How to Write a Professional CV That Gets You Hired
Why a Professional CV Matters
We live in a world where hundreds of people apply for the same job. Recruiters don’t have time to read every word. They quickly scan your CV for key details. If your CV looks unprofessional, they may reject it without reading further.
A strong CV:
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Makes you look confident and skilled
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Shows you understand the job role
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Helps you stand out from other candidates
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Increases your chance of getting an interview
At Profession.lk, many job seekers use our free resume templates to create professional CVs that actually work.
Steps to Write a Professional CV
1. Choose the Right CV Format
The format matters. A messy CV will not work. You can use these three main styles:
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Chronological CV – Best for people with strong work history
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Functional CV – Best for people with gaps in work or fresh graduates
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Combination CV – Mix of both, highlights skills and work experience
Tip: Most recruiters prefer chronological format.
2. Start with Personal Information
Your CV must start with:
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Full Name
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Contact Number
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Email Address
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LinkedIn Profile (optional but powerful)
Do not add unnecessary details like religion, marital status, or photos unless the employer asks.
3. Write a Strong Personal Statement
This short section is your sales pitch. It should tell employers:
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Who you are
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What you can do
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Why you are a good fit
Example:
“I am a results-driven Software Engineer with 5 years of experience in web development. I specialize in building user-friendly applications and solving complex problems. I am seeking a challenging role where I can use my skills to grow the company and my career.”
4. Highlight Your Work Experience
Always list your jobs in reverse order (latest first). Include:
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Job Title
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Company Name
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Dates Worked
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Key Responsibilities and Achievements
Bullet points make this clear and easy to read.
5. Add Your Education
List your qualifications. Example:
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Bachelor of Business Administration – University of Colombo – 2020
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Diploma in Digital Marketing – IDM – 2021
6. Include Skills and Certifications
Employers search for skills. Add both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
Examples of skills:
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Microsoft Excel
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Project Management
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Customer Service
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Leadership
7. Use Resume Templates
If you are not sure about the design, use a resume template. Profession.lk offers free CV templates that are professional and easy to edit. You can also explore sites like Canva for creative templates.
Real-Life Example
Last year, one of our readers, Nuwan, was struggling to get interviews. His CV was 5 pages long and full of unnecessary details. We helped him rewrite it using a simple 2-page professional CV template.
The result? Within 2 weeks, he got interview calls from 3 top companies.
This shows that format, clarity, and relevance matter more than long descriptions.
CV Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
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Keep it short (1–2 pages)
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Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
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Match your CV with the job description
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Use numbers to show results (e.g., “Increased sales by 25%”)
Don’ts:
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Don’t use casual emails (like [email protected])
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Don’t write long paragraphs
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Don’t lie about qualifications
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Don’t forget to proofread for spelling errors
Pros and Cons of Using Templates
Pros
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Saves time
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Looks professional
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Easy to edit
Cons
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Some designs may be too common
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Limited customization in free versions
If you want unique designs, try premium CV templates from sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between a CV and a Resume?
A CV is detailed and used for academic or professional jobs. A resume is shorter (1–2 pages) and highlights key skills.
2. Should I include references in my CV?
No. Just write “References available on request.” Employers will ask later.
3. How many pages should a professional CV be?
Ideally, 1–2 pages. Long CVs are often ignored.
4. Can I use the same CV for every job?
No. Always edit your CV to match the job application.
5. Do I need a cover letter with my CV?
Yes. A cover letter shows your personality and motivation. Check out our guide on How to Write a Cover Letter.
Conclusion
Your CV is your ticket to an interview. If you create a professional CV, you will already be ahead of many other job seekers. Remember:
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Keep it short and clear
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Highlight achievements, not just tasks
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Match it to the job description
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Use professional templates if needed
Start building your professional CV today using free CV templates from Profession.lk and improve your chances of getting hired.
If you want to learn more, check out: