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Career Tips
September 25, 2025
6 min read

How to Write a CV That Gets You Hired in Turkey

Essential CV writing tips, formatting guidelines, and cultural considerations for Turkish employers.

CV vs Resume: Understanding the Difference

In Turkey, the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is typically longer and more detailed, while a resume is shorter and more concise. For most job applications in Turkey, a well-structured CV is preferred.

Essential CV Sections

1. Personal Information

  • • Full name (as it appears on your passport)
  • • Professional email address
  • • Phone number with country code
  • • Current location
  • • LinkedIn profile (if available)

Important: Include your nationality and work permit status if applicable.

2. Professional Summary

Write a compelling 2-3 sentence summary that highlights your key strengths, relevant experience, and what you can bring to the role.

"Experienced software developer with 5+ years in web development, specializing in React and Node.js. Proven track record of delivering scalable applications and leading development teams."

3. Work Experience

Format for Each Position:

  • • Job title and company name
  • • Employment dates (month/year format)
  • • Company location
  • • 3-5 bullet points describing achievements
  • • Use action verbs (developed, managed, implemented)

Senior Software Developer | TechCorp Istanbul | Jan 2020 - Present
• Led development of e-commerce platform serving 100K+ users
• Implemented microservices architecture reducing system downtime by 40%
• Mentored 3 junior developers and conducted code reviews

4. Education

  • • Degree name and field of study
  • • University name and location
  • • Graduation year
  • • GPA (if above 3.0) or honors
  • • Relevant coursework or projects

5. Skills Section

Technical Skills

  • • Programming languages
  • • Software and tools
  • • Certifications
  • • Industry-specific skills

Soft Skills

  • • Leadership
  • • Communication
  • • Problem-solving
  • • Teamwork

Turkish Employer Preferences

Language Skills

Clearly indicate your English proficiency level. Many Turkish companies work internationally and value strong English skills.

Cultural Adaptability

Highlight any international experience or cultural adaptability. Turkish employers value candidates who can work in diverse environments.

Relevant Experience

Emphasize experience that directly relates to the job you're applying for. Turkish recruiters prefer candidates with relevant industry experience.

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Generic CVs

Problem: Using the same CV for all job applications

Solution: Tailor your CV for each position, emphasizing relevant skills and experience

❌ Poor Formatting

Problem: Inconsistent formatting, small fonts, or cluttered layout

Solution: Use consistent formatting, readable fonts (11-12pt), and plenty of white space

❌ Missing Contact Information

Problem: Outdated or missing contact details

Solution: Always include current phone number, email, and location

❌ Vague Descriptions

Problem: Using generic phrases like "responsible for" or "worked on"

Solution: Use specific achievements with numbers and metrics

CV Length and Format

Length Guidelines

Entry Level1-2 pages
Mid-Level2-3 pages
Senior Level3-4 pages

File Format

PDF (Recommended)
Word Document (.docx)
Avoid: .txt, .rtf

Final Tips for Success

Pro Tips

  • • Proofread multiple times for grammar and spelling errors
  • • Use keywords from the job description
  • • Include quantifiable achievements (numbers, percentages)
  • • Keep formatting consistent throughout
  • • Save with a professional filename (e.g., "John_Smith_CV.pdf")
  • • Update your CV regularly with new skills and experiences

Ready to Create Your Professional CV?

WorkInTurkiye helps you create a professional profile that Turkish employers love. Upload your CV and let our system help you optimize it for the Turkish job market.