CV Best Practices: How to Write a CV That Stands Out

A CV is more than just a list of jobs, it’s your personal marketing tool. Done right, it can open doors and win you interviews. Done poorly, it can be the reason you never hear back.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a CV that works, including:

• How long should a CV be?
• How to make a CV stand out
• Good words to use in a CV
• How to show promotions on your CV
• Plus tips on formatting, tailoring for ATS, avoiding common mistakes, and more.

Let’s dive in.

How long should a CV be?

One of the most-searched questions online is “how long should a CV be?”. The answer depends on your level of experience:

Golden rule: Quality over quantity. Cut out old, irrelevant roles and focus on the achievements that matter for your target job.

How to make a CV stand out

Recruiters spend an average of 7 to 10 seconds scanning a CV before deciding if it goes in the “yes” or “no” pile. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

1. Tailor it for every application: Use keywords from the job description.
2. Use a strong personal statement: 3–4 lines that highlight your experience, skills, and career goals.
3. Focus on achievements, not tasks: “Increased website traffic by 40% in 6 months” is more powerful than “Responsible for managing website.”
4. Keep formatting clean: Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space.
5. Add numbers and results: Recruiters love measurable impact.

Pro tip: If you want to beat ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), avoid graphics-heavy CV templates. Stick with text-based, keyword-friendly layouts.

Good words to use in a CV

Language matters. The best CVs use power verbs and impact-driven words that show what you achieved.

Impact words for achievements:

• Increased
• Delivered
• Improved
• Reduced
• Exceeded

Leadership and teamwork:

• Led
• Managed
• Coordinated
• Directed
• Supported

Creativity and innovation:

• Designed
• Developed
• Created
• Implemented
• Launched

Avoid phrases like “hard worker”, “team player”, or “go-getter”. These are clichés. Instead, show these traits through measurable examples.

How to show promotions on your CV

Promotions prove that you’re reliable, ambitious, and successful. Do not hide them.

Here’s how to list them clearly:

Company Name, London

• Senior Marketing Manager (2021–Present)
• Marketing Manager (2019–2021)
• Marketing Executive (2017–2019)

Achievements:

• Promoted twice in four years due to consistently exceeding sales targets.
• Delivered a 30% increase in lead generation within 12 months.

Stack your roles under one employer to avoid repeating the company name multiple times.

What to include in your CV (and what to leave out)

Must-have sections:

• Contact details (email, phone, LinkedIn)
• Personal statement (career summary)
• Work experience (reverse chronological order)
• Key achievements (with numbers)
• Education and training
• Skills (both hard and soft skills)

Optional extras:

• Certifications
• Languages
• Volunteering
• Hobbies (only if relevant)

What to leave out:

• Age, date of birth, or marital status
• Full address (city and postcode are enough)
• References (say “Available on request”)
• Photos (unless applying in countries where it’s expected)

CV formatting best practices

• Use a professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Font size: 10–12pt for text, 14–16pt for headings.
• Keep margins between 1 and 1.5cm.
• Save as PDF (unless job ad specifies Word).
• Stick to a simple layout for ATS compliance.

Common CV mistakes to avoid

• Typos and grammar mistakes
• Using the same CV for every job
• Writing long paragraphs that are hard to skim
• Listing responsibilities instead of results
• Going over 2–3 pages unnecessarily

Bonus: CV tips for different situations

For graduates

• Focus on education, internships, projects, and transferable skills.

For career changers

• Highlight relevant skills and achievements, not just job titles.

For professionals with gaps

• Be honest. Briefly explain gaps in your cover letter (e.g., travel, family leave, retraining).

Final Thoughts

Your CV is your ticket to an interview. To maximise your chances:

• Keep it 1–2 pages (3 for senior roles).
• Focus on achievements, not tasks.
• Use strong action words.
• Show promotions clearly.
• Tailor it to every job.