The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Professional CV

Writing a professional CV can feel like a daunting task. It’s your golden ticket to landing interviews, so it needs to be sharp, relevant, and compelling. But where do you start? Whether you’re updating your current CV or starting from scratch, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts to ensure you leave a lasting impression on employers.

DO Hire a Professional

Sometimes, the best investment you can make in your career is hiring someone who knows the ropes. CV writing professionals like https://cvexperts.com understand what recruiters are looking for when it comes to writing a professional CV to suit your specific industry. If you’ve been sending out applications and hearing crickets, it might not be your qualifications—it could be how they’re presented.

A professional can help highlight your achievements, remove outdated fluff, and create a sleek, modern format. While it’s tempting to DIY, a professionally written CV can significantly improve your chances of standing out. Think of it as putting your best foot forward.

DON’T Use a Generic Template

Templates can be a good starting point, but if you’re just copying and pasting your information into a bland, widely-used design, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Recruiters see hundreds of CVs every week, and a generic format doesn’t make an impression.

Instead, customise your layout to reflect your personality and profession. Are you in a creative field? Consider a visually appealing design. In a corporate setting? A clean, minimalist approach works best. Make your CV as unique as you are.

DO Tailor Your CV to Each Job

Let’s be honest—sending the same CV to multiple employers might seem efficient, but it won’t get you far. Recruiters are looking for candidates who align closely with their needs, and a one-size-fits-all CV doesn’t convey that.

Take the time to review the job description and tweak your CV to match. When writing a professional CV, highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role. For example, if a position emphasises project management, bring those achievements front and centre. It’s all about showing you’re the perfect fit for that job.

DON’T Include Irrelevant Information

Your CV isn’t a biography—it’s a focused snapshot of your professional journey. Employers don’t need to know about that part-time job you had 15 years ago or your GCSE subjects if they’re not relevant.

Stick to experiences, qualifications, and skills that add value to the role you’re applying for. If you’re not sure what to cut, ask yourself: does this show I can do the job? If the answer’s no, leave it out.

DO Focus on Achievements, Not Duties

Here’s a mistake many people make: listing job duties instead of achievements. Employers already know what someone in your role is expected to do. What they want to see is what you actually accomplished.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” you could say, “Led a team of 10, increasing productivity by 25% over six months.” Numbers are your best friend here—they give your claims credibility.

DON’T Overload with Buzzwords

We’ve all seen CVs crammed with phrases like “results-driven,” “team player,” and “dynamic professional.” While there’s nothing wrong with these words in moderation, overusing them can make your CV feel empty.

Focus on concrete examples that demonstrate these traits instead. If you’re a “team player,” mention a collaborative project you contributed to. If you’re “results-driven,” show the results you achieved. Actions speak louder than buzzwords.

DO Keep It Concise

When was the last time you enjoyed reading a long, drawn-out document? Recruiters don’t have the time—or the patience—to sift through pages of irrelevant information.

Aim for two pages at most. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a logical structure to make your CV easy to skim. Remember, your CV isn’t meant to tell your whole story—it’s a highlight reel designed to get you in the door.

DON’T Forget Proofreading

This might sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many CVs get binned because of typos, grammar mistakes, or inconsistent formatting. Your CV is a reflection of your professionalism, and small errors can make a big impact.

Double-check everything. Then, have someone else review it, too—a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might overlook.

DO Include Keywords

Many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant keywords before a human ever sees them. If your CV doesn’t include these terms, it might not even make it to the hiring manager’s desk.

Take cues from the job description. If they mention skills like “data analysis” or “leadership,” ensure those phrases appear naturally in your CV. Don’t just stuff them in randomly, though—context matters.

DON’T Lie or Exaggerate

It might be tempting to stretch the truth a bit, but honesty is always the best policy. Employers often verify qualifications and previous roles, and being caught in a lie can ruin your chances—not just for this job, but potentially for others in the future.

Focus on presenting your actual skills and experiences in the best possible light. Trust that your authenticity will shine through.

DO Keep It Up-to-Date

When was the last time you updated your CV? If it’s been a while, you might be missing out on opportunities. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, it’s a good idea to refresh your CV regularly.

Add recent achievements, certifications, or new skills as they happen. That way, when the perfect job comes along, you’ll be ready to apply without scrambling to remember what you’ve done.

Master Your First Impression

Your CV is often your first interaction with a potential employer, so make it count. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll craft a CV that’s professional, engaging, and tailored to the job you’re after. Whether it’s hiring a professional, tailoring your CV, or focusing on achievements, small changes can have a big impact.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.