Thou Shall Get That Job!” – The 10 Unbreakable Laws of CV Writing

• 1. Thou shall not use the same CV for every job

Custom-fit your CV for each opportunity.
Each job and employer has specific needs, challenges, and expectations. A one-size-fits-all CV does not communicate your relevance to the particular role you're applying for. Tailoring means tweaking your professional summary, highlighting the most relevant achievements, and emphasizing experiences that mirror the job description. Recruiters can quickly tell when you've sent a generic CV—and it often leads to an instant rejection. Personalization shows effort, interest, and professionalism.

• 2. Thou shall start with a compelling professional summary

Your CV is your first impression—make it count.
The professional summary at the top of your CV is like the blurb on the back of a book. It should give a recruiter a reason to keep reading. In just 3–5 lines, summarize who you are professionally, your most impressive achievements, and the value you can bring to the organization. Avoid vague clichés like "hardworking team player"—instead, be specific: “Results-oriented operations manager with 10+ years of experience in healthcare logistics, known for increasing process efficiency by over 30%.”

• 3. Thou shall focus on achievements, not just responsibilities

Duties tell what you were supposed to do. Achievements show what you actually did.
Most CVs list job descriptions—but what recruiters really want to see is impact. Instead of just saying “Managed social media accounts,” say “Grew Instagram engagement by 300% in six months through a targeted content strategy.” Quantify results whenever possible—metrics, percentages, time saved, revenue generated—all make your work come to life and prove your effectiveness.

• 4. Thou shall keep it clear, concise, and well-organized

If your CV looks cluttered or confusing, it won’t be read at all.
Structure and readability are everything. Use clean formatting, professional fonts (like Arial or Calibri), and consistent alignment. Break your content into easy-to-read sections with clear headings. Stick to bullet points rather than long paragraphs. Aim for 1–2 pages maximum unless you’re applying for an academic or senior-level role. A well-laid-out CV tells employers that you’re organized, polished, and serious.

• 5. Thou shall use keywords from the job description

Speak the language of the employer and the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Today, many companies use ATS software to scan CVs before a human sees them. These systems search for specific words related to the job. If your CV lacks these keywords, it might never reach the recruiter—even if you're perfectly qualified. Carefully study the job post and mirror its terminology. For instance, if it mentions “budget forecasting,” use that exact phrase if it fits your experience.

• 6. Thou shall tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

A CV is not the place for fiction or exaggeration.
It may be tempting to stretch the truth—add years of experience, inflate your responsibilities, or claim skills you’re still learning. But employers often verify details during background checks or interviews. Getting caught in a lie, even a small one, can ruin your credibility and cost you the job. Be honest about your accomplishments. If you're early in your career, focus on potential, not pretense.

• 7. Thou shall maintain professionalism at all times

Your CV represents your brand—keep it classy and clean.
Avoid unprofessional elements such as casual email addresses (e.g., partydude97@gmail.com), irrelevant personal details (marital status, religion), or informal language. Unless you're applying for a role in the arts or media, stick to a conservative design. Avoid bright colors, fancy fonts, or emojis. Your CV should convey maturity, attention to detail, and respect for workplace norms.

• 8. Thou shall proofread religiously

Typos, grammar errors, and inconsistencies can sabotage your chances.
Mistakes on your CV suggest carelessness and lack of professionalism. Always proofread thoroughly—several times. Read it aloud, print it out, or have someone else look it over. Use grammar tools like Grammarly, but don’t rely solely on them. Ensure consistent formatting, punctuation, and verb tenses. A flawless CV signals that you care about quality—and will bring that same care to the job.

• 9. Thou shall keep it current and relevant

Outdated CVs are red flags to recruiters.
Your CV should reflect your most recent experiences, skills, certifications, and responsibilities. Remove very old or irrelevant roles that no longer showcase your best work, especially if they push the document past two pages. Keep an active record of your career milestones so you can quickly tailor and update your CV for new opportunities without starting from scratch.

• 10. Thou shall not ignore soft skills and personal strengths

Being qualified is about more than just technical skills.
Employers want candidates who can collaborate, adapt, lead, and solve problems. Include soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving—but always demonstrate them with real examples. For instance, instead of just saying "great communicator," say "led weekly cross-functional meetings to align team goals and reduce project delays by 20%." The best CVs show a balance between hard skills and human qualities.