Your CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer. In a competitive job market, a poorly written CV can cost you the job before you even get an interview. Here is a complete guide to writing a CV that gets results in 2026.

Keep It Clean and Simple

Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings, consistent fonts and plenty of white space. Avoid fancy graphics, photos or bright colours unless you are applying for a creative role.

Start With a Strong Personal Profile

Your personal profile or summary is the first thing recruiters read. Write 3-4 sentences that summarise who you are, what you do and what you bring to the table. Example: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5 years of experience in digital marketing and brand development. Proven track record of growing online audiences and delivering measurable ROI.”

Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Never send the same CV to every employer. Read the job description carefully and use similar keywords and phrases in your CV. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan CVs for specific keywords before a human even sees them.

Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Instead of listing what you were responsible for, focus on what you actually achieved. Use numbers where possible. For example, instead of “Managed social media accounts” write “Grew Instagram following from 2,000 to 15,000 in 8 months, resulting in a 40% increase in website traffic.”

Education and Certifications

List your highest qualification first. Include your institution, degree or certificate, and year of graduation. Add any relevant professional certifications such as ACCA, PMP, Google Analytics or AWS.

Keep It to 2 Pages Maximum

Unless you have more than 15 years of experience, your CV should be no longer than 2 pages. Be concise and focus on what is most relevant to the role you are applying for.

Proofread Everything

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are an immediate red flag for employers. Always proofread your CV multiple times and ask a trusted friend or colleague to review it before sending.

Ready to Apply?

Once your CV is polished, browse thousands of job opportunities at Fex Jobs Listing — covering Ghana, UK, USA, Australia, Canada and 14 more countries.