How to Start Writing a Resume / CV: Answer These 3 Questions First

How do you start writing your resume / CV? The most common mistake I see is starting with a list of every job and trying to include everything you've ever done.

Before you start, there are a few important things to think through.

Get clear first: a resume tells people three things

First, why do we write a resume?

1. Who are you? Show your personal brand and what sets you apart.
2. What can you do? Highlight your core skills and professional abilities.
3. What have you achieved? Prove your impact with concrete results and numbers.

If it doesn't fit one of these three themes, cut it

The whole resume should be built around these three themes. Anything outside those three, cut it.

Early in our careers, we may need more supporting evidence to help an interviewer understand who we are and improve our chances. As we gain experience and pursue more senior roles, being concise is actually the better strategy.

Break it down and do it in stages

Break the process into smaller pieces and work through it in stages. You'll find it isn't that hard.

Haven't updated your resume in a while either? Pick up the pen now and polish this calling card.

Related reading

Common problems while you're writing: 3 Common Resume / CV Problems I See When Reviewing Friends' Drafts, and How to Fix Them

Read this before you send it: 3 Resume / CV Mistakes That Get You Screened Out in the First Round

This post in Chinese: https://www.uncleric.com/2026/08/how-to-start-writing-your-cv.html

I'm Eric Lu ("Uncle Eric"). I write about food, travel, and careers.