Tips on Writing an Effective CV

Your curriculum vitae (CV) is your entry ticket to an interview, and employers often form that first impression within seconds. Some studies indicate that recruiters may initially spend as little as 7–10 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to continue reading. In competitive fields such as PR, Communications, Public Affairs & Marketing, your CV (or resume) needs to be concise, clear and aligned to the role you’re targeting.

A strong CV highlights your skills, experience and achievements while presenting information in a way that makes it easy for a hiring manager to understand your strengths quickly. When paired with an effective cover letter, your application becomes significantly more compelling. Before you begin updating your document, review the fundamentals of CV structure and presentation below.

Follow the Basics

While there is no perfect, one-size-fits-all CV format, certain principles consistently improve readability. Aim for a layout that allows a recruiter to scan your key details quickly. Use clear section headings, consistent spacing and a professional font, and keep your formatting uniform throughout. As a guide, use 10–12 pt for body text and up to 16 pt for section headings. If you find yourself reducing font size to fit everything in, refine your content instead.

Keep It Short and Concise

A readable CV is significantly more effective than a dense one. Aim to keep it to two pages and move any broader narrative into your cover letter. Bullet points make information easier to digest and help highlight achievements quickly. Structured, scannable content also works better with automated systems many companies now use.

Important CV Structure Elements

A clear structure helps recruiters understand your background at a glance.

Contact Information

Place your contact details at the top, including name, email address, phone number and home address. Including your LinkedIn profile is highly recommended — Not on LinkedIn yet? Here’s Five reasons why you should be on LinkedIn. You do not need to include personal details such as your date of birth, nationality or gender.

Profile Summary

This short introduction, typically 5–6 lines, is the only narrative paragraph on your CV. Write it in third person and use it to summarise your strengths and career focus. Treat it as a short pitch highlighting what you offer and what makes you suitable for the role. Keywords related to the job ad should be used naturally here.

Relevant Skills Summary

This section gives recruiters a quick snapshot of your core capabilities. Include skills relevant to the job such as stakeholder engagement, project coordination, copywriting, analytics tools, software proficiency or languages. Focus on skills that directly support your target role.

Employment History

List your experience in reverse chronological order. Include job title, employer, dates of employment and a brief line about the organisation if needed. Under each position, use bullet points to outline achievements and responsibilities. Prioritise examples that demonstrate your impact, such as managing budgets, leading teams or improving performance metrics. For recent roles, include around 8–10 bullet points; reduce this as you move back in your career. Use past tense throughout and address any notable career gaps clearly.

Education and Training

List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest qualification. Include the institution name, year of completion and a concise summary if relevant. Continuing education, such as short courses or certifications, demonstrates adaptability and a commitment to growth.

Interests or Hobbies

This optional section can add a personal dimension to your CV. Keep it short and relevant.

References

You may include two references or simply state “Available upon request.” Former line managers or supervisors are ideal.

Why Understanding Resume Parsing (ATS) Matters

Many organisations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications before a recruiter ever reads them. A key part of this is resume parsing — software that extracts and structures information from your CV into searchable fields. This means that your ability to progress to the next stage often depends on how well your document can be read by parsing software.

A CV may be overlooked if the parser cannot identify key information due to complex formatting. Common issues include using graphics, tables, unusual fonts or non-standard section headings. Modern ATS tools are more advanced than older systems, but clean formatting remains important.

To improve your chances of being accurately parsed:

• Use a simple, single-column layout
• Stick to standard headings such as Work Experience, Education or Skills
• Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• Save your CV as a .docx or clean PDF
• Avoid inserting text inside images or decorative elements

A detailed overview of how parsing works is available in LinkedIn’s article What Is Resume Parsing?.

Keep Your CV Updated

Your CV should evolve as you gain new experience. Update it whenever you acquire new responsibilities, complete training or shift career direction. Tailor your CV for each application by reflecting keywords from the job description and emphasising the achievements most relevant to the role.

Layout Choices

Your layout should reflect both your personal style and the expectations of the role. Creative formats may suit PR or Communications roles, while more traditional formats are often preferred in other contexts. No matter the scenario, if you are applying to marketing positions or roles that require showcasing your work, you may consider Why Every Marketer Needs a Portfolio to help you decide what to include alongside your CV.

Final Steps Before Submitting Your CV

Once your CV is complete, review it for clarity, accuracy and presentation. Ensure your formatting is consistent and check for spelling or grammar issues — errors can create a negative first impression. When your document is polished, pair it with a tailored cover letter that highlights your interest in the organisation and the role.

Finally, review How Marketing Professionals Can Enhance Their Job Search to discover additional advice on positioning yourself effectively in the current market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my CV be?

Most employers prefer a CV that is no longer than two pages. This allows you to present your experience, skills and achievements clearly without overwhelming the reader. Any additional detail can be included in your cover letter, which you can refine using Writing an Effective Cover Letter.

Should I tailor my CV for every job?

Yes — tailoring your CV to each role is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of getting shortlisted. Reflecting keywords from the job description helps both hiring managers and resume-parsing systems quickly see your relevance to the role.

Do I need to include a photo on my CV?

A photo is not required for most roles in Ireland or the UK. Some creative candidates include one for visual impact, but a clean design and strong content will always matter more than imagery.

Should I use the same CV format for all industries?

Not always. A traditional layout may be better for structured environments, while more creative industries such as PR and Communications may allow for subtle design elements. If you’re applying for marketing roles, Why Every Marketer Needs a Portfolio (For Any Role) can help you decide what to showcase alongside your CV.

How do I make sure my CV is compatible with ATS (resume-parsing) systems?

Use a simple layout with standard headings, a clear font and bullet points. Avoid tables, images and unusual formatting, as these can disrupt how your CV is read by Applicant Tracking Systems. Saving your document as a .docx or clean PDF is usually recommended.

What should I do after updating my CV?

Once your CV is refined, prepare a high-quality cover letter and ensure your online presence — particularly LinkedIn — reflects the same strengths. If an interview is part of the early process, Reviewing Preparing for an Interview Online can help you get ready with confidence.