Recruiters often look at a resume very quickly before deciding whether to read on. That means your resume, or CV, needs to be clear, easy to scan and focused on results. The good news: a strong resume follows a simple structure you can reuse and adapt for every application.
The basic structure
- Name and contact details. Name, phone, email, city and a link to your LinkedIn or portfolio.
- Short profile. Two or three lines about who you are, what you do best and what you are looking for.
- Experience. Your roles in reverse order, newest first.
- Education. Degrees, courses and relevant certifications.
- Skills. Tools, languages and key skills relevant to the job.
Keep it to one page if you are early in your career, and no more than two pages later on.
Write bullet points that show results
Most resumes list tasks. Strong resumes show impact. A simple formula:
Action verb + what you did + the result
- Weak: “Responsible for social media.”
- Strong: “Grew Instagram followers from 2,000 to 8,000 in one year by launching a weekly content series.”
Use numbers wherever you can: percentages, time saved, money raised, people managed.
Tailor it to every job
Read the job description carefully and mirror its key words where they honestly apply. Many companies use applicant tracking systems that scan for relevant terms. Move your most relevant experience to the top.
Design tips
- Use a clean, simple layout with clear headings.
- Choose one easy-to-read font.
- Leave white space so it does not feel crowded.
- Save and send it as a PDF unless the employer asks otherwise.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spelling and grammar errors. Ask a friend to proofread.
- An unprofessional email address.
- Listing every job you have ever had, instead of the relevant ones.
- Vague phrases like “hard worker” without examples.
What about a cover letter?
When one is requested, keep it short: why this company, why this role and one example of what you would bring. Our CV and Cover Letter Templates give you a head start.
After you apply
Frequently asked questions
How long should a resume be?
One page is usually enough early in your career. With more experience, two pages is fine, as long as everything on it is relevant to the job.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US, a resume is a short summary of your experience, while a CV often means a longer academic document. In the UK and much of Europe, CV is the everyday word for what Americans call a resume.
Should I tailor my resume for every job?
Yes. Mirror the key skills from the job description where they honestly apply, and move your most relevant experience to the top.
Once you land an interview, read Interview Prep That Calms Your Nerves and practice how to answer “Tell me about yourself”.
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