Stand out on paper – our best CV tips for your next career move
Your CV is more than just a document – it’s often your chance to make a great first impression. And yes, it can be the deciding factor in
whether or not you’re invited to an interview. But what should a CV actually include? How long should it be? And what should you avoid?
Here, our recruiters share their best advice on how to create a CV that grabs attention and helps you stand out from the crowd.
Here’s how to stand out– Our Do’s
Structure
Start with your most recent work experience and work your way
backward. This helps us quickly understand what you’re doing today
and the experience you’ve gained along the way.
Keep it updated
New courses? Projects? Tools? Add them! An up–to–date CV shows
you’re on top of things – and helps us match you to the right
assignment more easily.
Keep it short and clear
2–3 pages is enough. You don’t need to include everything – just the
essentials. Think “relevant and readable” rather than “as much as
possible.”
Tailor it to the role
Adapt your CV depending on the position. Read the job ad carefully
and highlight what’s most relevant. Trust us – it makes a difference.
Clear sections like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” make your
CV easy to navigate and scan.
Keep a consistent style
Use the same font, size, and layout throughout your document. It
signals professionalism and attention to detail.
Double–check your contact details
Make sure your name, email address, phone number, and city are
included – and correct. It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to
overlook.
Highlight your strengths
Don’t just list what you’ve done – show who you are. Include a short
section about your strengths and why they’re valuable for the role
you’re applying for. Bonus points if you include examples!
What to avoid – Our Don’ts
Long texts without structure
A cluttered CV is hard to read. Break your text into sections and
make it easy to skim.
Irrelevant information
Leave out details unrelated to the job – like hobbies, marital status,
or a photo. Stay focused on your professional profile.
Spelling mistakes
Proofread – more than once. Ask someone else to read it too. A
sloppy CV makes a poor first impression.
References in the CV
No need to include references right away. Share them only when
requested – that way, you can give your referees a heads–up.
Good to know
Begin with your most recent job and work backward. This makes it
easy to see where you are today and what you’ve done before.
Education and courses
Have you taken any new courses, worked on projects, or used new
tools? Add them! An updated CV increases your chances of getting
the right role.
Language skills
Include the languages you speak and your proficiency level – for
example: native, fluent, working proficiency, or basic.
Looking for a new job in Life Science?
Check out our open positions and apply today!