Your CV is your first handshake with a potential employer, it tells your story before you even step into a room (or a Zoom call). But how do you make it stand out in a sea of applications? Let's break it down into essentials, so you never miss the mark again. 1️⃣ The Must-Have Sections Think of your CV as a treasure map, guiding the recruiter straight to your brilliance. Here's what you can’t leave out: Contact Details No one can hire you if they can’t reach you! Ensure your email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile are correct. Professional Summary A concise, 3-4 line snapshot that showcases your career highlights and what you bring to the table. Work Experience Highlight achievements, not just job responsibilities. Use action verbs like "led," "achieved," or "streamlined" to grab attention. Education Keep it relevant! If your maritime certifications hold more weight than your college degree, list them first. Skills Focus on hard  and soft  skills that are job-specific. Pro tip: Check the job description for keywords. 2️⃣ Avoid These Common Pitfall We’ve spotted patterns in CVs that don’t quite make the cut. Here’s how to avoid them: Information Overload Keep it to 2 pages max. Recruiters are skimming—make every word count! Typos and Errors Spellcheck isn’t enough. Have someone else review your CV to catch mistakes you might overlook. Generic Content Avoid one-size-fits-all CVs. Tailor it to each role. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort. 3️⃣ First Impressions Matter (Formatting Tips) Your CV should be easy on the eyes : Use a clean, professional font like Calibri or Arial. Stick to black and white unless a splash of colour adds clarity (like section headers). Align text properly as uneven spacing can be distracting. What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to CV writing? Drop a comment below! ✨ Stay tuned for our next issue.