What Is a Modern CV?

A modern CV presents your experience, education and skills in one or two pages with a clear hierarchy that both people and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read.

It relies on strong structure, standard headings and measurable results rather than decorative graphics.

Why and When Should You Update It?

• Before each application: a CV tailored to the job ad gets more replies.
• After a promotion, a project or a new certification.
• When you change industry or country and need to match local conventions.

What Makes a CV Effective?

• Your name, title and accurate contact details.
• A short, targeted summary.
• Reverse-chronological experience with result-focused bullets.
• Education, certifications and skills relevant to the role.
• A consistent typeface, tidy spacing and a readable accent colour.

What to Watch Out for When Writing a CV

• A single column and standard headings (Work Experience, Education) help ATS parse it correctly.
• Write outcomes, not duties, and use numbers when you can.
• Keep it to one page; two at most if you have extensive experience.
• Expectations about photos, birth date and marital status differ by country, so check local norms.
• When you save as PDF, confirm the text is still selectable.

Using Your CV in the Application Process

1. 1

   Analyse the job ad

   Pull out the keywords and requirements.

2. 2

   Tailor the CV

   Reorder your summary and bullets to fit the role. Never add anything untrue.

3. 3

   Save as PDF

   Use the print dialog to save as PDF and name the file clearly, such as first_last_cv.

4. 4

   Cover letter and follow-up

   Add a short cover letter and send a polite follow-up after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions