CV and job application guide
A strong CV does not need every detail of your professional life. It needs to help a recruiter understand quickly why your experience is relevant to the role and how the information can be verified.
1. Start with a complete master version
Keep a master CV containing all experience, skills, training and outcomes. Use it to create shorter, more relevant versions for different role families.
2. Use a clear professional headline
Your headline should be close to the work you are targeting and consistent with your experience. Avoid creative labels that a recruiter or ATS is unlikely to recognise.
3. Give context and responsibility
For each role include employer, dates, job title and relevant activities. Where possible add scale, tools, responsibility or outcomes that make the experience concrete.
4. Use keywords only when they are true
Language from the vacancy can help describe fit, but it must match genuine skills. Repeating keywords without substance damages readability and credibility.
5. Keep the structure simple
Clear headings, understandable chronology, selectable text and no essential information trapped in decorative graphics make the CV easier for both people and many screening systems.
6. Check before sending
Verify contact details, dates, spelling, employer name, target role, links and attachments. A tailored application with obvious errors quickly loses the advantage created by customisation.