How to Write a CV That Gets You Hired
In Pakistan’s competitive job market, recruiters often spend less than ten seconds scanning a CV before deciding. That means your CV has one job: to make those ten seconds count. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, a clear and focused CV dramatically increases your chances of landing an interview. Here is how to write one.
Keep it short and focused
For fresh graduates, one page is enough; experienced professionals should aim for two pages maximum. Cut outdated details, irrelevant hobbies, and long paragraphs — every line should earn its place. Use bullet points instead of walls of text: they are faster to scan and look far more professional.
Start with a strong professional summary
The top of your CV should carry a two to three line summary: who you are, your key strength, and what you are looking for. For example: BBA graduate with internship experience in digital marketing, skilled in content creation and data analysis, seeking an entry-level marketing role in Karachi. This short paragraph frames everything below it.
Show achievements, not just duties
Instead of writing Responsible for social media, write Grew the company’s Instagram following from 2,000 to 8,000 in six months. Numbers prove impact. Even as a student, you can cite project results, grades, or freelance work. For more career-building ideas, explore our Jobs & Career guides.
Tailor every application
Never send the same CV everywhere. Mirror the keywords in the job advertisement — if it asks for MS Excel, write MS Excel, not just spreadsheets. Many companies use software to filter CVs before a human ever sees them, and matching keywords gets you through that first screen.
Finally, proofread twice and save your CV as a PDF named like YourName_CV.pdf. Ask a friend to review it — fresh eyes catch mistakes you will miss. A polished CV will not guarantee a job, but it guarantees you will be taken seriously. Also consider building a second income stream alongside your job hunt — our guide on 10 legit ways to earn money online in Pakistan is a great place to start.
