CV Best Practices for Job Applications

People have always asked me how to build the best CV or resume. No document guarantees anything. But avoidable mistakes can stop a qualified person from getting an interview. For most industry roles, here is what I recommend: • Know the role or job family you are targeting. • Keep one master resume, then tailor it to each opportunity. • Make your level, specialty, and value clear within seconds. • Use a clean, readable, single-column layout with standard headings. Avoid tables, skill bars, text boxes, and complicated formatting that may confuse an ATS. • Opinions on photos differ. Many recommend leaving it off but some true experts like Ethan Evans think it can make you memorable. I leave this to your call. • I also like a statement of purpose of leading paragraph at the top that wraps everything together, especially if you won't use a cover letter. • Keep it concise. One page is often enough early in your career; two pages are reasonable when relevant experience warrants them. No more. • Use short bullets, not dense paragraphs. Readability helps in general and with the ATS • Focus on accomplishments, not only responsibilities. Show what changed because you were there. • Start bullets with strong verbs and quantify impact when truthful and meaningful. • Never invent a metric. Clear qualitative impact is better than a fake number. • Give more space to recent, relevant work and less to older or unrelated experience. • Include important skills, tools, platforms, certifications, and keywords naturally and in context. • Prove qualities such as leadership, collaboration, and initiative through evidence rather than adjectives. • Include relevant projects, freelance work, volunteer work, open-source contributions, and community leadership. • Make your portfolio, website, reel, ArtStation, GitHub, or work samples easy to reach. • For games, name shipped titles when permitted and explain your platforms, engines, discipline, scope, and contribution. • Keep titles, employers, dates, and major facts consistent with LinkedIn. • Never inflate titles, ownership, skills, dates, or results. Be ready to explain every bullet. • Check every link, proofread every word, and follow the requested file format. Then know when to stop. Build it properly. Get credible feedback. Tailor it intelligently. Then focus on relationships, referrals, outreach, targeted applications, portfolio quality, and interview preparation. Set it and forget it - most waste way too much time going in circles over materials once set. A great resume helps someone quickly understand why you deserve the conversation. That is all you are trying to accomplish: going from A pile to B pile.

I've helped craft over 1000 CVs & about 78% successful in cracking a role. How? Let's dive in. 🚀 Your CV is more than just a document—it's your personal brand. It's the first impression you make on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s how to build a standout CV that gets noticed (and gets you interviews): 1. Highlight Your Hard & Soft Skills PMs are like APIs—they connect different stakeholders, making collaboration seamless. Your CV should reflect this balance: 👉 Hard Skills: Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban), tools (Jira, Trello), certifications (CSPO, SAFe POPM). 👉 Soft Skills: Resilience, creativity, negotiation, presentation skills. 2. Use Keywords Strategically Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. To beat the system: 🔑 Identify keywords from job descriptions (use tools like Jobscan). 🔑 Incorporate them into your work experience naturally. 🔑 Customize your CV for each job (e.g., Technical PM vs. Marketing PM vs. Growth PM). 3. Focus on Visual Appeal A well-structured CV makes a lasting impression: ✅ Use clean fonts and simple formatting. ✅ Keep it to 1 page (short CVs are more likely to be read). ✅ Use strategic white space for readability. ✅ Bullet points are your best friend—keep it concise and clear. 4. Personalize Your CV Tailor your CV for each job application: ✨ Customize your professional summary to align with the role. ✨ Highlight relevant achievements with metrics. ✨ Show cultural fit—research the company and align your CV to their values. 5. Showcase Your Achievements Don’t just list job duties—focus on impact: 📈 Quantify your contributions: "Increased user retention by 15% through feature improvements." 📊 Demonstrate results: "Led a team to deliver a product roadmap ahead of schedule, driving a 10% revenue increase." 6. Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫 Generic professional summaries—make it personal and engaging. 🚫 Overloading skills—focus on key, relevant skills. 🚫 Industry jargon—keep it simple and understandable. 🚫 Typos and errors—proofread thoroughly. 7. Seek Feedback & Iterate 💡 Get insights from mentors, friends, or even AI tools like ChatGPT. 💡 Join communities like Product School’s Slack for peer reviews. Final Checklist Before you hit submit, ensure your CV: ✅ Clearly highlights your product management skills. ✅ Is optimized for ATS with relevant keywords. ✅ Looks visually appealing with strategic formatting. ✅ Is customized for the job you're applying for. ✅ Tells your story with impact-driven achievements. 🔄 Over to You! What’s one tip you swear by for crafting a standout CV? Drop it in the comments or DM me for feedback! Let’s nail this together. PS: I run a program that helps folks get better at product management and crack product roles, both in India and abroad. If you want to apply for the program, check out the links in comments. 🚀 #ProductManagement #CVTips #CareerGrowth #JobSearch

