How to write a CV that gets interviews
Updated 8 November 2026
Recruiters often spend less than a minute on a first look at a CV. These rules help yours get read, and help it pass the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter applications.
1. Keep it to one or two pages
One page is enough for students and people with under 5 years of experience. Two pages is fine for most experienced professionals. Cut old or unrelated jobs before you shrink the font.
2. Put your strongest information first
Start with your name, the job title you want and your contact details. Then a short profile of 2–4 sentences, then your most recent experience.
3. Write achievements, not duties
Instead of "Responsible for sales", write "Grew monthly sales by 25% in 6 months by opening 12 new corporate accounts". Start each line with an action verb and add a number when you can.
4. Match the job advert
Use the same words the advert uses for skills and tools, for example "Microsoft Excel" or "Customer service". ATS software looks for these keywords.
5. Make it easy for ATS to read
- Use standard headings such as Work Experience, Education and Skills.
- Send a PDF with real text, not a photo or scan of your CV.
- Avoid tables of text, text inside images and unusual fonts.
Every template in Free CV Maker follows these rules. The Classic and Minimal templates are the safest for strict ATS systems.
6. Photo or no photo?
In the UK, USA, Canada and Australia most employers prefer no photo. In the Gulf, Pakistan, India and much of Europe a professional photo is common. Follow the custom of the country you apply to.
7. Check before you send
Read it out loud, check dates and phone number, and name the file clearly, for example Ahmed-Khan-CV.pdf.