What makes a great CV? Here are 10 things you can’t leave out

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, your CV is more than just a summary of past experiences—it’s your personal marketing tool and the first impression you make on potential employers.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, knowing what to include in your CV can make or break your application.

This guide explores 10 crucial elements every job seeker must highlight in their CV to stand out, pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), and land that all-important interview.

1. Contact Information: Your Professional Identity Starts Here

Begin your CV with accurate and updated contact details. This includes your full name, phone number, email address (preferably professional-looking), and city/country of residence. If relevant to the job, you may also include a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio website. Avoid including unnecessary personal details such as marital status or age unless required in your country.

2. Professional Summary: A Compelling Elevator Pitch

This 3–5 line section at the top of your CV should clearly articulate who you are professionally. Highlight your career focus, key skills, years of experience, and value proposition. It should be tailored to each role, instantly communicating what makes you the right fit. Think of it as your personal sales pitch—concise but powerful.

Example:
“Results-driven digital marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience boosting online presence for global brands. Proven track record in SEO, PPC, and content strategy. Seeking to leverage data-driven expertise to scale brand visibility for a growth-oriented company.”

3. Work Experience: Your Track Record of Results

This section is often the first thing recruiters look at. List your experience in reverse chronological order, including the company name, location, your job title, and the dates of employment. For each role, describe 3–6 achievements or responsibilities using strong action verbs and, where possible, quantifiable outcomes (e.g., “Increased sales by 30% in 6 months”). Don’t just list duties—show how you made an impact.

4. Educational Background: Academic Foundations

Mention your most relevant degrees, certifications, or training programs. Include the institution’s name, your degree or diploma, field of study, and year of graduation. For recent graduates, listing key coursework, projects, or honors can strengthen your candidacy. For senior professionals, keep it concise and focused on the highest or most relevant credentials.

5. Key Skills: What You Bring to the Table

Use this section to list both technical skills (e.g., Python, Excel, AutoCAD) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, time management). Ensure your listed skills align with the job description, as recruiters often use keyword scanning (ATS software) to filter candidates. Avoid generic lists—only include what you’re truly competent in.

Tip: Organize skills into categories like “Technical,” “Interpersonal,” or “Software Tools” to improve clarity.

6. Certifications and Professional Development

This section is especially critical in fields like IT, finance, healthcare, or project management. Highlight certifications such as PMP, CISSP, Google Analytics, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect. Also include any relevant online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy) or workshops that show a commitment to continued learning and professional growth.

7. Achievements and Awards: Showcasing Excellence

If you’ve won awards or accomplished something notable, don’t bury it. Whether it’s “Employee of the Year,” a scholarship, successful project delivery, or public recognition, mention it with brief context. Frame each achievement to highlight the skill or value it demonstrates—this builds credibility and sets you apart.

8. Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities

Employers value community involvement and well-rounded individuals. Volunteer experience—especially in leadership or team-oriented roles—can highlight transferable skills like project management, empathy, or collaboration. If you’re a student or changing careers, this section can fill experience gaps and add character to your CV.

9. Professional Affiliations and Memberships

Belonging to professional organizations (e.g., Nigerian Society of Engineers, CIPM, IEEE, or Toastmasters) shows that you’re connected to your industry and committed to staying informed. Include your membership status, positions held (if any), and whether you’ve participated in conferences, panels, or events.

10. Use of Keywords and Tailored Language for ATS

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for keywords that match the job description. To improve your chances, mirror the job posting’s language and phrases (e.g., if it mentions “data analytics,” make sure that term is in your CV). However, avoid “keyword stuffing.” Use language naturally while staying honest about your abilities.

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