How to Build CV

01

Start with the job, not the template

Before writing, read several job descriptions for the role you want. Note the recurring responsibilities, tools and outcomes. These are clues about what employers value—not a list of phrases to copy blindly.

Choose one target

A CV aimed at “marketing, operations or maybe product” will feel unfocused. Pick a target role and seniority level. You can keep a master CV, then create a focused version for each type of job.

02

Use a simple, recruiter-friendly structure

Put the strongest, most relevant information first. For most professionals, this order works well:

1. Name and contact detailsEmail, location, LinkedIn or portfolio—only what helps.
2. Professional headline and short summaryYour role, level, specialty and the value you create.
3. Work experienceReverse chronological, prioritising relevant achievements.
4. SkillsA focused list of tools and capabilities you genuinely use.
5. Education and selected extrasDegrees, useful certifications, languages or strong projects.

How long should a CV be?

One page is excellent for students and early-career candidates. Two pages are completely reasonable when you have enough relevant experience. Do not shrink the type until it is uncomfortable to read merely to force everything onto one page.

03

Turn responsibilities into evidence

Weak bullets describe the job. Strong bullets show what changed because you were there. A useful formula is:

Use numbers when they are truthful and meaningful: revenue, response time, conversion, costs, volume, customer satisfaction, delivery speed or team size. If you cannot share a number, explain the scope or business result in plain language.

Match the vocabulary naturally

Applicant tracking systems and recruiters both look for relevant terms. If the job asks for “customer onboarding” and that is work you have done, use those words. Never add a skill merely because it appears in the advert.

04

Show that you can succeed remotely

For remote roles, employers want evidence of communication, autonomy and reliable delivery—not simply the word “remote.” Add proof where it belongs in your experience bullets.

• Led projects across time zones or distributed teams.
• Documented decisions and created clear async workflows.
• Managed priorities independently and delivered on schedule.
• Used relevant collaboration tools without making tools the story.
• Improved handovers, response times or team visibility.

06

Your final CV checklist

• The target role is obvious within a few seconds.
• The most relevant evidence appears on the first page.
• Bullets begin with strong verbs and show results.
• Important skills from the job appear truthfully and naturally.
• Dates, tense, punctuation and spacing are consistent.
• Links work and contact details are correct.
• The PDF is readable on both desktop and mobile.
• A second person has checked it for mistakes.