Introduction: This post provides a comprehensive guide on how to create an effective Best CV template that stands out to employers and passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It covers essential tips on choosing the right CV format, designing a clean and professional layout, including all critical sections, and tailoring your CV to specific job applications. Additionally, it shares a detailed example of professional experience, skills, projects, education, and certifications to inspire job seekers in the tech and software development fields. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, this guide helps you build a powerful CV that gets noticed.
Crafting a powerful CV template is the first step toward landing your dream job. A well-structured, clean, and targeted CV makes a strong impression on recruiters and helps you pass automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Here’s a comprehensive guide to designing a CV template that truly works.

1. Choose the Right CV Format
Selecting the appropriate format sets the tone for your CV:
- Chronological: Lists your work experience from most recent to oldest. Ideal for professionals with a solid career path.
- Functional: Focuses on skills and qualifications over job history. Great for career changers or those with gaps.
- Combination: Blends chronological and functional formats, highlighting relevant skills alongside work experience.
2. Keep Your Design Simple and Professional
Simplicity is key to clarity:
- Choose clean, readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
- Use consistent formatting — uniform font sizes, bold headings, and bullet points to organize information.
- Incorporate plenty of white space to prevent the layout from feeling cluttered.
- Limit your CV to 1-2 pages for maximum impact.
3. Include All Essential Sections
Ensure your CV covers the following critical areas:
- Header: Your full name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile link.
- Professional Summary: A concise introduction summarizing your skills, experience, and career goals.
- Work Experience: List your jobs with clear bullet points detailing responsibilities and achievements.
- Skills: Highlight both technical (hard) and interpersonal (soft) skills relevant to the role.
- Education: Include your degrees, certifications, and any pertinent coursework.
- Additional Sections: Add languages spoken, volunteer work, or projects when relevant.
4. Use Design Elements Tastefully
Good design enhances readability without distracting:
- Add subtle colors to headings or section dividers for visual interest.
- Use simple icons for contact details to guide the reader’s eye.
- Organize information into columns to make the layout neat and easy to scan.
5. Tailor Each CV to the Job
Customize your CV for every application:
- Incorporate keywords from the job description to pass ATS scans.
- Emphasize the experience and skills most relevant to the specific position.
6. Save and Share Your CV in the Right Format
- Use PDF format to preserve your layout and ensure compatibility across devices.
- Keep an editable Word (.docx) version for easy customization and ATS optimization.
Professional Experience and Skills Summary
With around three years of experience in programming within the pharmacovigilance domain, I have developed several impactful software solutions:
- Designed an Automatic Billing System for the food industry leveraging J Query, Ajax, JSP, and Servlets.
- Integrated the MEDDRA browser into the Aris G product using Struts2, Ajax, and JSP, enhancing regulatory activities.
- Improved the ESM Product by generating PDF reports from XML through XSLT transformations.
Career Highlights
Software Engineer
Aris Global Software Private Limited
August 2025 – Present
Technical Expertise
Category | Skills |
Programming | Java, J2EE, Servlets, JSP, JDBC, XML |
Frameworks | Struts |
Front-end | JSP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML |
Scripting | HTML, XML, AJAX, J Query, DOM |
Databases | Oracle 9i, MySQL |
Tools | Eclipse, IntelliJ, SQL Developer |
Servers | Tomcat, WebLogic, WebSphere |
Source Control | Visual Source Safe (VSS) |
Project Experience
Aris G Critical Response Team (CRT)
Role: Product Engineer/Developer
Duration: 6 months
Description: Provided rapid, effective technical solutions tailored to client requirements for major pharmaceutical clients such as Roche, Pfizer, and Teva.
Technologies: Core Java, Struts1, JavaScript, SQL, JSP, Servlets, Ajax
Aris G 6.4 Main Release
Role: Developer
Duration: 1 year
Description: Enhanced the Development Safety Update Report (DSUR) module with security features and bug fixes.
Technologies: Core Java, Struts1, JavaScript, SQL, JSP, Servlets, Ajax
Aris G 5x and 6x Patch Releases
Role: Developer
Duration: 6 months
Description: Improved Query By Example (QBE) sorting and updated ATC dictionary integration on product screens.
Technologies: Core Java, Struts1, JavaScript, SQL, JSP, Servlets
CV Web Integration
Role: Developer
Duration: 3 months
Description: Enhanced MedDRA dictionary browsing and auto-population features in communication with the Aris G product.
Technologies: Struts2, Ajax, JavaScript, JSP
ESM PDF Report Generation
Role: Developer
Duration: 3 months
Description: Developed PDF report generation from XML files using XSLT, tailored to client specifications.
Technologies: XSLT, XML, Struts 1.3
Education
- MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
Visvesvaraya Technological University, 2009 | 70.82% - B.S c (Bachelor of Science)
Mysore University, 2006 | 60.66%
Certifications
- Certified Aris G Level 1 & Level 2 Professional (with distinction).
- NIIT Certified Web Component Developer (Java Technologies).
- Microsoft Certified: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 Specialist.
Additional Training
- Cognos high-level training.
- JSF training under Tisya Software Solutions.
Interests and Achievements
- Second prize winner in inter-company volleyball tournament.
- Enthusiast in Yoga, Pranayama, Photography, and Carnatic music.
Personal Details
- Father’s Name: Raju Jain
- Date of Birth: 16 January 1985
- Marital Status: Married
- Strengths: Proactive, excellent team player, strong communication skills, dedicated and hardworking.
Conclusion:
Creating an effective CV template is both an art and a strategy. By choosing the right format, maintaining a clean and professional design, and tailoring your content to the job you’re applying for, you can significantly increase your chances of catching the recruiter’s attention. Remember, your CV is your personal marketing tool — it should clearly showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that’s easy to read and relevant to the role. Invest the time to craft a strong CV template, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.
Thank you so much voice of desh