How to Write an Experienced CV

As professionals advance in their careers, their CVs must evolve to reflect deeper expertise, measurable achievements, and leadership impact. An experienced CV is not simply a longer version of an entry level CV; it is a strategic document that positions you as a proven professional with a strong track record.

Check professional CV formats for different roles you can easily edit and use

Whether you are seeking a promotion, changing industries, or applying for senior roles, a well-written, experienced CV can significantly improve your chances of securing interviews.

Difference Between an Experienced CV and an Entry-Level CV

The main distinction between an experienced CV and an entry level CV lies in focus and depth. Entry level CVs typically emphasise education, internships, academic projects, and transferable skills, as candidates often have limited work experience. In contrast, CV for experienced professionals prioritises work accomplishments, industry-specific expertise and career progression.

Employers viewing an experienced CV expect evidence of impact, such as improved performance metrics, successful projects, leadership roles, or revenue growth. Additionally, some experts reason that CV for experienced professionals should include a personal statement or professional summary instead of an objective statement, which is best for beginners. Some place education lower on the document, as work experience carries greater weight.

Length may also differ. An entry level CV can cover just one page (since there may not be much work experience to include). CV for experienced professionals may use two pages to adequately showcase their experience, provided the information is relevant and well-organised.

Best CV Format for Experienced Professionals

Choosing the right CV format is critical for presenting your experience clearly and professionally. The most effective format for experienced professionals is the reverse-chronological CV.

This format lists your most recent roles first (with dates) and works backwards, allowing recruiters to quickly see your current level, responsibilities, and achievements. It clearly demonstrates career growth, consistency, and increasing responsibility over time.

A combination (or hybrid) CV format may also be suitable. This format highlights key skills and achievements at the top, followed by a detailed work history in reverse chronological order. However, it should still maintain a clear timeline to avoid confusing recruiters.

Regardless of the format, an experienced CV should have a clean layout, professional font, clear section headings, and enough white space to improve readability. Consistency in formatting reflects attention to detail, an important trait for experienced professionals.

Step-by-Step Guide on Writing an Experienced CV

1. Contact Information

Your CV should begin with clear, professional contact details (name, phone number, email address, etc) so recruiters can easily reach you. At this stage in your career, presentation and accuracy matter just as much as the information itself.

2. Professional Summary

Write a concise professional summary that highlights who you are and the value you bring to an organisation. For example, mention your professional designation, leadership experience, industry knowledge, and major accomplishments that align with the role you are targeting.

3. Work Experience

List your roles in reverse chronological order, including job title, organisation, and dates of employment. Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate impact.

4. Education

Organise all your educational qualifications with dates attended and concluded (also in reverse chronological order).

5. Certifications

Prioritise certifications relevant to your current career path. List them by relevance or recency. Use the full names of the certifications, not initials. Add certification ID numbers only if verifiable online.

6. Skills

Your skills section should reflect both technical and soft skills relevant to your profession. Prioritise skills that match the job description and demonstrate your level of expertise.

7. Optional Sections 

As an experienced professional with years of experience, it is very likely you'll include extra sections that strengthen your case. These may include publications, awards, a portfolio, and professional memberships, among others.

8. References

References help employers confirm your experience, work ethic, and leadership qualities. Always ask for permission before listing anyone. Select individuals who can speak confidently about your performance and responsibilities. Alternatively, you may state that references are available upon request (if references are not mandatory).

Mistakes to Avoid in an Experienced CV

One common mistake is including outdated or irrelevant information. If you have lots of experience dating back several years, for example, focus on the more recent (e.g., past 10–15 years) unless earlier roles are highly relevant. Avoid excessive detail on older positions.

Another error is listing responsibilities without results. Employers want evidence of impact (quantifiable if possible), not duty descriptions. Failing to tailor the CV to each role is also a major drawback, as generic CVs rarely perform well. Poor formatting, long paragraphs, and unnecessary personal details can reduce readability and professionalism.

Sample CV for Experienced Professionals

CHUKWUDI OKWUDILI Operations Manager Lagos, Nigeria 📞 +234 803 456 7890 ✉️ [email protected] 🔗 linkedin.com/in/chukwudiokwudili

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven operations manager with over 10 years of experience overseeing logistics, supply chain coordination, and business operations within fast-paced organisations in Nigeria. Proven track record of improving operational efficiency, managing large cross-functional teams, controlling high-value budgets, and delivering measurable performance gains. Strong expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder management, compliance, and process optimisation across multiple business units.

EDUCATION 

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Lagos Business School (Pan-Atlantic University), Lagos, Nigeria, September 2016 – July 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) | Business Administration, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria, October 2006 – July 2010

WORK EXPERIENCE 

Operations Manager PrimeServe Logistics Ltd, Lagos, Nigeria | January 2019 – Present

• Managing a workforce of over 35 staff, including supervisors, drivers, and warehouse personnel.
• Leading daily operations for a logistics company serving clients across Lagos and the South-West region.
• Supported business expansion into two additional states.
• Introduced performance tracking dashboards that improved reporting accuracy and decision-making.
• Oversaw annual operational budgets exceeding ₦250 million, ensuring cost efficiency and accountability.
• Implemented process improvements that reduced delivery delays by 22% within the first year.

Senior Operations Officer TransUrban Services Nigeria Ltd, Lagos, Nigeria | June 2014 – December 2018

• Prepared operational and performance reports for management.
• Managed vendor relationships and negotiated service contracts to reduce operating costs.
• Improved turnaround time by 18% through workflow restructuring.
• Supervised team leads and ensured compliance with policies and service-level agreements.
• Coordinated day-to-day operational activities across multiple client accounts.

Operations Officer MetroLine Enterprises, Lagos, Nigeria | August 2011 – May 2014

• Provided operational support during peak periods and special projects.
• Helped implement standard operating procedures across teams.
• Assisted with inventory control and vendor coordination.
• Supported operations planning, scheduling, and reporting.

CERTIFICATIONS 

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE Level 3) Completed: June 2015

Certificate in Operations & Supply Chain Management | Lagos Business School Completed: November 2017

Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute Issued: March 2020

SKILLS

• Operations & Process Management
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Supply Chain & Vendor Management
• Team Leadership & Performance Management
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Stakeholder Engagement

AWARDS

• 2022 Operations Leadership Award | PrimeServe Logistics Ltd.
  Awarded for leading process improvements that reduced delivery delays and improved customer satisfaction across key Lagos routes.
• 2017 Employee of the Year | TransUrban Services Nigeria Ltd.
  Awarded for exceptional performance in operational efficiency, vendor management, and team coordination.

REFERENCES

Mr Tunde Akinwale, Chief Operations Officer, PrimeServe Logistics Ltd. Email: [email protected]: +234 802 111 4567.

Mrs Bola Adekunle, Head of Operations, TransUrban Services Nigeria Ltd. Email: [email protected]: +234 815 678 9921.

Mr Kunle Olatunji, Senior Operations Consultant, MetroLine Enterprises. Email: [email protected]: +234 806 334 8829.

Conclusion

A CV for experienced professionals should tell a clear story of professional growth, expertise, and measurable success. After toiling hard to acquire work experience, you do not want to mess up all that hard work with a poorly constructed CV.

Adhering to the insights derivable from this guide will help enhance your understanding of how to write an experienced CV. You can make the task even easier by leveraging CVHack to build an impressive experienced CV within minutes.