In short
The problem: Many New Zealand jobseekers are unsure what to put on a CV, which can lead to applications that are too broad, missing key details or not clearly showing their value to employers.
The solution: This guide breaks down exactly what to put on a CV, from contact details and work history to skills, education and tailored achievements, so candidates can create a clearer, stronger application.
The result: With the right information in the right structure, jobseekers can present a more focused, professional CV that is easier for employers to scan and more likely to lead to interview opportunities.
Your CV is arguably the most important tool in your job search. It gives employers a quick snapshot of who you are, what you have done, and the value you could bring to their team. When you know what to put on a CV, you give yourself a much stronger chance of standing out for the right reasons and securing that first interview.
For New Zealand jobseekers, a strong CV should feel focused, relevant and easy to read. It is not about listing everything you have ever done. It is about showing an employer why your experience, skills and achievements make you a strong fit for the role.
Get it right, and your CV can open doors. Get it wrong by including too much, leaving out key details, or focusing on the wrong information, and even a strong candidate can be overlooked.
As our experienced finance and accounting recruiter Kelsey Llewellyn puts it, “A good CV should make it easy for an employer to quickly understand your strengths, your experience and the value you could bring to the role.”
That is why it helps to be clear about what to put on a CV and what to leave out. Every section should earn its place and help build a stronger picture of you as a candidate.
Having reviewed thousands of resumes in her seven years in recruitment, Kelsey also notes, “The most effective CVs are tailored, easy to scan and focused on the information that matters most to the employer.”
Related: What is the best font to use for a CV
What to put in a CV in New Zealand
Knowing what to put on a CV can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to make a strong impression quickly. Use the following sections to help craft an effective resume that will help you land first interviews.
Your contact details
Start with the basics. Your contact details should be clear, current and easy to find at the top of your CV.
Include:
your full name
mobile number
professional email address
location, such as your city and region (no need to include your actual street address)
You do not need to include personal details such as your age, date of birth, marital status or a photo unless specifically requested (which is highly unusual). In most cases, these details are unnecessary and can distract from what matters most.
Kelsey puts it simply: “Your contact details sound like a small thing, but they matter. You’d be surprised the number of CVs I see that forget these parts. If an employer cannot reach you easily, or your email address looks unprofessional, it creates the wrong first impression before they have even read your experience.”
A professional summary
One of the most important answers to what to put on a CV is a strong professional summary. This is a short introduction at the top of your CV, usually around 50 to 100 words, that tells the employer who you are, what you bring and where you can add value.
Think of it as your personal pitch. It should briefly cover:
your level of experience
your key strengths or areas of expertise
the value you bring to an employer
the type of role or direction you are looking for
This section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. A generic summary can feel flat, while a targeted one shows focus and intent.
Example:
Results-driven finance professional with experience supporting fast-paced New Zealand workplaces across financial administration, reporting and stakeholder service. Known for strong attention to detail, accurate data handling and the ability to build trusted working relationships. Seeking to bring analytical thinking, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to a finance-focused role.
Key skills
Listing your skills helps employers quickly see whether you match the requirements of the role and can also support keyword searches during digital screening.
Include a short list of relevant skills such as:
financial reporting
budgeting and forecasting
accounts payable and receivable
reconciliations
month-end processing
payroll support
Excel and financial systems
stakeholder communication
compliance and accuracy
team collaboration
Remember to focus on skills that are directly relevant to the role rather than listing every system or trait you can think of.
Related: Top skills to include in your resume
Your work history
Your work history will often be the most important part of your CV. List each role in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
For each position, include:
your job title
company name
dates of employment
a short description of your responsibilities
key achievements and outcomes
When deciding what to put on a CV, do not just list tasks. Employers want to understand the impact you made. That means showing how your work improved a process, solved a problem or increased revenue. Quantifying your achievements and outcomes is highly recommended to depict the impact you had in that role.
Instead of saying:
Responsible for processing invoices
Say:
Processed 250+ invoices per month with a high level of accuracy, supporting on-time payments and helping maintain strong supplier relationships
Instead of saying:
Supported payroll team
Say:
Supported fortnightly payroll for 150+ employees, helping ensure accurate, on-time processing and compliance with internal controls
Bring your strongest and most relevant achievements to the top of each role so they are easy to spot.
Kelsey says, “One of the most common mistakes I see is candidates describing what they were responsible for, but not what they achieved. Employers want to know the difference you made, not just the duties you carried out.”
Include career gaps honestly
If you have a gap in your work history, do not ignore it. A short, clear explanation is usually enough. Career gaps are common and can happen for many reasons, including study, travel, parenting, caregiving or redundancy.
Keep the explanation simple and positive. The aim is to reassure the employer, not over-explain.
Your education
Your education should include your university, industry and vocational qualifications. List these in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
Include:
qualification name
institution name
completion year or expected completion date
If you are currently studying, include that too. It shows commitment to growth and gives employers a sense of the skills you are developing.
