CV Writing Tips for Today

Your CV may only get a 6-second glance during the initial screening stage—so make it count! In 2026, a great CV isn’t just about listing your jobs; it’s about marketing your impact and navigating AI filters.

1. Where to Start: The Strategy

• Audit Your Digital Footprint: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date. Recruiters will cross-reference your CV with your online presence almost immediately.
• Analyze the Job Description: Identify “keywords”—specific skills and software mentioned. Modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for these exact matches.
• The Achievement Mindset: For every role, don’t just list what you did; list what you achieved. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to quantify your success.

2. File Types & Tech Compatibility

Forget the old .rtf or .doc files. They look dated and can trigger security flags.

• The PDF Standard: Save your final version as a .pdf to ensure your formatting stays exactly as intended across all devices.
• The ATS Backup: Keep a .docx version handy. While most modern systems read PDFs, some older corporate portals still prefer Word files.

3. Design & Layout

Even if you’re a design pro, stay “frugal” with the visuals. Modern CVs must be Mobile-First because many recruiters scan applications on their phones.

• Avoid the “Graphics Trap”: Complex tables, charts, and images can “scramble” when read by AI scanners. Stick to a clean, single-column, text-based layout.
• Hyperlinks: Include a clickable link to your LinkedIn profile and any digital portfolios (e.g., GitHub or a personal website).

4. Essential Sections

Professional Summary (The “Elevator Pitch”)

Replace the old “Objective” with a Professional Summary. In 3–4 lines, explain who you are, your biggest strength, and the value you bring.

Example: “Project Manager with 8+ years of experience in Sustainable Tech, specialising in Agile methodologies to deliver £5M+ projects ahead of schedule.”

Experience / Employment History

List your history in reverse chronological order. Focus heavily on the last 10–15 years. Older experience can be summarised or removed to keep the document concise.

• Focus on Impact: Instead of “Responsible for budget,” use “Managed a £500k budget, reducing overhead by 12%.”
• Remote/Hybrid Work: If you worked remotely, mention it. It demonstrates “digital fluency” and independent productivity.

5. What to Exclude

• “References available upon request”: This is a waste of valuable space. It is assumed you will provide them at the offer stage.
• Too Personal Information: Do not include your age, date of birth, marital status, or a photo. These can trigger unconscious bias.
• Full Postal Address: For privacy, your city and state/country are sufficient.