Summary
This article discusses my experience building CV Maker, a React-based application that provides a user-friendly interface for creating professionally formatted CVs. I’ll cover the problem I set out to solve, the development process, challenges I faced, and lessons learned.
Background
Problem Statement
The process of creating a professional-looking CV can be unnecessarily complicated. Pre-made templates often don’t look polished, come with odd layouts, and can make the process harder by overcomplicating basic elements. Many existing tools require too much effort just to make the CV look presentable, which distracts users from focusing on the content itself.
I wanted my app to be a no-nonsense solution to help users quickly generate a clean, professional CV without wasting time on design decisions. The goal was to simplify the process so users could focus on what really matters: what they are writing.
Motivation
When it was time for me to write my CV, I found the process much more difficult than expected. Not only did I struggle with the content, but I was also overwhelmed by design and formatting choices. You get all sorts of conflicting advice: Should the CV be one page or two? Should you use one column or multiple columns? Should you include icons? How do you communicate proficiency in different technical skills—use a bar chart?
I reworked my CV multiple times before finally settling on a layout that felt right. I also learned about the importance of formatting for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan CVs. Through this experience, I realized that many others likely face the same struggles, especially recent graduates who may not have received much guidance on what makes a good CV. This inspired me to build an app that streamlines the CV creation process, helps users write professional resumes, and saves time, allowing them to focus on getting jobs rather than stressing over formatting.
Project Planning
Goals
The primary goal was to build a simple, intuitive tool that allows users to create a polished CV in a matter of minutes. Key features included:
- A clean, responsive user interface that’s easy to navigate
- Input fields for essential sections (experience, education, skills, etc.)
- A real-time CV preview
- The ability to export the finished CV as a downloadable PDF
Scope
For the MVP (Minimum Viable Product), the focus was on the following core functionalities:
- A form to gather the user’s information for each section
- Real-time preview of the CV layout
- Export to PDF functionality
- Responsive design to ensure usability on both desktop and mobile devices
Additional features like multiple templates or advanced customization options were left out of the initial scope to keep the project focused and manageable.
Requirements
- React for building the front end
- react-to-print library to handle PDF generation
- CSS/Flexbox for responsive design
- Netlify for simple deployment of the front-end application
Development Process
Design
The design process aimed to create an interface that felt simple and guided the user step-by-step through the CV creation process. I chose a minimalistic approach to ensure that the UI remained clean and the focus was on content rather than flashy design elements.
Architecture
The application was structured as a single-page React app with reusable components for each section of the CV: Personal Details, Work Experience, Education, Skills, etc. This modular approach allowed for easy maintenance and potential future expansion.
UI/UX Considerations
From a UX perspective, the goal was to make the app as straightforward as possible. Users can input their data section by section, with the CV preview updating in real time. I also ensured that the design was mobile-friendly, so users could create their CV on the go. The UI provides immediate feedback, and the export feature ensures the final CV is professional-looking and ATS-friendly.
Implementation
I implemented the CV Maker using a component-driven approach in React. The form allows users to fill in each section of their CV, and the state is updated using React’s useState hook. The real-time preview is rendered dynamically as the user inputs data.
Technologies and Tools
- React for component-based development
- react-to-print to handle the PDF export functionality
- CSS/Flexbox for creating a responsive and flexible layout
- Netlify for hosting and deploying the application
- GitHub for version control
Challenges and Solutions
- Responsive Design: Ensuring that the layout worked seamlessly on both mobile and desktop devices was a challenge. I used a combination of CSS Grid and Flexbox to create a flexible layout that adjusted based on screen size.
- PDF Generation: Styling the exported PDF to match the web preview was tricky, as
react-to-printhas some limitations compared to traditional CSS. I had to be mindful of how certain layout elements translated to the PDF format and make adjustments accordingly. - Form State Management: Managing form inputs for multiple sections and syncing them with the preview required careful state management. I simplified this using React hooks and a centralized state for the entire form.
Deployment
Environment
The app is a front-end-only solution, deployed on Netlify for continuous deployment. Netlify was chosen due to its seamless integration with GitHub, easy deployment process, and hosting capabilities.
Process
Frontend Deployment
I connected the GitHub repository to Netlify, allowing for continuous deployment. Every time I pushed changes to the main branch, Netlify would automatically build and deploy the latest version. This made updates quick and easy.
Backend Deployment
No back-end services were required for this project, as it operates purely on the front end. If future versions include user authentication or database storage, I would consider integrating a back-end API.
Outcome and Results
Achievements
- Created a fully functional CV Maker app with real-time preview and PDF export
- Delivered a clean, mobile-responsive UI that simplifies CV creation
- Successfully deployed the app on Netlify, enabling easy access for users
- Gained valuable experience in handling form data, responsive design, and integrating PDF generation into a React app
Reflection
Lessons Learned
- UI/UX Simplification: A minimalist approach worked best. Initially, I over-complicated the design, but simplifying the UI improved usability and user experience.
- Modular Components: By using reusable components, I made the app easier to maintain and extend in the future.
- PDF Generation: Rendering a web-based design as a PDF comes with limitations. I learned to be mindful of how different elements translate into PDF format and adjusted accordingly.
Future Improvements
- Add multiple CV templates or themes for users to choose from
- Implement the ability to save and reload CVs using local storage or cloud storage
- Introduce more customization options, such as font choices or color schemes
Conclusion
Summary
Building the CV Maker app was both a challenging and rewarding experience. The project allowed me to improve my skills in React, state management, and UI/UX design while solving a real-world problem. The result is a functional, easy-to-use tool that helps users create professional CVs without the hassle of formatting or design choices.