Most people may use LinkedIn, but it is still the traditional CV that remains the main tool for career advancement. It is your CV that usually gets you a meeting with a potential employer or recruiter, which is why I strongly recommend not underestimating its preparation.

We live in a time when LinkedIn is widely used, but in the vast majority of cases, it is still the CV that will secure you an interview. That is why you should dedicate enough time to its preparation and make sure it’s done properly.

Over more than 20 years in HR, I have reviewed more than 100,000 CVs and conducted over 10,000 interviews. Based on this experience, I have prepared a detailed guide on how to create a CV that stands out and helps you land your dream job. Step by step, I will explain what a CV should look like in terms of both content and format, what not to forget, and what to avoid.

TIP #1 File Name

The name of the document containing your CV is often the very first thing a recruiter sees. That’s why it’s important to name it correctly.

How to do it?

Name your CV file in a way that makes it immediately clear that it belongs to you. For example, in the format: FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_CV.

Why do it this way?

It may seem like an unimportant detail, but it can actually decide whether you get the chance to present your skills in person. The reason is simple: while you only have one CV saved on your computer, the recruiter may have hundreds. And in the middle of a clutter of files named “CV_cz,” “resume1.doc,” or “AJ.doc,” yours could easily be overlooked.

You might be surprised to know that nearly 50% of CVs I receive are named in this exact careless style: cv.doc, resume1.doc, AJ.doc, or pepaCV.doc – regardless of whether they come from a junior candidate or an experienced manager.