How to write a CV that gets employers to call you

Why a strong CV is key to your next job interview

A CV is not just a requirement in a job application process – it is your most important marketing tool. In today’s competitive job market, a solid and targeted CV quickly stands out among hundreds of applications. Employers often only spend about 30 seconds on one CV, so you have little time to convince them that you should receive a call back.

How to build a CV that gets responses

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to CVs, but some principles apply to all:

• Clear structure: Place information such as name, contact info, and LinkedIn link at the top, followed by a brief professional summary, then work experience, education, and finally relevant skills.
• Tailored content: Customize both the profile text and experiences for each specific position you apply for. Highlight competencies and results that match the requirements in the job description.
• Simple and tidy design: Avoid too many colors, graphics, and clutter – use bullet points, highlighted titles, and enough white space to make the CV comfortable to read, both on screen and paper.

Essential parts of a modern CV

1. Header and contact information

Name, phone number, email, location (postal code and city are sufficient), possibly LinkedIn URL. This makes it easy for the employer to find you.

2. Professional profile/summary

Two-to-four bullet points summarizing who you are professionally, for example: "Results-oriented service manager with 7 years of experience in customer service, strong communication skills, and documented sales figures."

3. Work experience

Include role, employer, years (month is optional), and one to three points about key tasks and results. Always start with the most recent job first. Use active verbs (improved, led, achieved) and be specific, for example: "Reduced response time on customer inquiries by 30%."

4. Education

Highlight the highest attained education first. Include any specializations, relevant courses, and certifications.

5. Skills and languages

List professional and digital skills you master, as well as language proficiency. Avoid adding obvious skills – be honest and relevant.

6. References

You can write "available upon request" – but there's no disadvantage in mentioning one reference, it often strengthens the impression.

Small actions that yield big effects

• Use keywords: Pick words and phrases directly from the job ad and integrate them naturally.
• Avoid gaps: Do you have periods without work? Briefly explain it or refer to courses, volunteer work, or personal development during this time.
• Measurable results: Highlight numbers, concrete results, or improvements in previous roles.
• Proofread: Write correct Norwegian, eliminate typos, and have someone else read it before you send!

Common CV mistakes and how to avoid them

• Too long or detailed texts
• Repetition of common phrases like "structured and outgoing" without backing it up
• Little relevant information for the specific position
• Impersonal standard templates from the internet

Avoid such pitfalls by working thoroughly with the content, and let grand words always be supported by examples.

Example of a CV that gives you more job interviews

Here is a practical, effective CV example (the structure can easily be built in Lønna.no's free CV builder):

Name: Siri Solstad
Phone: 900 00 000 | Email: siri.sol@epost.no
Location: 0160 Oslo
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sirisol

Profile
Results-oriented finance employee with 5 years of experience in banking and accounting. Good at streamlining, communication, and digital solutions.

Work experience
2021–2025 Accounting employee, HeimBank
• Digitized paper receipts – saved 800 hours per year
• Participated in a new project team for payment solutions
2019–2021 Customer consultant, Brattås Eiendom
• Achieved 96% customer satisfaction
• Trained four new colleagues

Education
2016–2019 Bachelor in economics and administration, BI Norwegian Business School
2015 Upper secondary school, economics subject

Skills
Excel, Visma, Norwegian (native), English (fluent)

References
Names and phone numbers available upon request

When to use CV templates and digital CV builder tools

More and more recruiters are using electronic recruitment systems (ATS). Therefore, you should use standard headings and build your CV in a format that is easily readable by such systems. The CV templates and CV builder on Lønna.no cover this – at the same time, you get the opportunity to save, reuse, and customize the CV for new applications without having to build everything from scratch.

What can you write if you lack experience?

Elaborate on relevant internships, volunteer work, or projects from studies. Focus on tasks, responsibilities, and skills you have developed, and draw parallels to the job you are applying for.

What about salary, courses, and extra engagement?

• It is rarely necessary to state salary in a CV – this is discussed in salary negotiations or you can find relevant statistics on SSB and NAV.
• Courses, certifications, and other engagements should be included under “Education,” or in a separate section if you have a lot to show.
• Extra engagement: Anything that shows responsibility beyond the expected strengthens the impression of you.

Let your CV work for you – and keep track of the jobs you apply for

With Lønna.no, you can compile job applications, easily tailor and reuse CVs, and always have an updated overview of what you have sent where. Work smart – so you don’t miss an important call because your CV got buried at the bottom of the pile!

A well-prepared CV is often the beginning of the journey to your dream job – take the time to make an impression!