A CV is more than a list of jobs and qualifications. It’s the first impression you make when applying for a new job. In just a few seconds, your CV can decide whether you move forward or not. For young professionals, especially those in their early career stages, writing a CV can be daunting. Today, around 95% of employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage candidate applications, and out of 1,000 resumes submitted to a company through an ATS, 43% were sent in an incompatible file type. This immediately ruled them out of the running for the position. There’s conflicting advice online, outdated templates, and pressure to make it stand out without going over the top.
The good news is that CV writing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you know what employers are looking for, understand current trends, and avoid common mistakes, you can create a CV that opens doors. This guide answers the most searched-for CV writing questions, covering everything from how many words it should have to the best font to use, so you can present yourself in the strongest possible light.
How Many Words Should a CV Be?
While there’s no fixed rule, the sweet spot is between 500 and 800 words for most early-career professionals. This is long enough to show your skills, experience, and achievements without overwhelming the reader. Don’t treat your CV as an autobiography. Instead, see it as a highlights reel.
To hit the right length:
- Focus on achievements that show impact. For example, instead of “Responsible for managing the front desk,” write “Managed front desk operations, improving visitor check-in efficiency by 30%.”
- Cut out any outdated roles, irrelevant part-time jobs, or unnecessary details from early education unless they directly support your application.
- Tailor the content to each role. Every job application should get its own customised CV.
What Tone Should a CV Have?
Your CV tone should be professional yet approachable. Think confident, not arrogant. Clear, not wordy.
Instead of overused corporate buzzwords like “results-oriented” or “team player,” show those traits through specific examples. For instance, instead of “Excellent team player,” write “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a marketing campaign that increased brand engagement by 25%.”
Key tips for tone:
- Use active verbs: managed, developed, delivered, implemented
- Keep sentences short and to the point
- Avoid slang, but don’t be so formal that your CV sounds robotic
What Should a Modern CV Look Like?
A modern CV should be clean, structured, and easy to scan. An eye-tracking study done by Ladder Inc. revealed that recruiters spend about 8 seconds on a CV, so make that glance count.
Formatting essentials:
- Clear section headings for experience, education, and skills
- Consistent font sizes (10–12 pt for body text, slightly larger for headings)
- Balanced use of white space so it doesn’t feel cramped
- Bullet points for achievements instead of long paragraphs
Avoid:
- Overly bright colours and graphics that distract from the content.
- Unusual fonts that reduce readability.
- Overcrowding the page with text, less is more.
- If you’re in a creative field (like design, marketing, or photography), you can inject subtle personality through layout or colour accents. Just make sure it’s still ATS-friendly.
What Is the Most Accepted CV Format?
The reverse chronological format is still the gold standard. It’s familiar to recruiters, easy to follow, and highlights your most recent and relevant experience.
Structure:
- Name and contact details
- Professional summary (2–4 sentences summarising your career focus and top skills)
- Experience (starting with your most recent job)
- Education
- Skills and certifications
Other formats:
- Functional or skills-based: Groups experience by skills rather than job titles. Useful for career changers, but less popular overall.
- Hybrid or combination: Mixes both approaches. It can work well if you have strong skills and varied experience.
Should a CV Have a Photo?
In most cases, the answer is no. Adding a photo can unintentionally introduce bias and doesn’t add to your qualifications. Exceptions exist in countries where photos are standard (e.g., parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East) or for industries where appearance is part of the role.
If you must include a photo:
- Use a professional headshot with good lighting
- Avoid casual or cropped images from social events
Should You Put Your Address on Your CV?
There is no need for a full postal or residential address. Listing your city and region is enough to give employers context without wasting valuable space. If you choose not to include your address, it will not disqualify you from the position. This also helps protect your privacy and keeps your CV cleaner.
What Font Should You Use on a CV?
Stick to professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid fonts that look too stylised or quirky.
Formatting tips:
- Body text font size: 10–12 pt
- Headings font size: 12–14 pt
- Use bold sparingly to highlight key information
- Avoid italics for large sections, as they’re harder to read
How Many Pages Should a CV Ideally Be?
For young professionals, one page is almost always enough. Two pages may be acceptable if you have multiple internships, projects, or relevant roles. Anything more than two pages risks losing the reader’s interest.
A good rule: If a detail doesn’t add value to the specific role you’re applying for, remove it. It is also important to only include factual information because employers actually do research their candidates on social media.
Extra Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out
1. Tailor every application.
Generic CVs rarely perform well. Use the job description to identify keywords and skills to include in your CV.
2. Quantify your achievements.
Numbers and metrics add credibility. For example:
- Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months.
- Reduced processing time for client requests by 15%.
3. Include relevant skills and certifications.
Add hard skills (like software proficiency) and certifications from recognised platforms. If you’ve completed relevant online courses, include them, especially if they show you’re building skills aligned to the role.
4. Proofread your CV multiple times.
Typos and errors are red flags to recruiters. Review your CV at least three times and ask a friend to check it.
Create a CV That Will Get the Attention of Employers
Your CV is a living document that should evolve as your skills, experience, and career goals develop. Think of it as your personal marketing tool, designed to get you into the interview room. With the right format, tone, and content, you’ll be ready to impress employers.
If you want to create a CV that looks professional without the formatting hassle, try our Resumé Builder. This free tool guides you step-by-step to a polished CV, so you can focus on what matters the most: landing the job you want.
