Crafting a CV That Stands Out!

By Dinesha Nishshanka / BURC Lanka, November 2025

Did you know that recruiters spend just around 7 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further?

A recruitment team receives tons of CVs, so we need to make a statement that stands out. Otherwise, your CV will be just another paper in their eyes. So how can we do that? 

Before thinking about it, we need to have a clear idea of what a CV is and why it is so important. Whether you are applying for a university, an internship, or a job, your CV is going to be the first impression you make. You have to show your experiences and knowledge through that CV. It is an introduction about you to an unknown company or recruiter. It is the first step in your journey to being selected by your dream university or receiving a job.

What are the most essential parts of a CV?

Start your CV with a Personal Profile. You can then add sections such as Education, Work Experience, Technical Skills, Extracurricular Activities (if relevant), Achievements (if applicable), Interests (if appropriate), and Referees (if requested in the job description). Remember, the first read happens very quickly, so make every word count and demonstrate that you are an ideal match.

When showcasing your experience, you can follow the ‘CAR’. Start by providing the context of your example, then describe the actions you took, and finally, outline the results of those actions.

Example (for university application):

• Coordinated and promoted the annual inter-college debate competition, increasing participation by 40% and receiving recognition for enhancing student engagement.
• Another essential part is highlighting your genuine skills in your CV. Some people try to exaggerate or invent their abilities to be selected, but that will not do you justice, especially if they are questioned at an interview stage!
• What are the common mistakes we make when crafting CVs?
• Spelling or grammatical errors on a CV are a big no-no! Proofread your CV more than twice to ensure there are no mistakes.
• Formatting is another key area where you need to be careful. Modern CVs rarely include a photo of the candidate. You may ask why? It's because recruitment teams focus on your qualifications and skills, not your appearance, race, or gender. Their goal is to find the best fit for the role or opportunity.
• Keeping your CV simple is another point that many overlook. Using multiple fonts can make your CV look unprofessional, so try to stick to one clean font and avoid unnecessary graphics.

Our final tips

• Before creating your CV, make a note of the required skills for the job or university so that you can show how your skills are relevant to them.
• Do your research carefully and plan what you want to highlight about yourself in your CV.
• Avoid sending the same CV to every university or job you find. Instead, research the university or company's background and tailor your CV to their requirements. Sending customised CVs for each application can help you stand out from other applicants.

Finally, there is a common misconception among applicants that they should not include any of their interests in a CV. That is not true; hiring teams look for well-rounded and genuine individuals. Sharing your interests can demonstrate that you are passionate and have depth beyond your qualifications.

Turning your experiences into a strong, professional CV can be challenging – but with BURC Lanka’s guidance, it becomes the foundation for your success in both university and future career opportunities.

If you have any questions or are ready to begin your journey to study abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Call us today at +94 777 543 854.