- Recruiters skim, so put your strongest results and keywords at the top.
- Show what you achieved, with numbers where you honestly can, not only your duties.
- Keep your CV and LinkedIn profile consistent, accurate and easy to read on a phone.
The Short Answer
Recruiters and hiring managers often spend only a short time on each CV, so yours must be clear, specific and easy to scan. Lead with your strongest results, show what you achieved rather than only listing duties and keep the document simple. Your LinkedIn profile should tell the same story in a friendlier voice. Do both well and you will get more replies.
Step 1: Know the Job You Are Applying For
Read the job advert carefully and note the skills, tools and responsibilities it mentions. Use the same terms where they honestly describe your experience, because many companies use software or quick reading to look for those words. Do not claim skills you do not have. You will be tested, and trust is hard to rebuild.
Step 2: Use a Clean Structure
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Header | Name, phone, email, city and a link to your LinkedIn or portfolio |
| Summary | Two or three lines on who you are, what you do best and the kind of role you want |
| Experience | Latest job first, with dates, employer, title and three to five bullet points |
| Skills | Tools, languages and strengths relevant to the role |
| Education and training | Degrees, certificates and relevant courses |
| Extras | Volunteering, projects or awards, if they support your application |
Aim for one to two pages, use a plain font and avoid photos, tables or graphics that confuse reading software. Save it as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format.
Step 3: Show Results, Not Only Duties
Weak: “Responsible for social media.” Stronger: “Grew the shop's Instagram following from 800 to 3,500 in six months and brought in about ten orders a week.” Use numbers when you can prove them, such as customers served, sales, time saved or costs reduced. If you have no numbers, describe the outcome clearly. Begin each bullet with a strong verb like built, led, reduced or launched.
Step 4: Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
Use a clear, friendly photo, a headline that says more than your job title, such as the kind of work you do and who you help, and a summary written in the first person. Copy your key achievements into the Experience section, add your skills and ask colleagues or clients for recommendations. Turn on settings that let recruiters know you are open to work if that is appropriate for you.
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes
Typing errors, a long list of duties, vague phrases like “hard worker,” unprofessional email addresses, old or unrelated jobs filling the page and different dates on your CV and LinkedIn all lower your chances. Ask a friend to read it and tell you what stands out. If you work in a field that uses samples, add a link to your portfolio, as shown in our guide to building a portfolio website.
Step 6: Apply and Follow Up
Tailor your CV and a short cover message for each job. Apply through the official company page where you can, and be careful with offers that ask for fees. Read our guide on finding legitimate remote jobs and avoiding scams. After a week or two, send a polite follow-up message and keep a record of every application, date and contact.
Prepare for the Interview
Practise short stories that show your skills, using the format of situation, action and result. Research the company, prepare questions for the interviewer and test your internet and equipment before an online interview.
Action Checklist
- Read the job advert and note key skills and terms
- Use a clean one or two page layout and save as PDF
- Write bullets that show results with numbers where you honestly can
- Update your LinkedIn headline, summary and experience
- Make sure dates and details match on both
- Proofread and ask a friend to review
- Tailor each application and keep a tracking list
