Think of your CV as your personal 'brand'—it’s the first impression a recruiter gets without even meeting you. It's not just a piece of paper with your name; it’s a summary of your skills and experiences that tells your success story. A well-crafted CV opens doors to interviews, while a poorly made one might end up in the trash, no matter how talented you are.

The golden rule: if you're a fresh graduate or have less than 5 years of experience, one page is perfect. If you're an expert with many years of work and massive projects, you can go up to two pages. Anything more feels like a biography, and recruiters don't have time for that—they want the highlights in seconds.

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a 'robot' used by large companies to filter hundreds of CVs. To pass, your CV needs a simple layout without complex tables or heavy graphics. You must also use 'keywords' found in the job description so the robot understands you're the right match.

In most international markets and multinational companies, a photo is not required and can even lead to rejection to avoid bias. Stick to the content and don't include a photo unless the job explicitly asks for it (like modeling or certain customer service roles). Focus on your brain, not your looks.

Avoid generic hobbies as they add little value. Only include hobbies that relate to the job or demonstrate a skill; for example, if applying for a leadership role, mentioning you're a 'football team captain' shows leadership. Otherwise, use that space for a relevant course or a technical skill.

Always start with the most recent (Reverse Chronological). Your current or last job should be at the top, followed by previous ones. Managers want to see where you are now and your recent growth, not where you started 10 years ago.

Certainly not! Be smart and select courses relevant to the specific job you're applying for. Focus on strong, recent certifications that shout, 'I am ready for this role!'

Don't worry, it's not the end of the world. If you were out of work, use that time in your CV to show you were 'freelancing,' taking intensive courses, or developing a new skill. Honesty is key, and you can explain it in the interview as long as you show the time wasn't wasted.

The most important link is your LinkedIn profile—make sure it's polished. If you're a developer, add GitHub; if you're a designer, add Behance. These links let employers see your work live, which builds massive trust.

PDF is the only format that preserves your layout and formatting exactly as you intended. Word files can look messy or distorted when opened on different devices, which looks unprofessional. PDF ensures what you see is what the recruiter gets.

They are the secret sauce! When you read a job ad, notice repeating terms like 'Project Management' or 'Salesforce.' By placing these keywords naturally in your CV, you're telling the ATS and the manager: 'I am exactly who you are looking for.'

One working phone number and one professional email address. Avoid emails like 'cool-guy2020.' Use your real name so you appear mature and responsible.

Ideally, yes! You don't have to rewrite everything, but tweak your 'Professional Summary' or reorder skills to highlight what that specific company needs most. A 'one-size-fits-all' CV often fits no one.

Privacy is the modern trend. Your name, number, email, and city are enough. There’s no need to list your apartment number, religion, or marital status—these don't define your work competence and can open doors for bias.

Use the language of numbers. Instead of saying 'I sold products,' say 'Increased sales by $100k in one year.' Numbers impress managers and prove you are a high-impact employee.

Very important! It's your 'elevator pitch.' A 3-line summary at the top explaining who you are and what value you bring will hook the recruiter into reading the rest of your CV.

List languages you can actually use in an interview. Don't say 'Fluent' if you only know the basics. Use descriptors like Native, Fluent, or Intermediate to avoid embarrassing situations later.

Stick to classic, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative fonts as they distract the reader and look unprofessional. Simplicity is key.

Don't list names and numbers for privacy reasons. Simply write 'References available upon request.' Once the company decides to hire you, they will ask for them.

Every time you achieve something new! A new course, a big project, a promotion—add it immediately. Keep your CV ready at all times; opportunities often come when least expected!