How many pages should a CV be?

Ideally 1 page with under 10 years of experience, 2 pages with more. Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on the first scan.

Should I include a photo?

It depends on the country. In the US and UK it is discouraged. In parts of Europe it is common. Research local norms.

What file format should I use?

PDF is safest as it preserves formatting. Some ATS prefer Word (.docx). Follow what the job listing requests.

How often should I update my CV?

Update whenever you change roles or gain new skills. Review at least every 6 months.

Do I need a cover letter?

Yes, if the job asks for one or if you want to stand out. A good cover letter can be the difference between an interview and a rejection.

How to Write a CV

Complete step-by-step guide to creating a professional CV that passes ATS filters and lands interviews.

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1. Contact Details

Include full name, professional email, phone number and city. Add LinkedIn if it is up to date. Do not include a photo, age or marital status unless it is local custom.

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2. Professional Summary

A 3-4 line summary highlighting your experience, key skills and what you bring. Tailor it for each role using keywords from the job description.

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3. Work Experience

List jobs from most recent to oldest. For each: company, title, dates and 3-5 measurable achievements. Use action verbs and concrete numbers.

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4. Education

Include degree, university and graduation year. With under 5 years of experience, detail relevant courses and grades if strong.

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5. Skills

Split between technical skills (software, languages, tools) and soft skills (leadership, communication). Prioritise those in the job description.

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6. Additional Sections

Certifications, languages with proficiency level, volunteering or personal projects. Only include what is relevant.

What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

75% of companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter CVs automatically. If your CV is not optimised, it may be rejected before a human ever sees it. SUAR analyses your CV compatibility with these systems.

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Mistakes to Avoid

✗Using the same CV for every application

✓Tailor your CV to each role with specific keywords

✗Writing long paragraphs without structure

✓Use bullet points, action verbs and quantifiable data

✗Including irrelevant or outdated information

✓Focus on the last 10-15 years of relevant experience

✗Using overly designed formats ATS cannot read

✓Choose clean, ATS-compatible templates

✗Skipping proofreading

✓Review multiple times and use checking tools

FAQ

How to Write a CV

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