The Perfect CV: All Important Tips and Information

How to Write a CV: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Start With the Right Foundation

Before typing a single word, map out your professional journey: jobs, degrees, internships, skills, and certifications. Don’t forget relevant hobbies or personal projects—they often showcase valuable soft skills.

Then, condense the list. Tailor your CV to the role: if you’re applying for an accounting job, your summer gig pumping gas in 2006 probably isn’t relevant, but your internship at a finance firm certainly is.

Step 2: Structure is Everything

A messy layout is one of the most common reasons CVs get rejected. Stick with a tabular format—clean, reverse-chronological, and no longer than two pages.

Here’s what your CV should include:

Personal details (name, contact info)

Work experience

Education & certifications

Key skills & languages

Relevant hobbies or interests

Don’t forget: If there are gaps in your resume (over two months), be prepared to explain them. Sabbaticals, career changes, or even long-term illnesses can be framed positively.

Step 3: Customize Your CV to the Job

Recruiters search for keywords from the job posting. Mirror those exact terms in your CV—especially in your skills and experience sections.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help reword your experience to better match job descriptions. But if you want it done-for-you, Fiverr offers CV writing services by experienced professionals who know what employers are really looking for.

Quick Tips for the Perfect CV

Use a photo (if common in your country)—professionally taken, with a friendly yet confident look.

Don’t lie—especially about skills or job titles. It’s not worth the risk.

Hobbies matter—only include them if they show personality or relevant skills (e.g., team sports, volunteering).

Check for errors—and ask someone else to proofread.

Tabular CV: The Preferred Format

Today, the tabular CV is the standard. It presents your career clearly in reverse chronological order. It should be no longer than two pages and must include:

Personal information & contact

Career history

Education

Internships & projects

Skills, training, certifications

Personal interests

Be ready to explain any gaps during interviews. Learn more about handling them in our gap-specific article.

Tailor Each Time

Read job ads carefully. Match your CV content with the role's requirements. Include relevant experiences and training to support your application. On average, HR staff spend 15 minutes per application—make every minute count.

Include a Photo?

In many European countries, a photo is expected, though it's optional in others like the US or UK. If you include one, aim for a standard size (6x4.5 cm or 531x709 px), placed at the top of the document, with your gaze directed toward the text.

For Students

Students may lack full-time experience, so focus on:

Personal info

Education

Internships or part-time jobs

Skills

Interests

Highlight relevant hobbies or extracurriculars that align with the job.

The Europass CV

For working abroad, the Europass CV offers a standardized format. It includes:

CV & cover letter

Language passport

Mobility record

Certificate description

Diploma supplement

It’s designed to improve transparency and mobility across Europe.

English CVs & Resumes

Going international? Know the difference between a CV (comprehensive) and a resume (brief, 1 page). Key contrasts between English and German CVs include use of:

Photos

Personal details

Structure

References

Templates are available for both versions in our full guide.

Hobbies: To Include or Not?

Optional, but potentially useful. Only list hobbies that provide insight into your character or support your application. Avoid listing generic pastimes without added value.

Gaps in Your Resume

A gap longer than two months should be explained. Reasons might include:

Career change

Illness

Parental leave

Travel or upskilling

Honesty is key. Show how you made the most of the time, even if you weren’t formally employed.

Dropping Out of School or University

No shame in dropping out—but be upfront. Courses taken during that time still count as active effort, so it’s not a true “gap.” The further in the past, the less it matters.

Be Honest!

Don’t lie on your resume—especially about:

Skills

Roles

Languages

Salaries

However, you’re not obliged to share private matters like religion or health. Fabrications in core areas can lead to termination or legal consequences.

Handwritten CVs?

Only submit one if explicitly asked. They’re rare, but sometimes used to gauge motivation. Unlike tabular resumes, handwritten CVs are written like essays and in chronological order.

Bonus: Free Templates or Fiverr?

While there are great free CV templates available online (like at karriere.at), many job seekers now prefer to outsource the work to professionals.

Why Fiverr?

Fiverr connects you with certified CV writers who will:

Format your resume to industry standards

Insert the right keywords

Create a design that stands out

Tailor content for your target job

Whether you're a student, career switcher, or executive—Fiverr has options to suit every budget and background.

Final Thought: Let Your CV Work for You

Your CV isn’t just a document—it’s your personal brand on paper. Craft it wisely, keep it updated, and tailor it to each opportunity.

Ready to stand out in the job market?

Save time and stress—hire a Fiverr resume expert now and get a polished, job-winning CV delivered in days.