Clarity beats Completeness

A common mistake is trying to fit an entire career into one dense document. The result is often a CV that's hard to scan and forces the reader to dig for what matters. A recruiter typically spends a short amount of time on a first read, so clarity is what gets you noticed.

Structure your CV so the most relevant information is easy to find: recent roles first, clear job titles, and a layout that doesn't require zooming in. If you have specific certifications or tools that matter for the role, make sure they stand out rather than being buried in a paragraph.

Show results, not just responsibilities

"Managed a team" or "responsible for sales" tells us what you were supposed to do, not what you actually achieved. Whenever possible, translate your experience into concrete outcomes: a percentage improved, a project delivered, a process you built or fixed.

You don't need to inflate your achievements. Even modest, specific results are more convincing than vague statements. "Reduced onboarding time by two weeks" says a lot more than "improved onboarding process."

Tailor It, Don't duplicate it

Sending the exact same CV to every application is tempting but rarely effective. This doesn't mean rewriting everything from scratch each time. It means reviewing your CV before you hit send and asking: does this highlight the experience most relevant to this specific role?

Small adjustments, reordering bullet points, or emphasizing a particular project go a long way in showing that you took the time to think about the fit.

The cover letter: why us not just why this Role

If you choose to write a cover letter (at Ofelia, they are optional but highly valued), avoid generic openings that could apply to any company. We're not looking for a summary of your CV in paragraph form. We're looking for a sense of why Ofelia specifically caught your interest, and what convinced you this is the right next step for you.

A short, genuine cover letter that says something real about your motivation will always stand out more than a long, polished one that could have been sent to anyone.