How to write a CV

By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo

Last updated: September 10, 2025

Recruiters and hiring managers skim fast. Your CV is your first impression. To stand out, it needs to be clear, memorable, and tailored to what you offer.

Before you start writing, focus on these essentials:

What's the difference between a CV and a résumé?

A CV is a detailed document that outlines your academic background, work history, skills, and accomplishments. It's often used for academic, research, or international roles. A résumé is a shorter, tailored summary — usually 1-2 pages — used for most jobs in the U.S. and Canada.

Both highlight your qualifications, but a CV includes everything from publications and awards to relevant projects, while a résumé focuses on what's most relevant to the role.

Step-by-step guide on how to write a CV

A strong CV is clear, focused, and built to match the job you want. Here's how to write one that works:

1. Begin with a clean, skimmable format.

According to the University of Oxford Careers Service, keeping your format simple and readable helps ensure your CV is processed correctly by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and is easy for employers to scan.

For this, use clear section headings, bullet points instead of paragraphs, and consistent formatting across your CV. Stick to one font (like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica) in size 11 or 12, and add extra spacing between sections or headings to break up the page visually. Avoid underlining, text boxes, or columns that can confuse ATS software.

If you're applying online, save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting, layout, and compatibility. Avoid sending Word documents unless the employer asks for one.

2. Write a short, focused summary.

Start your CV with two to three sentences that explain who you are, what you bring to the table, and what kind of role you're targeting. Skip the generic objective statements. Instead, highlight your most relevant strengths and recent impact.

3. Show results in your work experience.

When listing your previous roles, go beyond describing duties. Rather, use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact. Start each bullet with a strong verb and include numbers or outcomes whenever possible.

4. Include relevant skills.

List the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Include a mix of technical skills (tools, languages, platforms) and soft skills (like communication or leadership). Prioritize what appears in the job description, and keep it skimmable.

Step 5: Add education and other credentials.

List your degrees in reverse chronological order. Include certifications, licenses, or certificates that are relevant to the role and set you apart. If you're still completing a program, note your expected graduation date. If you're a recent graduate with limited work experience, the University of Oxford suggests starting your CV with your education instead of work history.

Additional tips for writing a CV

• For most non-academic roles, 1-2 pages is ideal for a CV. If you're a doctoral candidate or have extensive research experience, your CV may extend to 2-4 pages or more. According to the MIT Career Advising and Professional Development office, CV length varies by field, but relevance and clarity matter more than page count.
• Include sections such as skills, achievements, or publications if they strengthen your application or are standard in your field.
• Always proofread before submitting. Small errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting can undermine your application.

Simple CV template (copy and customize)

Here's a simple template you can follow to start writing your CV.