A well-written CV is your first and most important tool when applying for jobs. It is the document that creates your first impression with employers, and it can determine whether you get shortlisted for an interview or ignored entirely. In today’s competitive job market, knowing how to write a professional CV that stands out is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to create a CV that gets noticed and increases your chances of landing interviews.
1. Start With a Clean, Professional CV Format
Recruiters spend only 6–10 seconds scanning a CV, so your layout must be clean and easy to read. Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, standard 10–12pt text, and clear section headings.
Best CV layout tips:
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Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
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Keep margins consistent
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Avoid unnecessary colors, graphics, or pictures
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Stick to a 1–2 page CV depending on your experience
A clean layout shows professionalism and helps recruiters quickly find what they are looking for.
2. Write a Powerful Professional Summary
Your professional summary is the first section after your name and contact details. It should be a 2–4 sentence highlight of your skills, experience, and value.
Example summary:
“Results-driven Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience developing successful digital campaigns. Skilled in SEO, content strategy, and analytics. Proven ability to increase online visibility and drive revenue growth.”
Avoid generic statements like “Hardworking individual seeking a challenging role.” Focus on what you offer.
3. Highlight Your Work Experience Effectively
Your work experience is the most important section of your CV. List your roles in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Each job should include:
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Job title
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Company name
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Location
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Dates of employment
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Bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements
Write strong bullet points using action verbs such as “managed,” “led,” “developed,” “achieved,” and “improved.”
4. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Recruiters want to see results, not just tasks. Add numbers to your achievements wherever possible.
Weak example:
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Responsible for managing social media accounts
Strong example:
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Increased social media engagement by 45% in six months through targeted content strategies
Strong, achievement-based bullet points help you stand out immediately.
5. Include Your Key Skills
Create a dedicated Skills section that highlights both your technical and soft skills.
Examples of technical skills:
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Data analysis
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Graphic design
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Accounting software
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Coding languages
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Digital marketing tools
Examples of soft skills:
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Communication
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Leadership
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Teamwork
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Customer service
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Time management
Only list skills that match the job you’re applying for.
6. Add Your Education and Training
Include your educational background starting from the highest qualification.
Example format:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Nairobi | 2018 – 2022
If you have professional certifications, list them under a separate section titled Certifications.
7. Tailor Your CV to Each Job Application
Never use the same CV for every job.
Customize your CV by:
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Using keywords from the job description
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Highlighting experience that matches the role
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Rearranging skills and achievements to fit the employer’s needs
Recruiters can instantly spot a generic CV. A tailored CV shows genuine interest.
8. Use Keywords to Pass ATS Scanners
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a human sees them.
To get past ATS filters:
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Use standard CV headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
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Avoid images and tables
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Include keywords from the job description
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Use simple formatting
ATS-friendly CVs increase your chances of being shortlisted.
9. Add Optional Sections to Strengthen Your CV
Depending on your background, you may include extra sections such as:
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Volunteer Experience
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Internships
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Languages
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Projects
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Awards & Achievements
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Professional Memberships
These sections make your CV more complete and appealing.
10. Proofread Carefully Before Sending
A single spelling or grammar mistake can cost you an interview.
Before submitting your CV:
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Read it aloud
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Use a grammar-checking tool
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Ask a friend to review it
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Ensure dates and job titles are correct
Accuracy shows professionalism.
11. Keep Your CV Updated Regularly
Update your CV every few months—even if you’re not actively job hunting.
Add:
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New roles
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Certifications
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Completed projects
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New accomplishments
This ensures you’re always ready for new opportunities.
Conclusion
A professional CV is more than just a document—it’s your personal marketing tool. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll create a CV that clearly highlights your strengths, showcases your achievements, and increases your chances of getting interview invitations. Remember: a strong CV opens doors, but a great CV gets you hired.
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