How a CV Should Look: Your Guide to a Job-Winning First Impression

GradUP Admin
Aug 8
2 min read

Your CV is more than just a document – it’s your personal marketing tool. Before a recruiter meets you, your CV speaks for you. A polished, clear, and professional CV can be the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked.

If you’ve ever wondered “What should my CV actually look like?”, here’s your step-by-step guide.

1. Keep It Clear and Simple

Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV before deciding if it’s worth a deeper look. This means your layout should be clean, easy to follow, and free from unnecessary clutter.

Do:

Use clear headings (e.g., Work Experience, Education, Skills).
Keep paragraphs short; use bullet points for achievements.
Stick to one or two fonts (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are safe choices).

Don’t:

Overload with fancy designs or excessive colours (unless you’re in a creative field).
Include overly detailed personal information like ID numbers or marital status (unless required in your country).

2. Structure Matters

A good CV should follow a logical flow. A common and effective format is:

Header – Name, contact information, and location (city, not full address).
Professional Summary – 3–4 lines summarising who you are, what you do, and what value you bring.
Work Experience – Most recent job first, listing role, company, dates, and achievements.
Education – Highest qualification first.
Skills – Both hard and soft skills relevant to the role.
Optional Sections – Certifications, volunteer work, awards.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Anyone can list job responsibilities, but employers want to know the impact you’ve made. Use action words and quantify results where possible.

✅ Instead of:“Responsible for managing social media accounts.”

💡 Try:“Increased Instagram engagement by 40% in three months through targeted content strategies.”

4. Keep It to One or Two Pages

Unless you have decades of experience, your CV should ideally fit on one page. Two pages are acceptable for more experienced professionals, but every word should earn its place.

5. Use White Space Wisely

A cramped CV is hard to read. Break up text with headings, subheadings, and bullet points. White space makes your document more inviting and easier to scan.

6. Make It ATS-Friendly

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before a human even sees them. To pass this step:

Avoid images, text boxes, and unusual fonts.
Use standard section headings.
Include relevant keywords from the job description.

7. Proofread, Then Proofread Again

Spelling or grammar mistakes can cost you the job. Run your CV through a grammar checker, and ask a friend to review it for errors.

An example of a Professional CV guaranteed to get you a job:

Final Takeaway

Your CV isn’t just a list of your history – it’s a showcase of your potential. A clean design, clear structure, and achievement-focused content will help you stand out in a crowded job market.

Think of it this way: your CV should look professional enough to get you in the door, and powerful enough to make them want to meet you.