only when they reflect your actual ability. A reviewer may test the language during a call or interview.
Final CV checks
- No unexplained date contradictions
- No false qualifications or duties
- Consistent spelling and formatting
- Readable on a phone and computer
- Saved as a clear PDF filename
- Adjusted for the relevant type of opportunity
Your CV should support a professional conversation. It should make the reviewer interested in asking better questions, not confused about what you have actually done.
