Do’s & Don’ts of Updating Your CV

Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing document. It shapes first impressions, opens doors, and tells employers not just what you’ve done, but what makes you stand out. 

Too often, though, CVs get treated like dusty records – hurriedly updated, crammed with role descriptions, and lacking any real impact. Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds on their first scan, so you need to grab attention fast. 

Here’s how to refresh your CV so it stands out for the right reasons. 

Do’s 

1. Tailor it to the role 

No two applications are the same. Align your CV with the job description: highlight the skills and achievements that matter most, and weave in relevant keywords so you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

2. Lead with a strong summary 

Keep it short and sharp. Stick to who you are, where you are, and what you do. Forget long-winded intros – recruiters don’t have time.  

Example: “Brisbane-based Project Manager with 8 years’ experience delivering rail and civil infrastructure projects.” 

3. Focus on achievements, not duties 

Employers care less about what you were supposed to do and more about what you actually did. Replace task lists with impact: 

• “Reduced project delays by 18% through proactive scheduling” 

• “Delivered a $50M rail upgrade two months ahead of deadline” 

  
  

4. Include a testimonial 

A short quote from a manager, referee, or colleague can boost credibility and show how others value your contribution. Just one or two sentences is enough. 

5. Put the essentials up front 

Your education and most recent role should always be on page one. Make it easy for the reader to find what matters most, fast. 

6. Inject personality where it fits 

Show what makes you memorable – volunteer work, international experience, or unique skills. A human touch helps your CV tell your story, not just your skills. 

Don’ts 

1. Don’t send one generic CV everywhere 

Employers and recruiters can spot “copy-paste” resumes instantly. Even small tweaks, like reordering achievements, make a difference. 

2. Don’t regurgitate job descriptions 

Listing standard duties wastes space and doesn’t set you apart. Instead, focus on metrics and outcomes that highlight your unique impact. 

3. Don’t bury the good stuff 

Lead with your strongest achievements, not old jobs or irrelevant hobbies. Remember: 10 seconds is all you get. 

4. Don’t exaggerate 

Stretching the truth backfires, recruiters check. Frame your real wins with confidence instead. 

5. Don’t overdesign 

Flashy fonts, graphics, or photos can confuse ATS and distract from your story. Keep it clean, professional, and easy to scan. 

6. Don’t forget LinkedIn 

Your CV and LinkedIn should complement each other. Your CV is concise; your LinkedIn can expand with more detail and personality, but both should tell the same story. 

Final Tip 

Your CV should feel alive, not like an old record dusted off when you need it. Set a reminder to review it every 6–12 months, even if you’re not job hunting. That way, your achievements are fresh, updates are quick, and you’re always ready when the right opportunity appears.  

And before you hit send, do a gut check: Does this CV energize you? Does it feel authentic and true to your strengths? If not, refine it until it does. 

A CV that feels current and authentic to you will read that way to others too, making it far more likely to get you noticed.