Your résumé is more than a document; it’s your personal marketing tool. Learning how to draft a CV that truly reflects your skills and achievements can be tricky, but it is one of the most important tools in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re a graduate applying for your first role or a seasoned professional taking the next step in your career, even small improvements to your curriculum vitae can make a big impact. Here are seven simple CV tips from hiring experts to help you stand out to prospective employers (for the right reasons).
1. Keep it clear and concise
Recruiters typically spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV, so first impressions matter! Make it easy for the person reading your CV to find what’s important.
Here are 4 things to remember when you’re figuring out how to draft a CV:
- Aim to keep it between 2 and 4 pages maximum (unless the job application specifies otherwise).
- Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman in size 12.
- Avoid unnecessary decorations like borders, tables, or graphics.
- Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and keep the layout clean.
Pro tip: Try the “arm’s length test”. Hold your printed CV at an arm’s length away; if it’s difficult to read, it’s too cluttered.
2. Craft a strong professional summary
Always start your CV with a short, powerful summary that tells employers who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of this as your personal headline, and tailor it using keywords from the job description for each role you apply to.
For example:
“Detail-orientated finance graduate with a strong record of delivering projects on time and under budget. Successfully led a 10-person team on a major risk management project, achieving a 15% reduction in project costs. Passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to support smarter, more strategic business decisions.”
3. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities
Anyone can list job duties, but showing real results is what gets you noticed. A major part of knowing how to draft a CV is focusing on what you have achieved. Use strong action verbs like “increased”, “streamlined”, “managed”, and “delivered”.
For example, instead of “Responsible for managing the sales team”, you could write, “Led a sales team that exceeded annual targets by 120% for two consecutive years”.Pro tip: Wherever possible, use statistics or numbers to show real impact.
4. Tailor your CV for each job
One of the most important tips when learning how to draft a CV is to understand that one does not fit all, and you must customise your CV for each role you apply for. Build a strong master CV, then tweak it for every application, highlighting the skills and experience that match the job description and requirements. Naturally include relevant keywords, especially for companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
5. Watch out for common CV mistakes
It’s crucial to avoid frequent CV mistakes when learning how to draft a CV. Here are 4 common CV errors to watch out for:
- Typos and grammar mistakes: Always triple-check your work
- Casual email addresses: Stick to a professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- Irrelevant information: Leave out personal details like marital status, religion, or ID numbers unless requested.
Empty buzzwords: Instead of saying “hard-working” or “team player”, demonstrate these qualities through examples or achievements.
6. Build a strong digital presence
These days, knowing how to draft a CV also means managing your online profile well. Employers often look beyond your application and will check LinkedIn and other platforms before making interview decisions. Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches the information in your CV and is up-to-date.Pro tip: Start building your digital profile early, even while you’re still studying.
7. Be honest: The real cost of lying on a CV
A crucial rule when learning how to draft a CV is to always be honest and focus on your real strengths. Employers appreciate honesty, and building their trust is likely what will lead you to lasting success. It may be tempting to “polish” your achievements, but exaggerating qualifications or experience can have serious consequences, like:
- Immediate disqualification: Many employers verify qualifications and work history.
- Long-term reputational damage: Being caught in a lie can affect future opportunities.
- Dismissal: Even if you’re hired, you can be fired if false information is uncovered later.
Your CV should showcase the best version of you: clear, confident, and focused on real achievements. Small improvements in layout and tailoring to the role at hand can instantly boost your chances of getting noticed.Ready to start the next chapter in your career? Explore more resources from Dots Africa and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X for expert hiring tips and updates.
