How to write a CV that highlights your core competencies

Have you ever stopped to think about how much your CV can open or close doors? In an increasingly competitive job market, having a well-structured document that really highlights your skills is essential.

It's not enough to list experience and responsibilities; you need to turn your CV into a powerful tool that shows who you are, what you can do and why you should be hired.

In this article, we'll explore how to write an effective CV, focused on your core competencies, with practical tips that can make all the difference in your search for professional opportunities. Whether you're a young person starting out in your career or someone with years of experience, this guide will be invaluable in bringing out the best in you.


1. Know the Purpose of the Curriculum: Why Does It Exist?

Before you start writing, it's important to understand the role of a CV. It's not just a list of information about you, it's a cover letter designed to win the attention of recruiters. The main objective is to summarize your skills, experience and achievements clearly and objectively, showing that you are the right person for the job.

Imagine that recruiters receive hundreds of CVs a day. They don't have time to read everything in detail - they usually spend less than 6 seconds analyzing each document initially. That's why it's crucial to prioritize the most relevant information. Start by identifying your core competencies: those that align with the profile requested by the vacancy.

For example, if you are applying for a digital marketing position, skills such as social media management, data analysis or creating advertising campaigns should be in evidence. Use keywords specific to the sector to make it easier to read and increase the chances of passing through the automatic filters used by companies (known as ATS - Applicant Tracking Systems).

Practical tip: Make a list of the main competencies asked for in the job description and adapt your CV to include concrete examples of how you have applied these skills in the past.


2. Structure your CV in a Visually Appealing Way

A well-organized curriculum is just as important as the content it contains. Imagine leafing through a book whose pages are all messed up - it would be hard to keep reading, right? The same goes for your CV. A good visual structure helps recruiters find the important information quickly.

Divide the CV into clear sections, such as:

Personal details: Name, telephone number, email address and professional links (LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.).

Professional summary: A brief paragraph highlighting your main skills and experience.

Professional experience: List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first), mentioning tasks performed and results achieved.

Education: Include institutions where you studied and relevant courses.

Technical and behavioral skills: This is where the heart of the CV comes in - the skills that make you unique.

To keep things organized, use bullet points and adequate spacing between lines. Avoid exotic fonts or flashy colors; prefer something simple and professional, such as Arial or Calibri.

Transition: Now that we've understood how to organize the CV, let's talk about how to fill each section with impactful information.


3. Write an Impactful Professional Summary

The professional summary is the first thing recruiters see, so it should be captivating and to the point. Think of it as an "elevator pitch" - a quick explanation of what you do and why you should be considered for the job.

Avoid generic phrases like "looking for new opportunities" or "dedicated and responsible". Instead, focus on numbers and results. For example:

  • Instead of "sales experience", write "I managed a sales team that increased turnover by 25% in one year".
  • Instead of "competent in marketing", say "I've developed digital campaigns that have generated more than 10,000 monthly leads".

This specific information demonstrates real value and makes you stand out from other candidates.

Inspiring story: Many people underestimate the power of telling stories on a CV. If possible, include a sentence that shows your growth path. For example: "I turned my passion for technology into a solid career in software development."


4. Highlight Your Technical and Behavioral Skills

Here comes the most important moment: showing what your main competencies are. Divide them into two categories:

Techniques: Skills related to the tools and processes required for the job, such as knowledge of advanced Excel, mastery of specific software or fluency in foreign languages.

Behavioral: Interpersonal qualities that reflect your way of working, such as leadership, communication or problem-solving.

Whenever possible, accompany each competence with a practical example. For example:

  • "Advanced Excel: I created automated reports that reduced processing time by 40%."
  • "Leadership: I've led multidisciplinary projects with teams of up to 15 people."

If you have little practical experience, try to include extra activities such as workshops, volunteering or hobbies that demonstrate your aptitude.

Relevance: Make sure that all the skills you list are directly related to the position you want. This shows that you understand what the company needs and are prepared to deliver it.


5. End with an Inspiring Call to Action

Ending your CV on a positive note can leave a lasting impression. Consider adding a final sentence to your professional summary or overall conclusion that reinforces your motivation and willingness to contribute to the company. Something like:

"I'm ready to apply my skills in [sector] and help [company] reach new heights of success."

"I seek to grow along with the organization, bringing innovation and dedication to the team."

In addition, encourage the reader to interact with the content. For example: "Want to know more about how I can add value to your team? Get in touch!"


Conclusion

Writing an effective CV goes beyond listing basic information - it's about creating a compelling narrative that highlights your core competencies.

By following the tips in this article, you'll be prepared to produce a clear, organized and impactful document. Remember to personalize each CV according to the vacancy and adapt your skills to the company's needs.

Now it's your turn! What were the biggest difficulties you faced when putting together your CV? Leave a comment below sharing your experience. Together, we can build a support network and learn even more!