Choose from a wide range of CV templates and customize the design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised CV and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our CV builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your CV faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CV
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CVA “professional format” is not about aesthetics. It is about how efficiently your resume communicates value under real hiring conditions.
Most candidates misunderstand this. They focus on templates, colors, and layout—while recruiters and hiring managers evaluate:
Clarity of information
Logical structure
Signal density
Ease of scanning under time pressure
A professionally formatted resume is one that gets read, understood, and trusted within seconds.
This guide breaks down how to build a resume format that works across:
ATS systems
Recruiter screening behavior
A professional resume format is defined by function, not design.
Recruiters expect:
Clean hierarchy
Predictable structure
Fast readability
No friction
If your resume slows down comprehension, it fails—regardless of how “nice” it looks.
Recruiters scan resumes in a Z-pattern:
Top (Name + Summary)
Left side (Job titles, companies)
Bullet points (quick skim)
They are not reading—they are filtering.
Your format must:
Highlight key signals instantly
Make scanning effortless
Reduce cognitive load
A high-performing resume follows a strict structure:
Header
Professional Summary
Experience / Relevant Experience
Education
Skills
Certifications (optional)
This structure is not optional—it aligns with how ATS systems parse and how recruiters expect information.
Hiring manager expectations
Competitive job markets
Your header should include:
Full Name
Phone Number
Professional Email
LinkedIn (optional but recommended)
Location (City, State)
Adding full address
Using unprofessional email
Including unnecessary personal details
This is the first real content recruiters read.
“Hardworking professional looking for opportunities.”
“Results-driven marketing professional with experience in digital campaigns, SEO strategy, and data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to increase engagement and optimize performance using analytics tools.”
Why this works:
Clear positioning
Role alignment
Immediate relevance
This section must be:
Reverse chronological
Results-focused
Easy to scan
Job Title
Company
Location
Dates
Followed by bullet points.
“Responsible for managing projects.”
“Led cross-functional projects to improve operational efficiency, reducing processing time by 20%”
Formatting is not just visual—it affects perception.
Each bullet must:
Start with an action verb
Be concise but specific
Include results where possible
Professional formatting requires organization.
Group skills into categories:
Technical Skills
Tools & Platforms
Industry Knowledge
“Excel, communication, teamwork, leadership”
Excel (Advanced)
SQL
Google Analytics
Project Management
If early career:
Place education higher.
If experienced:
Place it after experience.
Relevant coursework
Projects
Honors
Professional resumes are:
Left-aligned
Consistent in spacing
Balanced (not overcrowded, not empty)
Avoid:
Large gaps
Uneven margins
Inconsistent formatting
These subtle issues signal lack of attention to detail.
Use standard fonts:
Arial
Calibri
Times New Roman
Font size:
10–12 for body
14–16 for headings
Avoid:
Decorative fonts
Colors beyond black and dark gray
Over-designed templates
Professional formatting must pass ATS.
Avoid:
Tables
Graphics
Columns
Icons
Use:
Standard headings
Plain text formatting
Keywords aligned with job description
Keywords should appear in:
Summary
Experience
Skills
But naturally.
Keyword stuffing in skills only
Embedding keywords in context:
“Analyzed data using Excel and SQL to generate business insights”
Over-designed templates
Inconsistent formatting
Long paragraphs instead of bullets
Misaligned sections
Too much white space or too dense
Lack of hierarchy
Your resume must be optimized for:
Speed
Clarity
Prioritization
Ask:
Can someone understand your value in 6 seconds?
Are key achievements visible immediately?
If not, your format is not professional.
Recruiters associate formatting with:
Professionalism
Attention to detail
Competence
A messy resume suggests:
Disorganization
Lack of precision
A clean resume suggests:
Reliability
Clarity
Capability
Professional resumes prioritize information:
Level 1:
Name
Job titles
Level 2:
Companies
Skills
Level 3:
Your format should visually reflect this hierarchy.
Candidate Name: Sarah Mitchell
Target Role: Project Manager
Location: Austin, TX
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven project manager with expertise in cross-functional coordination, process optimization, and stakeholder management. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and improving operational efficiency through structured planning and execution.
EXPERIENCE
Project Coordinator
ABC Solutions, Austin, TX | 2022–2024
Managed project timelines and coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery
Improved workflow efficiency by implementing process improvements, reducing delays by 15%
Communicated project updates to stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Administration
Relevant Coursework: Project Management, Operations, Business Strategy
SKILLS
Project Management
Excel
Asana
Communication
Process Optimization
CERTIFICATIONS
Before submitting your resume:
Is the layout clean and consistent?
Are sections clearly structured?
Are bullet points concise and impactful?
Is it easy to scan in seconds?
Does it look professional without being over-designed?
If not, your format needs refinement.
Upload CV
Import from Linkedin
