Why is it worth preparing your CV well?
Looking for a new job? The first step is to prepare or update your CV. This is the document that decides whether you will be invited to an interview.
A well-written curriculum vitae lets you present your work experience, skills and achievements simply and clearly. It is not just a formality — it is your professional business card and the key to success on the job market.
What should a good, effective CV look like?
A recruiter spends only a few seconds assessing your CV. That is why your CV must be specific, easy to read and tailored to the job you are applying for.
Do not write in general terms — show that you know what you want and that your experience fits the position.
At the very top, include:
- your first name and surname,
- your phone number,
- your email address,
- a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Use a professional email address (for example firstname.lastname@domain.com). However tempting it may be, an address like this works much better than one with a nickname from your favourite game. Also take care of your LinkedIn profile: checking candidates there has become standard practice. So spend some time making sure your profile and your CV are consistent and look good.
How to write a good CV step by step
Start with a solid foundation. Every professional CV consists of a few standard elements. Below is a practical guide to creating a document that makes an impression.
1. Header and job title
Besides your contact details, the very beginning should include your job title — who you are and what position you hold or have held (for example “Marketing Specialist” or “Senior Python Developer”). You can also add a short description of what you are looking for and what you offer an employer.
2. Contact details
Give a complete set of contact details so the recruiter can easily get in touch with you.
3. Professional summary
Do not confuse this with your work experience. These are 2–4 sentences meant to catch the reader’s eye and make a good first impression. Describe who you are, what you can do and what your career goals are.
Example:
“Experienced sales specialist with 5 years in e-commerce. I build strong customer relationships and consistently meet sales targets. I am now looking for new challenges in a dynamic sales team.”
4. Work experience
The most important part of your CV.
List your jobs from the most recent to the oldest. For each one, give:
- the company name,
- your position,
- the dates of employment,
- your key duties and achievements.
Describe your experience in the context of the new position you are applying for.
5. Education
As with your experience, list the schools and universities you have completed. Give the name of the school or university, your field of study, your degree and the date you graduated. Start with your most recent education.
6. Skills
List everything that may be useful in your future job. Focus on the skills the recruiter or employer is looking for according to the specific job ad. Divide them into:
- hard skills — specific competences such as knowledge of software or programming languages, or a driving licence;
- soft skills — such as communication, resilience under stress and good organisation.
Do not forget your level of foreign languages either.
7. Courses and training
List any extra courses, certificates and training. They show that you invest in your professional development — a big plus for any employer.
8. Interests and hobbies
A short section that can help you stand out from other candidates. Interests are often a great topic of conversation during an interview. Do not write too much here — choose a few of the most interesting ones.
9. GDPR (RODO) consent clause
At the end, add an up-to-date consent clause for the processing of personal data. If the job ad gives specific wording, copy it into your document. For Polish employers, the clause is written in Polish.
Short version of the clause (translation: “I consent to the processing of my personal data by (company name) for the purpose of recruitment for the position I am applying for”):
Wyrażam zgodę na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych przez (nazwa firmy) w celu prowadzenia rekrutacji na aplikowane przeze mnie stanowisko.
Extended version (referring to the Polish Personal Data Protection Act and EU Regulation 2016/679 — the GDPR, known in Polish as RODO):
Wyrażam zgodę na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych dla potrzeb niezbędnych do realizacji procesu rekrutacji (zgodnie z ustawą z dnia 10 maja 2018 roku o ochronie danych osobowych (Dz. Ustaw z 2018, poz. 1000) oraz zgodnie z Rozporządzeniem Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2016/679 z dnia 27 kwietnia 2016 r. w sprawie ochrony osób fizycznych w związku z przetwarzaniem danych osobowych i w sprawie swobodnego przepływu takich danych oraz uchylenia dyrektywy 95/46/WE (RODO).
Do not forget the clause. Without it, your CV will most likely not be considered, especially in companies where data is shared between departments. Do not spoil your chance — take care of the details.
A photo on your CV — is it worth adding?
Although it is not compulsory, a professional photo on your CV can make you more memorable. Many employers like to know who they are dealing with, and they will certainly remember you better with a photo on your CV. Choose a neutral, business-style photo of good quality. Avoid selfies and informal shots.
CV template — what should your CV look like?
Appearance matters a lot. A neat, easy-to-read CV is easier to take in.
You can create it yourself or use ready-made templates, for example in Canva, MS Word or Google Docs.
Remember to:
- keep equal spacing between sections,
- use simple, legible fonts,
- ideally fit it on one page (two at most).
Which language should your CV be in?
If you are applying to a Polish company through a Polish job ad, prepare your CV in Polish.
If the position or the ad is in English, create an English CV.
This shows your language skills and a professional approach to the recruitment process.
Summary — your CV is an investment in your future
Writing a good CV is not hard if you know what to pay attention to.
Use the guide above, choose the right template and present yourself at your best.
Your new job is closer than you think!
