Your CV is your first opportunity to make an impression with potential employers—it’s your personal marketing tool.

At Onshore Technical, we’ve helped countless candidates craft CVs that stand out.

 Here’s our guide to writing the perfect CV to help you land your dream role.

1. Start with a Clear Structure

A well-organized CV is easier to read and makes a strong first impression. 

Use this structure:

Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.

Professional Summary: A short, compelling paragraph summarizing your key skills, experience, and career goals.

Key Skills: Highlight relevant technical and soft skills tailored to the job.

Work Experience: List roles in reverse chronological order, with a focus on responsibilities and achievements.

Education & Certifications: Include qualifications relevant to the job, along with dates and institutions.

Additional Information: Add sections for languages, volunteering, or interests if they support your application.

2. Tailor It to the Role

Employers want to see how your skills and experience align with their needs. 

Study the job description carefully, and:

Use keywords from the listing to match their criteria.
Highlight achievements and responsibilities most relevant to the role.
Create a different CV for each job application to show you’ve done your homework.

3. Achievements, Not Just Duties

Focus on what you’ve accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. 

Use metrics and specifics where possible:

Instead of: “Managed a team,” write: “Led a team of 10 to exceed sales targets by 20%.”
Instead of: “Handled client complaints,” write: “Resolved customer issues, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.”

4. Keep It Concise and Professional

Aim for a CV length of 2 pages maximum (1 page for less experienced candidates).

Use clear fonts like Arial or Calibri, and keep font sizes between 10–12 pt.
Use bullet points to make information easy to scan.

5. Use Action Words

Start sentences with strong verbs like “Achieved,” “Led,” “Implemented,” or “Optimized” to demonstrate proactivity and impact.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

Spelling and Grammar Errors: Proofread thoroughly and have someone else check it.

Irrelevant Information: Focus on the job you’re applying for—avoid listing outdated or unrelated roles.

Personal Details: There’s no need to include your photo, age, or marital status in most cases.

7. Highlight Your Skills

Include a dedicated Key Skills section where you list the technical and soft skills relevant to the job.

For example:

Technical Skills: “Pipeline Design,” “Project Management,” “CAD Software”
Soft Skills: “Leadership,” “Problem-Solving,” “Team Collaboration”

8. Use a Professional Tone

Your CV should be formal yet approachable. 

Avoid jargon or slang and ensure your tone matches the professional expectations of the industry.

9. Include Keywords for ATS

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. 

Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV gets noticed.

10. End with a Strong Call to Action

In your Professional Summary or cover email, express enthusiasm for the role and invite the employer to contact you for more details.

Need Help?

Writing a CV can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

At Onshore Technical, we offer expert advice and resources to help you craft the perfect CV.

 Submit your CV to us today, and we’ll guide you toward the next step in your career!

Ready to take the first step? 

Explore our job listings or get in touch for more support.