When I open a CV, I don’t start by reading every line. I scan for clarity, structure, and impact. Within the first 10 seconds, I can usually tell whether the candidate has put genuine thought into their presentation. Here’s what instantly catches my eye. 1️⃣ Career Progression (Work Experience) This is where recruiters spend the most time. Clearly show your role titles, company names, and dates. Emphasize growth, promotions, increased responsibilities, or major projects. Focus on achievements, not just duties. (Use numbers and outcomes: “Reduced deployment time by 25%.”) 👉 Why it matters: It shows consistency, reliability, and your ability to take on more complex roles. 2️⃣ Skills Section Include both: Technical skills (tools, frameworks, systems) Soft skills (leadership, problem-solving, communication) 👉 Why it matters: Recruiters often scan this section first to quickly match job requirements. 3️⃣ Achievements / Key Projects Create a separate section or highlight them under each role. Mention specific results, revenue increase, process improvements, cost savings, etc. Use action verbs (Developed, Led, Implemented, Streamlined). 👉 Why it matters: Quantifiable impact makes you memorable. 4️⃣ Education & Certifications Especially important in tech and managerial roles. Include recent or relevant certifications (AWS, PMP, Scrum Master, etc.) For experienced professionals, keep it short and relevant. 👉 Why it matters: Shows continuous learning and credibility in your domain. 5️⃣ Formatting & Readability A clean, modern layout = instant credibility. Stick to 1–2 fonts, consistent spacing, and bullet points. Avoid clutter, images, and long paragraphs. Save as PDF (unless the company asks otherwise). 👉 Why it matters: Recruiters judge professionalism within seconds, a clean format shows you value presentation and detail. #RecruiterInsights #CareerTips #CVTips #JobSearch #Recruitment #Hiring #CareerGrowth #LinkedInCommunity #JobSeekers

As someone who’s been on both sides of the hiring process, I know how intimidating it can be to create a CV that truly stands out. Having reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of them, here’s what I personally value the most: 1️⃣ Contact Details That Won’t Fail You: You’d be surprised how often this is overlooked. Double-check your email and phone number—small mistakes can cost big opportunities. 2️⃣ A Summary That Tells Your Story: This is your chance to speak to me directly. Who are you, and what’s your superpower? Make it personal and tailored to the job you want. 3️⃣ Achievements, Not Tasks: I don’t just want to know what you did—I want to know what impact you made. For example, did you lead a project that saved time or increased revenue? Show me the numbers! 4️⃣ Speak the Job’s Language: Recruiters and ATS systems scan for keywords. Think of it as aligning your CV with the company’s needs. 5️⃣ Keep It Easy to Read: The best CVs are clean, simple, and to the point. Fancy fonts or cluttered designs might distract from your accomplishments. 6️⃣ A Custom Touch for Every Role: A generic CV might get lost in the pile. Tailoring your CV for each job application shows effort and alignment with the company’s goals. 7️⃣ Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Typos and grammatical errors can be dealbreakers. Take time to review, or have someone else take a look. Fresh eyes catch mistakes you might miss. Your CV is the first conversation you have, it’s your chance to show your potential even before we meet. Make it clear, compelling, and customized. What’s something you’ve struggled with while crafting your CV? Let’s discuss—I’d love to help! Follow Jhalak Kalra for more!🙌🏻

For the past 2 years, I have reviewed/revamped over 500 unique CVs. The results based on the feedback from some clients are outstanding. But there are common errors which I have had to correct in several of the CVs. If you want your CV to stand out and cry "hire me" then remove these items: 1. Photo: Except you're applying to a beauty contest, no need for your photo on a CV. 2. Career Objective: The vast majority of these objectives say nothing. "Seeking challenging entry role in human resources" and so? Instead, add a professional summary. 3. Job positions older than 12 years. Your CV is not an autobiography of every job you’ve held since you graduated; it’s a marketing document. So, unless something you did more than 12-15 years ago is vital for your target audience to know about, you don’t need to list the entry-level job or internship you held in 1994 4. First-person pronouns: It's your cv, so it's already implied that everything on it is about you. Instead of writing, "I managed 5 employees," just put "managed 5 employees" 5. Irrelevant hobbies and interests: Of course, it's okay to include your hobby if it's related to the position you're applying for. If not, remove it and save space for better stuff 6. An Email Address From Your Current Employer: You want us to know you work with Deloitte so you used official email of the company? Highly unethical. 7. Multiple phone numbers: The more contact options you provide on your CV, the easier it is to miss an important message from a prospective employer. Avoid any confusion by streamlining your contact information. Include one — and only one — phone number on your resume. 8. Personal details: There's no need to include personal information on a resume such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. 9. References: Not needed except the employer specifically asked for it. 10. Spelling and Grammatical Errors🙄 11. Elaborate designs and colours: Remember the less, the more. 12. Jargons, abbreviations and buzzwords. #CV

