How to write a CV in 2026: a 6-step method
A good CV takes about an hour: 20 minutes to gather information, 30 to write and 10 to proofread. The order of the steps matters more than the tool.
Steps 1 and 2: gather, then pick a title
List every job first with dates, employers and what you actually did, including internships, national service and volunteering. Then choose a CV title: the role you want, not "Curriculum vitae".
Example titles
Accountant — 3 years in audit practice
Humanitarian logistician — stock and convoy management
IT graduate — web development
Step 3: a two-line profile
Below the title, two lines sum up what you offer. Replace adjectives such as "hard-working" with a fact: "Accounts assistant, 2 years in practice, monthly VAT and payroll returns."
Steps 4 and 5: experience and skills
List jobs from newest to oldest, three bullet points each, starting with a verb and a number where possible. Separate technical skills (software, languages, licence) from personal qualities, and reuse the exact words of the job ad when they match what you can do.
| Tool | Price | Read by screening software | Strength | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word / Google Docs | Free (or already installed) | Good with a simple layout | Full control, works offline | Slow formatting, dated templates |
| Canva | Free, premium elements paid | Variable: columns and icons can be misread | Very attractive design | Built for design, not for screening software |
| Online builders (Zety, Resume.io…) | Often free to build, paid options in dollars or euros | Usually good | Step-by-step guidance | Foreign currency, card often required |
| EmploiZen | Unlimited free CVs, AI options from 300 CFA francs | Real-text PDF, single-column version | Tests the CV against a job ad, local pricing | New service, AI writing is paid |
Prices and features checked in November 2026; they may change.
Step 6: proofread and test
Read it aloud, ask someone in the field to review it, export to PDF and check that the text can be selected. Name the file "CV-Firstname-Lastname-Role.pdf".
Frequently asked questions
Which skills should I put on a CV?
What title should a CV have?
How long does it take to write a CV?
Kpak is published by the EmploiZen team, one of the tools mentioned in this article. Our transparency policy
