It can be very stressful sometimes to create a strong CV, especially when you want it to stand out in a competitive job market. It is very important for entry-level to managerial-level employees to get the dream interview. In this article, we answer six of the most important questions to help you improve your chances of success.
How Long Should My CV Be?
It should ideally be two A4 pages. However, it also depends on a few cases. For instance, for entry-level candidates, 1-pager is enough and for highly-experienced professionals (with around more than 20 years experience), a 3-pager creates a better impression. Hiring managers typically spend less than a minute scanning each application, so focus on clarity, relevance, and impact.
What Should I Include in My CV?
Most of the important information presented below should be included on the first page:
- Contact Information
- Personal Profile or Summary
- Work Experience (Most recent should be first in the order)
- Education and Qualifications
- Skills and Achievements
- Languages
- Certifications and Courses
- Driving License (It is important for UAE)
- References (Optional or “Available on Request”)
- Areas of Expertise
The above information should be followed by detailed job highlights that indicate the responsibilities you handled in your jobs.
Should I Use a CV Template?
Templates provide presentation, structure, and consistency to the information added in the documents. However, it is important to avoid overly decorative designs that might distract from your content or confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS). If you’re unsure about formatting, this is where our professional CV writing service can help you with developing a professional one.
Read more on: Reasons to Seek Professional CV Writing Help in UAE
How Do I Tailor My CV for a Specific Role?
It is important to customize the document for each job role or application. Read the job description carefully that you are applying for and include keywords from it in your document. Highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the role as this improves your chances of passing through ATS filters and catching a recruiter’s attention.
How Should I Describe My Work Experience?
Use bullet points to describe key responsibilities and achievements under each job role. Start each point with a strong action verb like “managed,” “developed,” or “implemented.” Use numbers and outcomes when possible, specifically focus on quantifiable results that you achieved to make your achievements more persuasive. For example, suppose you are a social media manager. In that case, you can mention: “Increased social media engagement by 40% in 6 months” or “Grew brand’s social media following by 40,000+ across platforms and increased web traffic by 25%.”
Do I Need a Cover Letter With My CV?
Yes, you should always include a tailored cover letter unless the job ad explicitly says not to. A cover letter allows you to explain your interest in the role and company, and to expand on key elements of your application. It’s another opportunity to make a strong impression.
Read more about cover letters on: Cover Letter vs. CV: Key Differences Explained
If you’re unsure about how to position your experience or you simply want to give yourself the best shot, contact us today to get a professional CV and resume writing service on +971 508200128 or email us help@cvcenter.ae.
FAQs
How far back should I go with my work history?
Generally, include the last 10–15 years of experience, focusing on relevance to the job you’re applying for.
Can I include hobbies and interests?
Yes, but only if they are relevant or demonstrate transferable skills (e.g., leadership, creativity, teamwork).
Should I include references?
It’s acceptable to write “References available upon request.” Including full contact details is optional and can be provided later in the hiring process.
