I’m never surprised by how many talented professionals struggle with their CVs. After years of coaching job seekers, I’ve noticed that even the most accomplished individuals can falter when it comes to effectively showcasing their skills and experience on paper.

Why? Because most people were never shown how.

That’s why I created “The CV Checklist” – to break down CV writing into manageable steps that anyone can follow. While my full guide covers 25 valuable points, I’d like to highlight three essential nuggets that can transform your CV immediately:

1. Make Your CV Tell Your Story

Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs – it’s the narrative of your professional journey. The order should be intentional, presenting your experience from most recent to past roles. This reverse chronological approach naturally showcases your growth and current capabilities first.

For career pivoters, I recommend creating a dedicated “Relevant Experience” section that highlights previously acquired skills pertinent to your target role, followed by “Other Experience” for the rest. This strategic organisation ensures hiring managers immediately see what makes you a strong candidate.

2. Own Your Achievements

The difference between a mediocre CV and an outstanding one often lies in how you articulate your contributions. Compare passive statements like “There was a launch of a new service/product while I was there” with active ones such as “Managed internal communication as part of the new service/product launch.”

This subtle shift puts you at the centre of your accomplishments rather than positioning you as a bystander. Adding quantifiable results (what I call “a sprinkle of numbers”) further strengthens your impact – whether it’s revenue generated, team size managed, or efficiency improvements delivered.

3. Maximise Your Limited Space

The two-page CV rule applies to everyone, even those with decades of experience. This constraint forces you to be strategic about what you include. I recommend several space-saving techniques:

• Use hyperlinks instead of lengthy descriptions for companies or projects
• Focus on what YOU did rather than describing the organisation
• Remove repetition of tasks across similar roles
• Utilise formatting (columns, bullet points, line spacing) efficiently
• Keep your profile concise (no more than four sentences)

When working with limited space, prioritise information that directly demonstrates your suitability for the target role. You’ll have time to elaborate during the interview.

Remember, your CV is a dynamic document that deserves regular updates – even when you’re not actively job hunting. Taking time quarterly to refresh your achievements not only prepares you for unexpected opportunities but also helps you recognise and celebrate your professional growth.

If you’re preparing for your next career move, I recommend working through my complete checklist. The small adjustments suggested could make the difference between being overlooked and landing that all-important interview. You can also book a Solo Session if you want my hands-on support with it.