Crafting a great CV!

We see 1000’s of resumes and we get feedback on 1000’s of resumes and so over the years have picked up some pretty useful insights into what works and what doesn’t. Below are some useful tips and pointers to help you put together a great CV.

At its core, a CV’s job is simple: to sell you and your skills clearly and concisely. It’s okay to make it visually engaging, but remember — the design should enhance, not distract from, your experience and qualifications.

The truth is, a CV is a sales pitch. It’s you, on a few pages or less, selling your value to another studio or employer. When writing it, think like a marketer:

  • What skills set you apart?

  • What can you do that others might not?

  • Have you led projects, managed teams, or mastered specific software?

Asking these questions helps you pinpoint what makes you unique — which is exactly what employers want to see.

Key Considerations When Building Your CV

1. Format

Think about your audience — and remember, it might include everyone from an HR Manager to a Studio Principal or even a Project Leader.
Your layout should be clean, logical, and easy to read. Avoid overloading it with technical jargon or acronyms — clarity always wins.

2. Simplicity

Creative titles like Chief Happiness Officer might be fun, but they can confuse recruiters. Use standard, recognisable job titles — Architect, Interior Designer, Draftsperson — so your CV is searchable and easy to understand, especially on platforms like LinkedIn or Seek

3. The Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do: Make sure your contact details (name, phone number, email) are easy to find — ideally in the header or footer of every page.

  • Do: If you’re moving or open to relocation, mention this and include your availability dates.

  • Don’t: Include your date of birth or personal details that could invite unconscious bias.

  • Photos: Optional. If you include one, make sure it’s professional — no holiday snaps or dimly lit office selfies. A clean, well-lit headshot is ideal. Remember, a picture tells a thousand words.

4. USP (Unique Selling Points)

Your CV should highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements — not just list every job you’ve had.
Include:

  • Education (with dates, institutions, and any honours or awards)

  • Certifications (e.g., Passive House, Revit training)

  • Languages

  • Notable projects or achievements

  • Relevant extracurricular activities

Always list your most recent experiences first. It’s also important to include your working rights or visa status, as this is something employers legitimately need to know.

5. Structuring Your Experience

Now for the detail. For each role, include:

  • Employer name and location

  • Dates of employment (month and year)

  • Job title

  • A short overview of the company or team

  • Key projects (with scale, location, and value if relevant)

  • Your specific responsibilities

Describe who you reported to, who you managed, and what your day-to-day looked like. Don’t assume the reader knows your previous employers — provide context like “boutique residential design studio” or “mid-sized commercial architecture firm.”

Prioritise information based on relevance and importance to your career direction. If you’ve held several positions, balance the level of detail accordingly. Freelancers and contractors should clearly note this status — it shows consistency and adaptability.

For graduates, highlight internships, part-time roles, and project-based work. If you’ve taken time off or travelled, briefly note what you were doing — it shows transparency and initiative.

6.Final Tips

  • Don’t write in the third person. (“Jamie is a hardworking Architect…”)

  • Do keep your tone professional and factual — save personal stories for the interview.

  • Don’t overload your CV with subjective traits like “great communicator” or “passionate team player.” Let your experience demonstrate those qualities instead.

Every candidate is different, but these principles apply to all. Have fun showcasing your experience and skills, and if you need help along the way, we’d love to hear from you.