How to Write a Standout CV That Lands Interviews

Is Your CV Doing You Justice?
Let’s be honest—your CV only has seconds to make an impression.
With hiring managers and recruiters scanning dozens (sometimes hundreds!) of CVs per vacancy, yours needs to shine. A standout CV isn’t just about looking good on paper—it’s about getting your foot in the door.
So, what makes a CV stand out from the crowd in 2025? Let’s break it down.
The Anatomy of a Winning CV
Here’s what you need to include—and how to make each section work harder for you:
1. Professional Profile (Your Elevator Pitch)
This is the first thing they’ll read. Make it count.
✅ Highlight your experience, strengths, and what makes you a great fit.
✅ Keep it clear, confident, and no longer than 4–5 lines.
Example:
Proactive and highly organised Office Administrator with 5+ years’ experience supporting busy commercial teams. Known for improving internal processes and delivering top-tier customer service. Seeking a new challenge in a dynamic, forward-thinking business.
2. Key Skills (Tailored to the Role)
List 6–10 bullet points relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Focus on transferable and technical skills—think problem-solving, CRM systems, diary management, etc.
3. Work Experience (Results Matter!)
Don’t just list responsibilities—show impact.
🟢 Use bullet points
🟢 Start each point with a strong verb: Managed, Streamlined, Delivered
🟢 Add numbers where possible: Reduced admin time by 20% sounds better than Managed admin tasks
4. Education & Qualifications
Include relevant academic and professional qualifications. No need to go overboard—just the essentials.
5. Additional Sections (Optional but Useful)
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Certifications or courses (e.g., Excel, Health & Safety, Leadership training)
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Languages
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Volunteer work – especially if it shows initiative or soft skills
Common CV Mistakes (That You’ll Want to Avoid)
❌ Using a one-size-fits-all CV – tailor it for each job
❌ Waffling – stick to clear, concise language
❌ Typos or formatting issues – proofread, then proofread again
❌ Adding irrelevant detail – no one needs to know about your weekend paper round from 2002
Stand Out with Style and Substance
A well-structured CV with smart formatting will instantly give you a more professional look. Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Use clean, modern fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri)
✅ Keep to 2 pages max
✅ Use bold headings and spacing to guide the eye
✅ Save and send as a PDF (unless otherwise requested)
Ready to Land More Interviews?
Landing your dream job starts with the right guidance. Whether you need help refining your CV, preparing for interviews, or navigating your job search, we’re here to help. Book a free 30-minute consultation with our expert recruiters and get personalised advice to accelerate your career.

Book a 30 minute "Free Candidate Consultation" with one of our recruiters.
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