How to Write a Perfect CV to Secure a Job

How to Write a CV That Gets You Hired

Recently, a lot of people have been reaching out to me about CV writing, asking for help in putting together a strong CV. In the past, I used to assist people by writing CVs for them, but I have since stopped. Not because I do not want to help, but because I believe it is better to teach people how to do it themselves rather than doing it for them. After all, if you know how to craft a great CV, you can apply for as many jobs as you want without relying on someone else.

If you have been struggling to create a CV that stands out, this guide will take you through all the key steps to writing one that actually helps you land interviews.

1. Choose the Right CV Format

Before you even start writing, you need to decide what kind of CV works best for the job you are applying for. There are two main types:

• Chronological CV: This is the most common format, where you list your work experience in order, starting with your most recent job. It is best if you have a clear career progression in a specific field.

• Experience-Based CV: This format organizes your CV by skill categories rather than by job order. For example, you could structure it into sections like Leadership Experience, Clinical Experience, and Mentoring Experience.Under each section, you list your experience in that area rather than by job title.

The second format is particularly useful if you are applying for a senior position, like a Team Lead, Manager, or Senior Specialist role. Employers scanning your CV will immediately see how you fit into those categories rather than having to dig through your job history.

For example, if you are applying for a leadership role, instead of just listing your jobs in order, your CV could look something like this:

• Clinical Experience: [List all relevant roles]

• Mentoring Experience: [Highlight your teaching, supervision, or mentorship roles]

• Leadership Experience: [Showcase your leadership responsibilities]

This makes it much easier for employers to see your strengths at a glance.

2. Keep It Short and Easy to Read

One of the biggest mistakes people make is writing a CV that is too long and filled with unnecessary details. Employers and recruiters go through hundreds of CVs for each job opening, and if yours is too lengthy, they might not even read it properly.

A good rule of thumb: keep your CV to two pages max. Anything longer than that is excessive unless you are applying for a highly specialized academic or research-based role.

Recruiters do not have time to dig through paragraphs of text. Your goal is to make their job easier by summarizing your most important experiences and skills clearly.

3. Make Your Experience Measurable and Impactful

A common mistake people make is listing job responsibilities instead of achievements. Employers do not just want to know what you did—they want to know how well you did it and what impact you made.

For example, instead of writing:
"Administered medication and performed wound dressing."

Write something more impactful, like:
"Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans, leading to a 30% improvement in patient recovery rates."

See the difference? The second version tells the employer exactly how your work created a positive outcome.

Another example: Instead of saying,
"Managed a team of nurses."

Try:
"Led a team of 12 nurses and implemented a new workflow that reduced patient wait times by 25%."

Whenever possible, use numbers and measurable results to show the impact of your work. This makes your CV stand out and gives employers a clearer idea of your value.

4. Highlight Important Information Using Formatting

Your CV should not just be well-written—it should also be visually easy to read.

• Bold important sections like job titles, skills, and key achievements so they stand out at a glance.

• Use bullet points to break down your responsibilities rather than writing long paragraphs.

• Make sure fonts are consistent throughout the CV—avoid mixing too many styles.

• Leave enough white space to make the CV look neat and professional.

A poorly formatted CV—one with tiny fonts, inconsistent layouts, or hard-to-read text—can immediately turn off a recruiter. First impressions matter!

5. Customize Your CV for Each Job

A big mistake many people make is using the same CV for every job. Each job is different, and your CV should be tailored to match the specific job description you are applying for.

Before sending out an application, take a close look at the job requirements. What skills and experience are they looking for? What keywords do they use in the job description?

Your CV should reflect those keywords naturally.

For example, if the job description asks for tracheostomy care experience but your CV mainly highlights catheterization skills, your CV might not get noticed—even if you are fully qualified. Make sure your CV directly aligns with what the employer is looking for.

6. The Secret to Getting Noticed: Apply Before Jobs Are Advertised

Most people wait for job openings to be posted before applying. But by the time a job is advertised, hundreds of people are already competing for it. This lowers your chances of getting noticed.

One of the best ways to increase your chances of landing a job is to apply proactively.

Instead of waiting for job postings, send your CV directly to companies—even if they are not hiring yet. Introduce yourself, express your interest in working with them, and attach your CV. Many employers keep CVs on file and reach out when a position opens up.

This strategy has worked for me, and I still believe it is one of the best ways to get a job.

Final Thoughts

If you follow these steps, your CV will be in great shape:

✔ Choose the right format—chronological or experience-based.
✔ Keep it short—no more than two pages.
✔ Make your experience measurable—show impact with numbers.
✔ Highlight key information—use formatting to make it easy to read.
✔ Customize your CV for each job—align it with the job description.
✔ Be proactive—send applications before jobs are even advertised.

At the end of the day, your CV is your first impression. It should not just be a list of job responsibilities—it should sell your skills and show your value.

If you take the time to craft a strong, well-organized CV, you will increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

Now, go apply these tips and put yourself in the best position to land that job!

And if you still need help, feel free to book a consultation with myself - I will be happy to help

or take a look at a comprehensive guide which I have made and has gotten so many positive reviews on how to write a perfect CV : https://selar.com/247773