How to structure your CV for maximum impact
Your CV is often your first impression. A clear structure helps recruiters quickly find what they need and understand your value.
The winning structure
Contact information
Start with your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Keep it simple and professional.
Professional summary (optional)
A 2-3 line summary of your key strengths and career goal. Skip this if your experience speaks for itself.
Experience
List your most recent role first. For each position, include:
- Job title and company name
- Dates of employment
- 3-4 bullet points describing achievements (not just duties)
Use numbers where possible. "Increased sales by 25%" is stronger than "Helped with sales."
Education
Include your degree, institution, and graduation year. Add relevant coursework or honours if recent.
Skills
Group skills by category: Technical, Languages, Tools. Be honest about proficiency levels.
Key principles
Reverse chronological order: Recruiters want to see your most recent experience first.
Quantify achievements: Numbers grab attention and prove impact.
Tailor for each role: Adjust your experience descriptions to match the job description.
Keep it concise: Aim for one page if you have less than 10 years' experience, two pages maximum otherwise.
A well-structured CV removes friction from the hiring process. Make it easy for recruiters to see why you're a strong candidate.