--- title: "Writing a CV: 7 practical tips to stand out | Actual group" description: "Write an effective CV and capture recruiters' attention. Discover our simple tips to land your next interview." canonical_url: "https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/faire-un-cv-7-conseils-pour-sortir-du-lot" locale: en meta: "og:description": "Write an effective CV and capture recruiters' attention. Discover our simple tips to land your next interview." "og:title": "Writing a CV: 7 practical tips to stand out" --- [Advice](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/category/advice) # **Writing a CV: 7 tips to stand out** July 7, 2026·5 min read [Advice](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/category/advice) *Find our tips for creating a perfect CV, winning over recruiters, and landing a job interview! Whether you are looking for a job, new temporary assignments, or a seasonal job, the first step in applying is submitting your application: a cover letter or email and a CV! Your CV is your first contact with your potential employer. Knowing that recruiters spend only a few seconds reading your CV, it is essential to express your personality and make a great impression right from the start. Here are some essential rules to follow to write an effective CV and maximize your chances of standing out.* ## 1. Put yourself in the recruiter's shoes First of all, recruiters want to know who you are. They must also be able to reach you easily. Clearly state your full name and contact details at the top of your CV. Next, add a title to your CV. Below the title of the target position, feel free to add a short tagline (your career goal, your vision for the role, your main asset for this job...). This brief summary can make all the difference compared to competing applicants with equal skills! If you decide to include a photo on your CV, note that it is optional in France. If you do include one, choose a recent, professional picture. A well-framed, well-lit, and approachable portrait is ideal. Avoid cropped personal photos and filters at all costs. ## 2. Give the recruiter immediately what they are looking for Your CV should give recruiters a quick overview of who you are and your professional background... at a glance! To achieve this, your CV must include these key elements: - your **hard skills**; - your **soft skills**; - your **degrees, certifications, and training**. The latter are only relevant if obtained recently or required for the targeted role (for example, a valid CACES for a forklift operator position). Use the "Interests" section wisely: add your extracurricular activities only if they support your application and reflect your personality. ## 3. Tailor your CV to the targeted company or assignment A tailored CV gives you an extra chance to stand out from other candidates! Adapt your CV to the hiring company and the job you are targeting. Regardless of the CV format you choose (functional, skills-based, or reverse-chronological), this means: - highlighting the skills and experience mentioned in the job ad; - rewriting the title and tagline; - adjusting job titles; - rewording sections using the keywords and terms used by the recruiter in their job posting. The recruiter should feel that this CV was created specifically for them. > **Good to know:*** many recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that automatically screen CVs before any human review. Using keywords from the job offer also increases your chances of passing this initial filter.* ## 4. Highlight your strengths by keeping it concise and concrete Recruiters will scan your entire CV very quickly. To showcase your skills while making them easy to read: - opt for bullet points with action verbs rather than long sentences starting with "I"; - avoid cliché phrases that add no real value; - use concrete examples to describe your tasks (figures, results, budget amounts, implemented actions...). Naturally, you must stay completely honest. Recruiters will not hesitate to verify all the information provided. > **Tip:*** artificial intelligence tools can help you structure or rephrase your CV. Use them wisely: a generic, automatically generated CV is easy to spot. Always check the accuracy of the information and keep content that genuinely reflects who you are.* ## 5. Choose the right formatting when creating your CV Your CV must be written using word processing software and should ideally fit on a single page. Keep your reader's comfort in mind: use a clean font, with a minimum size of 10 points. Choose a sleek, well-spaced layout that is both modern and attractive. However, avoid overly extravagant designs that clutter the layout. Creative CVs should be reserved for candidates applying for creative positions. Save your document as a PDF. This ensures it can be opened and read on any computer. Don't forget to include your name in the file title (e.g., Firstname-LASTNAME-CV.pdf). ## 6. Proofread and get feedback on your CV A good CV is a typo-free CV. Take the time to proofread carefully. Have someone else read your CV as well. You will benefit from their perspective on your document's presentation and clarity. ## 7. Update your online profiles to match your CV If you have a professional profile on social networks (LinkedIn...) and job boards (Hellowork, Indeed...), update them alongside your CV. More and more recruiters verify certain details or check your online reputation by searching for you online. It is therefore essential that your online profile reflects your CV. Don't forget to enrich and update the various sections in your Candidate space. Give yourself every chance to land a job interview and find employment! By following these tips, you will have a tailored, attractive CV that just needs a matching cover letter for an effective application! Need additional advice or help finding a job? Contact your Actual advisor! ## **Articles you might like** [AdviceOctober 13, 2026**An up-to-date profile = one step ahead in your job search** Availability, licenses, CACES, mobility, CV: discover the information to update on your candidate profile so recruiters can spot you.**Read the article **](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/an-up-to-date-profile-one-step-ahead-in-your-job-search) [AdviceJuly 21, 2026**Career change: learning to sell yourself to find a first job** Are you changing careers? Discover how to highlight your strengths, convince in interviews, and land your first job after your career change.**Read the article **](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/reconversion-apprendre-a-se-vendre-pour-trouver-un-premier-emploi) [AdviceJuly 21, 2026**5 tips for finding your first temp assignment** Discover our 5 tips for finding your first temp assignment. Our advisors are here to guide you in landing your first job.**Read the article **](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/5-conseils-pour-trouver-sa-premiere-mission-d-interim) [All articles](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog) ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.