When applying for a job, your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re the right candidate. Before the interview. Before the assessment. Before anyone meets you.
A professional CV doesn’t just list your qualifications, it highlights your achievements, shows your value, and aligns your skills with what the employer is looking for.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a TVET student, or someone with years of experience, here’s how to structure your CV properly and avoid the common mistakes that cost many applicants interviews.
Key Sections Every Professional CV Must Include
A strong CV should contain the following sections:
- Personal Details
- Professional Summary or Objective
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications & Additional Training
- References
This structure helps recruiters quickly scan and assess your suitability for the role, often in under 30 seconds.
Let’s break down each section.
Let’s Build a Professional CV
Step 1: Personal Details
What to Include:
- Full Name (as it appears on official documents)
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
- City and Province (or Country if applying abroad)
- Optional: LinkedIn profile (if updated and professional)
Important Tips:
- Use a professional email (e.g. firstname.lastname@email.com).
- Do NOT include:
- ID number
- Full home address
- Marital status
- Gender
- Salary expectations (unless requested)
Keep this section clean and positioned at the top of your CV.
Step 2: Professional Summary or Objective
This section is your elevator pitch.
Professional Summary (For Experienced Candidates)
2–3 sentences summarising:
- Your years of experience
- Your key strengths
- The value you bring to the employer
Example:
Results-driven Administrative Assistant with 4+ years of experience supporting executive teams and improving office efficiency. Strong background in data management, scheduling, and client communication.
Career Objective (For Graduates or Career Changers)
Focus on:
- Your career goals
- Your key skills
- Your enthusiasm for the industry
Example:
Motivated Business Management graduate seeking an entry-level operations role where I can apply analytical and organisational skills to contribute to company growth.
Pro Tip:
Always tailor this section to match the job description. Use keywords from the advert.
Step 3: Work Experience
This is the most important section for most employers.
What to Include:
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Employment Dates
- Key Achievements and Responsibilities
List your roles starting with the most recent.
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Instead of saying:
- “Responsible for customer service”
Say:
- “Resolved 30+ customer queries daily, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.”
Whenever possible, quantify results:
- Increased sales by 20%
- Reduced costs by 15%
- Managed a team of 5 staff members
This shows impact — not just activity.
Step 4: Education
What to Include:
- Qualification (e.g., Diploma in Marketing)
- Institution Name
- Graduation Year
- Relevant coursework or honours (if applicable)
Placement Tip:
- If you’re a recent graduate, place Education above Work Experience.
- If you have strong work experience, list Education after it.
Step 5: Skills
Recruiters often scan this section quickly, especially with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Include:
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Pastel / Sage
- Graphic Design (Adobe Suite)
- Social Media Management
- Data Analysis
- Coding Languages (if applicable)
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Problem-Solving
Avoid generic phrases like “hard-working” or “team player” unless supported by evidence.
Find More Here: 5 Microsoft Office Skills to Highlight on Your CV
Step 6: Certifications and Additional Qualifications
What to Include:
- Certifications: List industry-recognized certifications relevant to the position, such as “PMP” for project managers or “Certified Public Accountant” for finance roles.
- Courses or Workshops: Mention any additional training, online courses, or workshops that demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
Tips:
- Include expiration dates if relevant (especially for certifications that require renewals).
- Prioritize qualifications that directly relate to the job role.
Read: Top Certifications to Boost Your CV in 2025
Step 7: References
What to Include:
- It’s often sufficient to simply state, “References available upon request” instead of listing individual contacts on your CV.
- If requested, provide the name, job title, company, phone number, and email for each reference on a separate document.
Tips:
- Make sure to get consent from your references before listing them.
- Choose references who can speak to your professional achievements, work ethic, and reliability.
Font Sizes and Layout Formatting Tips
A professional CV should be clean, clear, and easy to read. Here’s how to ensure your formatting meets those standards:
Fonts
- Recommended Fonts: Use standard, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. These fonts are commonly used in professional documents and are universally compatible.
- Font Sizes:
- Header/Name: 18-22 pt.
- Section Headings: 12-14 pt, bold.
- Body Text: 10-12 pt, depending on the font.
Margins
- Margins: Keep margins at around 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides. If you need more space, adjust to a minimum of 0.75 inches (1.9 cm).
- This keeps the content visually centered and prevents overcrowding on the page.
Spacing and Layout
- Line Spacing: Set to 1.0 or 1.15 to maintain readability without taking up excessive space.
- Section Spacing: Leave space between sections (around 6-12 pt) to create a clear distinction between different parts of your CV.
- Bullet Points: Use bullet points for lists, especially for responsibilities and achievements in the Work Experience section. This helps highlight your key points and improves readability.
Additional Layout Tips
- Consistency: Ensure font sizes, bullet styles, and spacing are consistent throughout.
- Bold and Italics: Use bold for headings and job titles, and italics for company names or dates to create a clear hierarchy of information.
- Alignment: Align text to the left for easy readability. Keep headings and contact information at the center or top-left corner of the page.
These formatting guidelines create a polished CV that is visually appealing and easy to navigate, helping you make a strong first impression with potential employers.
Final Checklist: Before You Submit Your Professional CV
- Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV matches the job description by incorporating keywords from the job post.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Look for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.
- Format for Readability: Use a clean layout with consistent fonts and spacing to ensure it’s easy to read.
- Save as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise): PDF format preserves your CV’s format and is generally preferred.
With these seven steps, you’ll be ready to submit a professional, polished CV that effectively showcases your qualifications and readiness for the role.