If you have completed a large amount of training, only include the courses, certificates or professional development most relevant to the role.
Kelsey says, “For early-career jobseekers, education can be one of the strongest parts of the CV. For experienced professionals, it still supports credibility and shows continued development.”
Certifications, licences and professional training
When thinking about what to put on a CV, certifications, licences and professional training can be a valuable addition, especially if they are relevant to the role you are applying for. This section can help strengthen your application by showing employers that you have specific qualifications, current knowledge or industry-recognised credentials that support your experience.
Depending on your background, this might include first aid certification, a restricted or full drivers’ licence, software certifications, health and safety training, or professional memberships. If you have completed formal training that is directly linked to the role, it is worth including here rather than leaving it buried elsewhere in your CV.
This section is particularly useful in roles where compliance, technical capability or regulated standards matter. It allows employers to quickly spot qualifications that may be essential or highly desirable, and it can help your CV stand out more clearly in a competitive field.
The key is to keep it relevant. Focus on certifications and training that genuinely add value to your application and support your suitability for the position.
Interests and hobbies
Interests and hobbies can be included, but they are optional. If you choose to add them, be selective. This section should support your application rather than fill space.
Good examples might include interests that show:
teamwork
leadership
discipline
creativity
community involvement
For example, volunteering, coaching sport or participating in industry-related activities can help round out your profile. Less relevant hobbies do not always need to be included.
Kelsey notes, “Interests can add personality to a CV, but they should not take up valuable space unless they genuinely add to the picture of who you are and how you might fit the role or workplace.”
Referees
A referees section is often expected, but you do not need to list full referee details on every CV.
A simple line such as Referees available on request is usually enough, unless the employer specifically asks for names and contact details upfront.
Tailoring your CV to the role
A major part of understanding what to put on a CV is knowing that the content should change depending on the role. Your CV should not be identical for every application.
Review the job description and adjust:
your summary
your key skills
the order of your achievements
the examples you highlight
This does not mean rewriting everything from scratch each time. It means making sure the most relevant information is the easiest to see.
Kelsey says, “The best CVs feel aligned to the role. They make it easy for the employer to connect the candidate’s background with the job in front of them.”
Related: How to tailor your resume
What to leave off a CV
Usually, you can leave off:
outdated or irrelevant experience
personal information that is not needed
long paragraphs
references to salary expectations
negative explanations about past roles
every job you have ever held, if older roles are no longer relevant
Related: What not to include in a CV
Send us your resume today
When it comes to what to put on a CV, the goal is not to include everything. It is to present the most relevant, credible and compelling version of your experience. A strong CV helps an employer quickly understand who you are, what you have done and why you are worth meeting.
For New Zealand jobseekers, the most effective CVs are clear, tailored and focused on value. Every section should work together to build confidence in your application.
As Kelsey says, “A good CV makes an employer’s job easier. It gives them clarity, confidence and a reason to keep reading.”
Take a look at our resume tips page for more advice on how to write a resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on a CV in New Zealand?
A CV in New Zealand should usually include your contact details, a professional summary, work history, education, relevant skills, and any certifications or licences that support your application.
What should not be included on a CV?
You should usually leave out irrelevant experience, personal details such as your age or marital status, long paragraphs, and anything that does not add value to the role you are applying for.
How long should a CV be in New Zealand?
For most job seekers in New Zealand, a CV should be around two to three pages. The key is to keep it relevant, clear and focused on your most important experience and achievements.
Do I need a personal statement on my CV?
A personal statement or professional summary is a good idea because it gives employers a quick snapshot of who you are, your strengths and the value you can bring to the role.
Should I include hobbies and interests on my CV?
You can include hobbies and interests, but only if they are relevant or add something meaningful to your application. In many cases, they are optional.
Do I need to include referees on my CV?
You do not always need to list full referee details on your CV. In most cases, writing “Referees available on request” is enough unless the employer asks for more.
Should I include a photo on my CV in New Zealand?
No. A photo is not necessary on a New Zealand CV unless the employer has specifically asked for one (which is very rare).
How far back should my work history go on a CV?
You should usually include the most relevant and recent experience. For many people, this means going back around 10 to 15 years, unless older roles are particularly important to the position.
Should I tailor my CV for every job application?
Yes. Tailoring your CV helps show employers that your experience and skills match the specific role, which can make your application much stronger.
Do I need to explain gaps in employment on my CV?
Yes, it is usually better to briefly explain career gaps rather than leave employers guessing. Keep the explanation short, honest and positive.
Can I include training and certifications on my CV?
Yes. Certifications, licences and professional training can be very important, especially if they are relevant to the role or required by the employer.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably, although CV is the more common term.
Should I include my secondary school education on my CV?
You can, especially if you are early in your career or do not yet have higher qualifications. As you gain more experience, this becomes less important.
