Resume Writing Tips: How to Create a CV That Gets You Hired

Your resume (or CV) is one of the most important tools in your job search. It’s the first thing a potential employer sees, and it determines whether you get called for an interview. A well-crafted resume highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a way that makes you stand out from other applicants.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step resume writing tips to create a professional and compelling CV that increases your chances of getting hired.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three main resume formats, and choosing the right one is crucial:

A. Chronological Resume

• Best for people with a strong and consistent work history.
• Lists your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
• Preferred by traditional employers and works well for most industries.

B. Functional Resume

• Focuses on skills rather than job history.
• Ideal for career changers, freelancers, or those with employment gaps.
• Highlights transferable skills rather than specific job roles.

C. Combination Resume

• A mix of both chronological and functional styles.
• Great for professionals who have strong skills but also want to show a structured work history.

Tip: If you’re unsure, go with a chronological resume because it’s the most widely accepted.

2. Keep It Clear and Concise

Recruiters spend an average of 6-10 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading. Your resume should be easy to read, well-structured, and straight to the point.

How to Make Your Resume Reader-Friendly:

✔ Use clear headings (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Skills,” “Education”)
✔ Write in bullet points instead of long paragraphs
✔ Keep your resume one page long (for entry-level positions) or two pages max (for experienced professionals)

Tip: Avoid large blocks of text—make it skimmable!

3. Craft a Strong Professional Summary

Your resume should begin with a short professional summary (also called a career summary or objective statement). This is a 2-3 sentence introduction that highlights your key strengths and career goals.

Example of a Strong Summary:

“Results-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital advertising and social media strategy. Proven ability to increase brand awareness and boost engagement by 40% through targeted campaigns. Passionate about data-driven decision-making and content marketing.”

This type of introduction immediately grabs the recruiter’s attention and makes them want to read more.

4. Highlight Your Key Skills

Employers look for specific skills that match the job description. Your resume should include both:

Hard Skills (technical skills & industry-specific abilities)
Soft Skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving)

Example of a Well-Written Skills Section:

Technical Skills:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
• Data Analysis & Google Analytics

Soft Skills:

• Team Leadership
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management

Tip: Tailor your skills section based on the keywords in the job posting.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

A one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t work. You need to customize your resume for each job you apply for by:

✔ Using keywords from the job description
✔ Highlighting the most relevant experience
✔ Adjusting your summary statement to match the role

Example of Tailoring Your Resume:

If the job description asks for:
“Experience with social media marketing and paid advertising campaigns”

Modify your resume to include:
✔ “Managed social media campaigns with a 35% increase in engagement and a 20% boost in conversions through Facebook Ads.”

Tip: This helps you pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filter out irrelevant resumes.

6. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Many job seekers make the mistake of listing job responsibilities instead of showcasing achievements. Employers want to see results, not just job descriptions.

Example:

Weak Bullet Point (Just a Duty):

• Managed the company’s social media accounts.

Strong Bullet Point (Shows an Achievement):

• Increased Instagram engagement by 45% and grew followers from 5K to 20K in one year through targeted content and influencer partnerships.

Tip: Use numbers and percentages to quantify your impact whenever possible.

7. Add Education and Certifications

List your education background, including:
Degree & Major
University Name
Graduation Year (optional if you have extensive experience)

If you have additional certifications, include them to stand out.

Example:

Certifications:

• Google Analytics Certified (2024)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

8. Include a Professional Design and Layout

Your resume should have a clean and professional appearance.

Best Practices for Resume Design:

✔ Use a simple, professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
✔ Keep font size 10-12 points for readability
✔ Use bold or capitalized headings for sections
✔ Avoid excessive colors, fancy fonts, or complex graphics

Tip: If you’re in a creative field (graphic design, photography, etc.), you can add a touch of design, but keep it professional.

9. Add a Section for Additional Information

To make your resume stand out, consider adding:
Languages Spoken (e.g., Fluent in English & Spanish)
Awards & Recognitions (e.g., Employee of the Year 2023)
Volunteer Work (if relevant to the job)
Portfolio or LinkedIn Profile (for creative or technical roles)

10. Proofread Before Sending

Nothing ruins a great resume faster than spelling mistakes and typos. Employers see these as a lack of attention to detail.

How to Proofread Your Resume Effectively:

• Use Grammarly or another spell-check tool
• Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing
•  Have a friend or mentor review it for feedback
• Start updating your resume today and get ready to land your dream job!