To all candidates submitting job applications, here is an important message from someone who reviews applications daily: It is necessary to address a few common concerns that many applicants have during the application process. Firstly, your email greeting—whether it begins with “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Hello,” or no greeting at all—does not determine whether your CV will be opened. Recruiters review applications based on content, not salutations. Secondly, cover letters are only required when explicitly requested by the employer. What ultimately influences your chances of being shortlisted is the quality and relevance of your CV, not the length of your email. However, the most critical point is this: always attach your CV. Sending an email without an attachment is one of the quickest ways candidates lose opportunities. While some recruiters may follow up, many will not. Please do not take that risk. To enhance your visibility, ensure your CV is saved using your full name. If your CV is tailored to a specific position, include the job title in the file name. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description so your CV appears during applicant searches. Shift your approach from merely listing job duties to demonstrating how you have solved problems. Every vacancy represents a gap within an organization—your CV should clearly position you as the solution. Below is a concise job application checklist you should always follow: 1. Use the job title as the subject line 2. Keep your email brief, clear, and professional (2–3 lines) 3. Attach your CV—do not forget this 4. Include your full name and contact information in your email signature. By adhering to these simple but essential steps, you will significantly improve your chances of standing out for the right reasons. 👌

As I’ve been shortlisting candidates for a Secretary position, I’ve been genuinely surprised at how many CVs look and sound exactly the same. It often feels like reading one CV repeatedly, with phrases such as: • “Drafting and formulating documents” • “Proofreading documents” • “Maintaining deadlines” These statements are not wrong — but they are too vague. They don’t show what you actually did, how well you did it, or what impact you made. If you are applying for a position, please elaborate on your experience. Help the employer see your real value. Here are a few practical tips: 1. Be specific about your responsibilities Instead of saying “drafting documents,” explain the type of documents you prepared (reports, contracts, meeting minutes, correspondence) and who they were for. 2. Highlight tools and systems you used Mention software like MS Office, SharePoint, AJS or diary-management systems. This helps employers quickly see your capability. Remember: Your CV is not just a list of duties. It is evidence of your contribution, growth, and professionalism. Take time to present your experience clearly — it could be the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked. Wishing all job seekers success in their applications. 🌱

Dear Network, I recently received multiple requests to review CVs and give my professional opinion on the topic. Creating a compelling CV (Curriculum Vitae) is crucial for job seekers as it serves as a marketing document that showcases your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Here's a comprehensive #guide to help you produce the best CV: 1. Contact Information Include: Full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Optional: Physical address (city and state) or a link to an online portfolio. 2. Professional Summary Length: 2-4 sentences. Content: Summarize your professional background, key skills, and career goals. 3. Key Skills Format: Use bullet points. Content: List relevant skills e.g. technical skills, languages, software proficiency, soft skills 4. Professional Experience Format: Reverse chronological order (most recent job first). Content: Job Title: Clearly state your role. Company Name and Location: Include the name and location of the company. Dates of Employment: Specify the start and end dates (month and year). Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe your duties and accomplishments. Tip: Use action verbs (e.g., managed, developed, led) and quantify achievements (e.g., increased sales by 20%). 5. Education Format: Reverse chronological order. Degree: Include the name of the degree. Institution: Name of the school or university. Location: City and state/country. Dates Attended: Month and year of start and graduation. Additional Details: GPA (if impressive), relevant coursework, honors, and awards. 6. Certifications and Training Content: List any relevant certifications, licenses, or training courses. Details: Include the name of the certification, issuing organization, and date obtained. 7. Projects Content: Highlight significant projects related to the job. Details: Project title, your role, key outcomes, and any measurable results. 8. Publications and Presentations Content: List any research papers, articles, or presentations. Details: Include the title, publication or event name, and date. 9. Professional Affiliations Content: Mention memberships in professional organizations. Details: Include the name of the organization and any leadership roles. 10. Languages Content: List languages you speak and your proficiency level (e.g., native, fluent, intermediate). 11. Volunteering Content: Include volunteer roles, especially those relevant to the job. Details: Role, organization name, dates, and responsibilities. Additional Tips Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV for each job application to match the job description. Keep It Concise: Aim for 1-2 pages, focusing on relevant information. Choose a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and spacing. Proofread: Ensure your CV is free of typos, grammatical errors, and inaccuracies. Use Action Words to describe tasks Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to highlight your accomplishments.

