An effective resume features professional and easy-to-read fonts (as opposed to fancy typography), single-line spacing, clear section headings, and half-inch margins. The first page or top half of your resume should include your contact information and personal summary. Organize your academic and professional history from the most recent or the most relevant.

Try to include both hard skills and soft skills that are relevant to the job. Hard skills are your core abilities, think software skills, writing skills or any job specific skills that are at your disposal. These are often listed in the job description so it’s a good idea to update your resume to every job you apply for. Soft skills are your people-based skills, or what you bring above your key qualifications. Both can be weaved into your personal summary or in your professional experience section, or put them in a separate section.

Everything on a CV or resume should be as clear and as easy to read as possible. Ideally, it should include the following:

• Relevant contact details—including mobile, email and where you’re based

• A personal summary focusing on your career thus far and your achievements

• Relevant professional experience, from most recent to earliest

• Key skills, education, and training

• Any additional certifications or qualifications

If you have enough space or if it’s relevant to the position, you can include your hobbies or side projects if you feel they are relevant. Only include them if they are relevant. If the employer or recruiter requires it, you can include professional references as well. Just make sure to let your reference know that you’ve included them in your application.