Is It Time to Update Your CV? A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting an Impressive Resume

London — Kings Park

In my previous post, I talked about how to determine if it’s the right time to change jobs. Once you’ve identified your top five criteria and decided to make the leap, the first thing you need to do is update your CV. Today, I’ll walk you through the key elements of crafting a CV that stands out, complete with examples. Ready? Let’s get started!

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While different roles and career levels require tailored CVs, the core principles are generally the same. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

1. Personal Information

At the very top of your CV, include your full name. This immediately identifies who the document belongs to. Beneath your name, list your contact details — email address and phone number are essential. Including your current city can also be helpful, as it allows recruiters to filter opportunities based on your location.

What personal details should you avoid?

• Photo: Hiring decisions shouldn’t be based on your appearance. Including a photo opens the door to potential bias, so leave it out.

• Date of Birth: Your age is irrelevant to your skills and experience. Avoid any information that could invite unconscious bias.

• Social Media Accounts: Unless directly related to your work (e.g., if you’re a social media specialist), there’s no need to include these. A quick Google search will lead recruiters to your LinkedIn profile if necessary.

• Irrelevant Details: Information like blood type, smoking habits, or your driver’s license type has no place on your CV.

  
  

2. Summary

A brief summary of yourself right below your personal information gives your CV a professional touch. This section should be concise — no more than 5–8 sentences — and highlight your career background and aspirations.

Example: I am a highly motivated backend developer with a passion for building robust and scalable software solutions. With 5 years of experience, I excel in designing web application infrastructures and implementing efficient backend systems. My goal is to help businesses achieve their objectives through innovative, optimised solutions while staying updated on the latest technologies. Let’s collaborate to create outstanding results!

3. Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include:

• Company name

• Dates of employment

• Your role

• Location (city, country)

  
  

For each role, describe your responsibilities and achievements using bullet points. Be specific and concise. Mention the technologies or tools you used — this can make your CV more searchable for specific skills.

Example: Backend Developer — XYZ Company (Istanbul)August 2018 — February 2022

• Developed scalable infrastructures for web applications.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve system performance and implement new features.

• Created and integrated RESTful APIs, enhancing system efficiency.

• Specialised in deployment using AWS and Docker.

• Led a project optimising search engine functionality with Node.js and Elasticsearch.

Technologies: Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, RESTful APIs, AWS, Docker, Node.js, Elasticsearch.

4. Education

If you’re experienced, keep this section short by listing your most recent or relevant qualification. For recent graduates, you can include additional details like coursework or projects.

Example: B.S. in Computer Science — Istanbul Bilgi UniversitySeptember 2013 — June 2017 (Full Scholarship)Focused on programming languages, database management, and software engineering. Completed a thesis on algorithm design for data analysis.

If you’re a university student and haven’t yet worked professionally at a company, you can include more details about your education and projects.

Example:Education:Bachelor of Science in Computer EngineeringABC University, IstanbulSeptember 2014 — June 2018

• Completed a curriculum focused on core topics such as programming languages, database management, data structures, and algorithms.

• Took specialised courses in project management, software engineering, and web application development.

• Conducted a thesis project aimed at solving a significant problem in data analysis using a proposed optimisation algorithm.

• Actively participated in student organisations to stay updated with advancements in programming and technology.

Awards:

• Best Undergraduate Thesis Award, Faculty of Engineering, ABC University (2018)

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Additionally, there’s no need to include high school details unless you graduated from a highly prestigious institution. If that’s the case, you can briefly mention it.

5. Languages

Clearly state the languages you know, along with your proficiency level. Use globally recognised terms like:

• English (proficient)

• Turkish (native)

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6. Activities, Clubs, & Certifications

This section is great for showcasing extracurricular achievements, leadership skills, and technical certifications. Include only relevant and impressive details.

Example:

• Python Programming Certificate (Udemy, 2020)

• Attended the “Software Engineering” conference in the USA (2019)

• Robotics Club Member, ABC University (2017–2018)

• Business Club Co-Founder and Vice President, ABC University (2016–2017)

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Final Tips for a Polished CV

• Proofread: Typos can leave a bad impression. Double-check your CV for grammar and spelling errors.

• Consistency: Use a clean, professional template with consistent formatting and fonts.

• Length: Keep it concise — 2 pages at most, unless your experience truly warrants more.

• Tailor It: Customise your CV for each role you apply for, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills.

  
  

I hope this article proves helpful for job seekers and recent graduates. Best of luck to everyone!

In my next article, I’ll share tips on job interviews, so stay tuned!