Having a good CV is crucial to getting the job you want. I commonly review and interview many people for positions in data science, ML, and related areas; and unfortunately most of the CVs that are shared with me have the wrong formats or are poorly organized to understand the profile. In this publication I will give several recommendations with two main objectives: - Pass the ATS (Automated screening for resumes) - Show your skills, knowledge and experience correctly. You may not be aware but most of the companies you apply to on LinkedIn, Indeed and other platforms use a tool called ATS to do an automatic evaluation before passing your CV to a human for review. You can validate if your CV passes the ATS by entering Jobscan or here on LinkedIn in your profile and building your CV, you can see if your PDF or Word is recognized. Here are my recommendations to build a CV correctly: - Use formats such as PDF or Word for your CV, if it is Word the ATS can read it even more easily, but PDF works in most cases. - Limit your format to text, do not use graphics, boxes, tables, images, etc. since ATS systems do not capture them well and they don’t look professionals. - Use soft colors, and even better black and white, if you will use any color it can be blue, green or orange maximum. Not in the background, perhaps in the name of the sections. - Use "keywords" and do it in context. The best way to determine potential resume keywords for a particular position is to carefully review the job posting. Integrate your keywords into the content of your CV. CVs that incorporate keywords in the rest of the text are more likely to be approved by the ATS software than in one section all together. - Customize your CV for each job you apply for. You can use the same basic template for each of your CVs, but try customizing different versions of your CV for each job application. - Avoid any type of grammatical error and incorrect information, it can look very bad and cancel your application. - Use action verbs to explain what you have done in each previous position and the measurable results of your participation. I add a listing as a document. - Use the formats that I will add to this post as examples, if you are looking for others make sure that the format is similar, with bullet-points explaining your previous work with verbs and results. - Do not put a photo of yourself in the CV. In several countries it is not used and it is even prohibited to "discriminate" for this type of information. - If possible, do not use acronyms. If you do, put what an acronym or abbreviation means the first time you use it on your CV. You will find attached a document with two sample formats and a guide from Harvard University to build your CV and Cover letters. Please comment and recommend your best practices to help others :) #datascience #jobsearchtips Cassie Andriy Matt Kristen Kate Michael Andreas Eric Beau

I’ve looked through hundreds of CV’s in the last few weeks. So, I wanted to share a few of my practical tips for anyone currently job hunting that might help you stand out and get shortlisted👇 1️⃣ Details matter more than you think I saw many strong applications undone by simple mistakes, like poor CV formatting or the wrong company name or hiring manager added to cover letter. 👉 Action: Before you submit, do a final 2–3 minute check: company name, role title, spelling, and formatting. Personalise the CV for the role you’re applying to. It makes a huge difference 2️⃣ Design for the skim Recruiters and hiring managers don’t read CVs top to bottom, they scan for relevance first. I read far too many CVs which were 3 or 4 pages long and unfortunately they don’t cut through. 👉 Action: Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise achievements. Make your most relevant experience impossible to miss in the first half of page one. If you can fit everything on one page, do it! 3️⃣ Initiative stands out Candidates who reached out to me on LinkedIn showed genuine interest and confidence. I was able to reply to pretty much every message, and it adds that extra effort that makes you more noticeable. 👉 Action: Send a short, thoughtful message to the hiring manager. Mention the role and one specific reason you’re interested… but no generic copy-paste tactics! 4️⃣ Generic won’t get you noticed I read a lot of cover letters, and many could have been sent to any company. In some instances, cover letters mentioned the wrong brand name and hiring manager. In my application sifting, I usually read a cover letter first before the CV. 👉 Action: Use your application or cover letter to connect your experience or passion directly to that role. Specific notes or comments will immediately make you stand out. 5️⃣ Tap into your network I’m a firm believer that the power of a recommendation can have a huge impact on someone’s ability to stand out. Using your network can really help you get deeper insights and perspective on the opportunity. 👉 Action: Find relevant connections and reach out to them for support in learning more about the hiring manager, role or company. Don’t be shy or cautious to get yourself seen and heard. Job searching is tough, but small, intentional improvements can significantly increase your chances. If this helps even one person land an interview, it’s worth sharing. Good luck to everyone applying right now 💪