Resume Writing Tips: How to Write a CV That Gets Noticed

Your resume is your first impression. Recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding to read further. This guide gives you a step-by-step blueprint to write a resume that both passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and impresses human recruiters.

The Essential Resume Structure

1. Contact Information — Full name, email, phone, LinkedIn URL, location (city/country)
2. Professional Summary — 2–3 sentences highlighting your key value proposition
3. Work Experience — Reverse chronological order, with quantified achievements
4. Skills — Hard skills and relevant tools/technologies
5. Education — Degree, institution, graduation year
6. Optional sections — Certifications, projects, publications, volunteer work

Writing Compelling Work Experience Bullets

The most powerful resume bullets follow this formula:

ATS Optimisation

Most large companies use ATS to filter resumes before a human sees them. To pass:

• Mirror keywords from the job description — if the job says "project management," use that exact phrase
• Use standard section headings — "Work Experience" not "My Journey"
• Avoid tables, text boxes, and graphics — ATS cannot read these reliably
• Submit as .docx or ATS-friendly PDF — avoid creative PDF formats
• Spell out acronyms — "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)" not just "SEO"

Strong Action Verbs by Category

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Job

Never send the same generic resume to every job. Recruiters can tell. For each application:

1. Read the job description carefully and highlight the top 5 requirements
2. Make sure your professional summary directly addresses those requirements
3. Reorder your bullet points so the most relevant experience appears first
4. Add specific keywords from the job description into your skills section

Use BrainBoost's free Resume/CV Builder to create a professional resume online. Also check the Cover Letter Generator to complement your application.

Frequently Asked Questions