How to write a CV that actually gets read

Most CVs are ignored not because the person is underqualified, but because the CV makes it hard to see that they are not. Here is what tends to work, based on patterns across thousands of applications.

Keep it to two pages. One if you are early in your career. Recruiters look at dozens a day and skim, not read. If the good stuff is not near the top, they will not get to it.

Start with a short summary that actually says something

Three or four sentences. Not a list of adjectives. Actual sentences describing what you do, how long you have been doing it, and what kind of role you are looking for. "Experienced marketing manager" means nothing. "Seven years running content teams for B2B SaaS companies, now looking for a head of content role" means something.

Lead each job with impact, not duties

"Managed social media" tells nobody anything. "Grew Instagram following from 4k to 28k over 18 months, leading to a 12% increase in inbound leads" is the kind of thing that gets a second look. For every bullet point you write, ask yourself: could anyone else in this role have written the same thing? If yes, it is not specific enough.

Skills section: keep it relevant

Do not list every tool you have ever touched. Pick the ones that matter for the role you are applying for and show them in context under each job instead. A skills section full of generic entries reads as filler.

Dates and gaps

If you have gaps, do not try to hide them with year-only formats across the whole CV. It looks like a trick and recruiters notice. If there is a gap, you can address it briefly in your cover letter. Being upfront is always better than being caught out.

Finally: one font, readable size, no tables or columns if you are sending a Word document because they break in applicant tracking systems, and no photo unless you are applying in a country where that is standard.