Start by stripping out the placeholder logic
Before polishing language, remove anything that is not yours. Placeholder achievements, generic tools, sample metrics and example responsibilities should either be replaced with real evidence or deleted.
Keep the structure that helps the reader: clear profile, recent experience, relevant achievements, education, credentials and technical skills. Remove sections that make the page look full but do not support the role.
- Replace the sample name, contact details, job titles, dates and links first.
- Delete any sample skill, tool or certification you cannot honestly support.
- Rename sections only if the new heading is still obvious to a recruiter or hiring manager.
- Keep a clean master copy before tailoring versions for different roles.
Turn responsibilities into evidence
Strong CV bullets usually show what you did, where you did it, and why it mattered. Metrics help, but they should be real and relevant. If you cannot use a number, use a concrete scope: project size, team size, reporting line, risk area, stakeholder group or delivery context.
Mirror the advertisement carefully. If the role asks for governance, standards, reporting, client management or budget accountability, make those themes visible where they genuinely match your experience.
| Weak edit | More useful edit | Why it helps |
|---|
| Responsible for reporting. | Prepared monthly board reporting packs for three business units. | Adds audience, rhythm and scope. |
| Managed stakeholders. | Coordinated finance, operations and external advisers during budget planning. | Names the stakeholder groups and context. |
| Improved processes. | Reduced manual spreadsheet handoffs by documenting approval steps and owner responsibilities. | Explains the practical change without inventing a number. |
Make the cover letter do a different job
The cover letter should not repeat the CV line by line. Use it to explain fit, motivation and the thread between your experience and the employer's needs.
A matching cover letter template is useful because the documents feel coordinated, but the content should still be written for the specific role. The ATS-conscious CV template guide explains why clear structure still matters after the design is finished.
Final checks before sending
Check the requested file type, file name, spelling style and whether the employer asks for selection criteria, a cover letter, a portfolio or a specific upload format.
- Search the document for placeholder words such as "Company", "Role", "Metric" and "Example".
- Check that every date range, job title and employer name is consistent across the CV and cover letter.
- Open the PDF export and make sure page breaks do not split a role heading from its bullets.
- Use a file name that identifies you and the role, not the template product name.
Do not skip this stepOpen the exported PDF before sending. Check page breaks, links, contact details, dates and whether any placeholders remain.
Related template packs
Paper & Proof template packs include editable Word files so buyers can tailor the content before exporting or submitting.