The components of an effective professional CV should include:

1.   The Basics
Your name and your contact details. Ensure you have your correct contact number and email address; you’d be surprised how often we are unable to contact job seekers because their contact number is incorrect. 
  TIP: Create a dedicated professional email address if your current one is too casual. Avoid including photos, date of birth, or personal details that could lead to unconscious bias.

2.   Professional summary
  In general, Kiwis are humble people, but when it comes to your CV, you need to showcase the value you can bring to a potential employer. Grab their attention by providing an overview of who you are as a professional highlighting your individual qualities and skills. Demonstrate why you are the right fit for the role.

3.   Previous experience/work history:

a.   The company you worked for (starting with the most recent)

b.   The dates you worked there

c.   Your position title

d.   A summary of your responsibilities (bullet points)

TIP 1:  If you have a long employment history detail only the last few companies (we recommend going back 10 – 15 years). You can still include earlier employment in your summary, but including company name, dates and job title is sufficient.
TIP 2: Address any gaps in your employment history proactively. You may have taken time for travel, family care or for personal development, include a brief explanation so the employer is not left guessing.

4.   Skills and keywords
Clearly articulate your capabilities, focusing on relevant skills for your target roles. Be aware that some businesses will use software to scan your CV so be sure to incorporate key words from job descriptions of positions you are interested in.  

5.   Achievements/Qualifications
Include only recent and relevant achievements or qualifications.
  TIP: Be specific when describing your accomplishments and provide an example with measurable results. 
E.g: Instead of saying “increased sales” say “increased sales by 70% by implementing welcome and follow up procedures used by all sales staff”. 

6.   References
Include referee details so that a potential employer can verify details about your suitability and work ethic. Choose referees from your professional network – current or former employers, supervisors, or business associates – rather than relatives.
  TIP:  Using the phrase ‘Referee’s upon request’ can often be a barrier. Where possible include referee details upfront to streamline the hiring process.

7.   Final Checks
Before submitting your CV:

• Proofread thoroughly for accuracy and typos
• Verify all contact information is current
• Ensure formatting is consistent throughout

Once you have created your CV, you can tailor this to your job application. Easy updates include amending your professional summary to highlight why you may want to work for a specific company or highlight specific skills relevant to the job you are applying for.

For many jobs, a cover letter is also required, which we explain here.



Remember, your CV is often your first impression on a potential employer. Taking time to craft and maintain a professional, well-structured document can significantly impact your job search success.