How to Write a CV for a Job: Step-by-Step
Knowing how to write a CV for a job comes down to one idea: make it easy for a busy recruiter to see, in under ten seconds, that you fit the role. This guide walks through each section in the order Indian recruiters expect, with examples, and ends with a quick check before sending.
By Umer Sattar Updated 21 Oct 2026
Step 1: Read the job post first
Before writing a word, underline the job title, the must-have skills and tools, and the experience asked for. The CV should answer that list. The resume keywords generator shows the usual keywords for 25 job titles.
Step 2: Header and contact
Full name, the job title being applied for, phone, a professional email and city. A LinkedIn or portfolio link helps for tech, marketing and design. Date of birth, father's name and a photo are not needed for most private jobs; they belong in a biodata.
Step 3: A two-line objective or profile
Say what you are, your strongest proof and the role you want. “Software test engineer with 2 years in fintech QA and Selenium automation, seeking a QA automation role.” Ready examples are in the career objective library.
Step 4: Experience with numbers
- List jobs latest first: role, company, city, dates.
- Write 3–5 bullets each, starting with an action verb.
- End bullets with a result: “cut regression time by 60%”, “handled 250 prescriptions a day”.
- Freshers: use internships, projects and training instead.
How long should a CV be?
One page for freshers and most people under 5 years' experience; two pages for senior roles. Academic and medical CVs can be longer.
Step 5: Education
Degree, college or university, year and percentage or CGPA, latest first. Indian employers commonly expect Class 12 and Class 10 too, especially for freshers.
Step 6: Skills
Tools and hard skills first, named exactly as in job posts (Tally Prime, Selenium, AutoCAD), then a few soft skills. See skills to add in a CV.
Step 7: Extras and declaration
Certifications, achievements, languages and, where expected (government, many Indian private employers), a declaration with place and date.
Step 8: Check before sending
- Spell-check names, emails and phone numbers.
- Save as PDF named “Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf”.
- Paste it with the job post into the ATS resume checker.
- Tailor the headline and skills for each application.
How to Write a CV for a Job: FAQ
How do I write a CV for a job?
Read the job post, then write a header, a two-line objective, experience with numbers (or projects for freshers), education, skills, extras and a declaration, and check it against the job post.
What is the correct order of sections in a CV?
Header, objective, experience, education, skills, certifications/achievements, then personal details and declaration if required.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
Not for most private jobs in India unless asked; biodatas and some government forms do expect one.
How long should a CV be?
One page for freshers, up to two pages for experienced professionals.