How to Update Your Old CV in Sri Lanka — Step-by-Step

Many Sri Lankan professionals have CVs that were created years ago and haven't been updated since. Here's how to bring yours up to current standards.

Step 1: Audit What You Have

Read your current CV as if you were a recruiter seeing it for the first time. Ask: Does it clearly communicate my professional value? Are all achievements and experiences up to date? Is the formatting clean and modern? Does it pass the 10-second scan test? Does it include all qualifications and certifications earned since the last update? This audit reveals your priorities.

Step 2: Add Everything Missing

Add all roles, responsibilities, and achievements from the past 2-3 years. Add any qualifications, certifications, or professional memberships gained. Update your skills section with current technologies and tools. Update your professional summary to reflect your current career level and goals.

Step 3: Modernise the Format

Outdated CV formats in Sri Lanka often feature: multiple fonts, borders and tables, long lists of soft skills ('hardworking, dedicated, team player'), full address including house number and street, 'References available upon request', and objective statements. Remove all of these and replace with a clean, modern, achievement-focused format.

Step 4: ATS-Optimize for Your Target Roles

Ensure your updated CV uses the keywords from your target job descriptions naturally throughout the experience and skills sections. Check that the formatting is simple and parseable — no text boxes, tables, or complex design elements that confuse ATS systems used by Sri Lankan corporate employers.