How to Write a CV in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
The CVera Team · · 2 min read
A CV has one job: get you to the interview. Recruiters spend a handful of seconds on each one, and many are filtered by software before a human ever sees them. This guide walks through how to write a CV that survives both — step by step.
1. Start with the right structure
Almost every strong CV follows the same order, because it's the order recruiters expect to read: contact details, a short professional summary, work experience (most recent first), education, and skills. Keep it to one page early in your career, two pages once you have several roles to show.
2. Write a summary that earns the next 30 seconds
Skip generic phrases like "hard-working team player" and lead with your role, years of experience, and one standout result.
3. Turn duties into achievements
Replace responsibilities with results. Start each bullet with a strong verb (led, built, cut, grew, launched) and add a number wherever you honestly can.
4. Match the CV to the job
Read the job description and mirror its language — it helps both the human reader and the applicant tracking system that scans your CV first. See our ATS guide.
5. Keep the design clean and export as PDF
Use one clear font, consistent spacing, and simple headings, then save as a PDF so the formatting stays intact. A good template does this for you — pick one, add your content, and download in minutes.