LetterToolkit Career Guide

How to write a CV that gets read

A strong CV is easy to scan, factual, tailored to the role and focused on the value you can actually prove.

Start with a clear structure

Use contact details, a short professional profile, work experience, education and relevant skills. Put the strongest and most recent information first.

Write a useful professional profile

Keep it short. State what you do, your strongest relevant experience and the kind of role you are targeting. Avoid vague claims that could apply to anyone.

Make experience specific

Use role, employer and dates, then concise bullet points. Focus on responsibilities, tools, environments and outcomes you can support.

Tailor the CV to the job

Read the job advertisement carefully. Emphasize matching experience and terminology where it is truthful. Do not add skills you do not have.

Keep it ATS-friendly

Use simple headings, normal text, readable dates and a clean layout. Avoid putting critical information only inside graphics or decorative elements.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a CV be?

For many candidates, one to two pages is enough. More experienced candidates may need more space, but relevance matters more than a fixed page count.

Should every job be included?

Include the experience that helps explain your background and is relevant. Older or less relevant roles can often be shortened.

Can AI write my CV?

AI can help improve structure and wording, but every fact should come from your real background and should be reviewed before use.