How to write a CV that gets you interviews

CV sections, in order

1. Contact details: name, phone number with country code, a professional email, your city and a LinkedIn link if you have one.
2. Professional summary: two or three lines on who you are, what you offer and the role you want.
3. Skills: technical and professional skills relevant to the job, plus languages and your level.
4. Work experience: newest first: job title, employer, dates and your key achievements.
5. Education: degree, university, graduation year, and your graduation project if it’s relevant.
6. Courses and certificates: only the ones that support the job.
7. Projects and volunteering: very important if you have little experience.

Write achievements, not duties

The most common mistake is listing what you were asked to do instead of what you achieved. Use this formula: action verb + what you did + the result, with numbers where possible.

• Instead of “Responsible for customer service”, write: “Answered about 40 enquiries a day and halved waiting times.”
• Instead of “Worked on the company page”, write: “Ran the company’s Instagram page and grew followers from 2,000 to 8,000 in 6 months.”

These numbers are illustrations. Only ever write your real numbers.

Tailor your CV to each job

Read the job ad carefully, note the skills and words it repeats, and make sure they appear in your CV wherever they genuinely apply to you. Many companies use applicant tracking systems that scan for these words before any person sees your CV.

Format and layout rules

• One page for new graduates, two at most for experienced candidates.
• A clear, simple font, visible headings and enough white space. Avoid tables and complex graphics, which screening software may not read.
• Send it as a PDF named after you, e.g. Ahmed-Ali-CV.pdf.
• Use a professional email address with your name in it.
• Photos are common on CVs in Iraq and most Arab countries, but are usually left off in countries such as the UK, the US and Canada. Follow the employer and local custom, and if you add one, make it formal and clear.
• Don’t include sensitive data such as ID numbers, or details unrelated to the job.

Tips for new graduates

• Put your graduation project, summer internships and volunteering up front. They are your real experience right now.
• Prepare an English version of your CV. Many international companies and NGOs ask for one, and you’ll need it to apply for jobs abroad.
• Applying in another country? Follow the CV style that’s usual there: length, photos and personal details differ from country to country.
• Add clear digital skills: software you know, tools you use, or a certified language level.
• Ask someone experienced to review your CV before you send it.

Mistakes that keep you from interviews

• Spelling and grammar errors.
• A generic objective that fits any job.
• Long paragraphs instead of short, clear bullet points.
• Exaggeration or false information, which comes out at interview or in checks.
• Sending the same CV to every job without tailoring it.

After the CV

Attach a short cover letter explaining why you fit this particular job, update your LinkedIn profile to match your CV, then prepare for the interview: practise introducing yourself in a minute, and have examples ready of teamwork and problem solving.

Common questions