How to Create a CV: Step-by-Step Guide to a Professional CV Format (2025 Update)

Creating a CV that gets shortlisted is essential in today’s competitive job market. If you are searching for how to create a CV that looks professional and gets noticed by both recruiters and applicant tracking systems, this step-by-step 2025 guide will help you structure it properly. A CV should not only communicate your qualifications but also present your profile clearly and professionally.

What is a CV and Why Format Matters

A CV, also known as Curriculum Vitae, is a document that highlights your work history, skills, education and achievements. Many candidates only focus on adding information but ignore the presentation and structure. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning a CV. Applicant tracking systems also filter CVs before they reach a human. That is why having a clean layout and proper structure helps you get noticed more easily.

Choosing the Right CV Format

There are three commonly used CV structures:

• Reverse chronological format: Best for experienced candidates because it highlights the latest work experience first.

• Functional format: Best for freshers or those switching careers because it focuses more on skills than job history.

• Combination format: Suitable for mixed profiles because it balances both skills and work experience.

The most widely accepted format is reverse chronological because it presents your most recent achievements at the top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Professional CV

Follow these steps to create a clean and ATS-friendly CV.

1. Start with a Header Section

Include:

• Full name

• Mobile number

• Professional email address

• Optional: LinkedIn or portfolio link

Use a professional email ID. Avoid informal usernames or unnecessary numbers.

2. Add a Professional Summary

Write a short introduction in two to three lines describing your experience, skills and objective. Use active tone and relevant industry keywords.

Example:

Digital marketing executive with three years of experience in campaign management, client coordination and performance tracking. Skilled in content strategy and brand communication.

3. List Your Skills Clearly

Use bullet points for better readability. Include only role-relevant skills.

Example skills:

• Client communication

• Data tracking and reporting

• Excel and CRM tools

• Team coordination

4. Add Work Experience in Reverse Order

Mention your job title, company name and duration. Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements. Use action words such as managed, executed, delivered, achieved, implemented, improved.

Example:

Sales Coordinator | XYZ Pvt Ltd | July 2022 to Present

• Managed sales reporting and improved response time by coordinating with internal teams.

• Assisted in client follow-ups and increased conversion rate.

5. Include Education Details

Keep it simple. Mention degree, institution and year. Add academic achievements if relevant.

6. Add Certifications or Achievements

Mention any relevant online certifications, industry-recognised training or awards. This improves credibility and increases recruiter trust.

7. Maintain a Clean Layout

Use a readable font like Arial or Calibri. Maintain even spacing. Do not use decorative designs, heavy graphics or multi-column tables. Always save and submit your CV in PDF format to maintain layout consistency.

Tips to Improve CV Quality

• Use action-focused statements instead of passive descriptions.

• Keep your CV one page if you are a fresher. Two pages are acceptable if you have multiple roles.

• Rename your file professionally. Example: Amit_Verma_CV_2025.pdf

• Match keywords from the job description to increase ATS compatibility.

Internal Linking Placeholder: (Related: CV Mistakes to Avoid Before Submitting – Coming soon on OneSolutionEZ.in)

Mistakes to Avoid While Creating a CV

Avoid the following:

• Using the same CV for every job without customization

• Adding personal details like religion, marital status or full residential address

• Using graphics or design-heavy formats that reduce ATS readability

• Submitting without proofreading grammar and spelling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a CV and a Resume?

A CV is detailed and covers your entire academic and work journey. A resume is shorter and focused on a specific job application.

Can a fresher create a CV?

Yes. Freshers should focus on skills, certifications, academic projects and internships instead of work history.

Should I include a photo in my CV?

Adding a photo is optional. It is only necessary if the job description demands it.

What is the ideal CV length?

Freshers should keep it to one page. Experienced professionals can extend to two pages if required.

Which file format is best for submission?

PDF is recommended because it maintains formatting across devices.

Final Overview

Now you know how to create a CV in a structured and professional format that aligns with both recruiter expectations and ATS guidelines. A clear layout, relevant keywords and active tone increase your chances of getting shortlisted. If you want a downloadable CV format or ready-made template, type “Send CV template” and a professionally designed version will be provided.