I am using/learning LaTex to make an easily customizable CV: raw data in the .tex file, commenting out alternative text I choose not to display for the given submission, and using the .cls file to give me the formatting I want. Seems like a perfect solution.

As a newb I am baffled by some of the TeX primitive stuff and usually would prefer that you explain me your techniques, rather than spoon feed me a high level solution.