How to write a CV

Plan the document around the job

Write the first draft in plain text. Give each role a title, organization and dates, then describe what you did and the outcome. Replace vague claims such as “excellent team player” with an activity that involved coordination. Explain career changes briefly and honestly. Keep the length proportional to relevant experience: a new graduate can often use one page, while a longer career may need two. Before changing the layout, remove information that does not help the application. Finally export the PDF, reopen it and check both the text and the links.

For US and Canadian applications, focus on skills and experience, keep personal details limited and follow the employer’s document instructions.

Software Engineer

For Software Engineer, the evidence should focus on JavaScript, TypeScript, React. The sample tools are TypeScript, React, Git; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Developing e-commerce platform with microservices architecture. Building high-performance web applications using React and Node.js. Technical leadership for 10+ developer team.

Apply “How to write a CV” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with JavaScript, TypeScript, React, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• List your core languages and frameworks near the top and mirror the names used in the job ad, for example “TypeScript” rather than only “JavaScript”.
• Describe impact with numbers: requests per second, latency cut, deployment frequency, test coverage or cost savings.
• Add one or two projects with links to GitHub or a live demo, especially if most of your work is in private repositories.
• Keep it to one page if you have under ten years of experience and leave out technologies you would not want to use again.

Mechanical Engineer

For Mechanical Engineer, the evidence should focus on AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA. The sample tools are SolidWorks, AutoCAD, FMEA; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Optimization of production processes. Technical drawing and design with CAD. Development and implementation of quality control procedures.

Apply “How to write a CV” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• List CAD and CAE software with your level, for example SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, ANSYS or Abaqus.
• Quantify design outcomes such as weight reduction, cost savings, cycle time or defect rate improvements.
• Mention standards and methods you apply: GD&T, ISO 9001, FMEA, DFM or Lean Six Sigma.
• If you hold or are working toward a PE license, put it next to your name or in certifications.

Project Manager

For Project Manager, the evidence should focus on Project Planning, Agile & Scrum, Risk Management. The sample tools are Jira, Excel, Scrum; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Lead the rollout of a patient scheduling platform across 18 clinics with a $2.6M budget. Run steering committees, risk logs and change control; delivered phase 1 two weeks early and reduced no-show rates by 14%.

Apply “How to write a CV” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with Project Planning, Agile & Scrum, Risk Management, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• For each role, state budget, team size and project type, such as software, construction, marketing or ERP.
• Name methods and tools: Agile, Scrum, waterfall, PRINCE2, Jira or MS Project.
• Add your PMP, PRINCE2 or Scrum certification next to your title.
• Show how you handled risk, stakeholders and change, with a concrete result.

Put this advice into practice

Read the completed application as if you were seeing it for the first time. Verify names, dates and contact details. Open every portfolio link and inspect the exported file on a small screen. Follow the vacancy’s requested file type and naming convention. Save a copy of the version you sent so you can prepare for an interview with the same evidence.