How to Write a Standout CV That Gets You Noticed
Your CV: Your First Impression on Employers
Your CV is often the first point of contact between you and a potential employer. It’s your chance to make a lasting impression, stand out from the competition, and secure an interview. But with recruiters spending an average of six to ten seconds scanning a CV, how do you ensure yours makes the cut?
The Key Elements of a Strong CV
A standout CV isn’t just a list of previous jobs—it tells a compelling story about your career, skills, and potential. To achieve this, ensure your CV includes:
- A Strong Personal Statement: This is your elevator pitch—3-5 sentences that summarise who you are, your expertise, and what you bring to the table. It should be positioned at the very top of your CV, directly below your name and contact details.
- Clear, Concise Formatting: Use a professional font, clear headings, and bullet points to improve readability.
- Reverse Chronological Order for Work Experience: Always list your most recent job first, followed by previous roles in descending order. Employers want to see your latest and most relevant experience upfront.
- Measurable Achievements: Instead of saying, “Managed a sales team,” try, “Led a sales team of 10 and increased revenue by 35% in six months.”
- Tailored Experience: Highlight relevant roles and achievements that match the job you’re applying for.
Common CV Mistakes That Hold You Back
Many candidates unknowingly make errors that can cost them interviews. Here are the most common ones to avoid:
- Using a Generic CV for All Applications – Tailoring your CV to the role makes a massive difference. Hiring managers can spot a copy-paste application instantly.
- Overloading It with Unnecessary Details – Keep it relevant. You don’t need to list every job from 15 years ago—focus on the last 5-10 years of relevant experience.
- Ignoring Keywords – Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan CVs for keywords before they even reach a human. Use industry-related terms from the job description to improve your chances.
- Spelling & Grammar Mistakes – It may seem minor, but typos can give the impression of carelessness. Always proofread!
Optimising Your CV for ATS and Recruiters
With AI-driven applicant tracking systems filtering CVs before human eyes even see them, your CV must be ATS-friendly. Here’s how:
- Use Standard Job Titles – Even if your company uses creative role names like "Sales Guru," use the industry-standard equivalent, such as "Sales Manager."
- Avoid Images or Graphics – While visual CVs might look great, they can confuse ATS software. Stick to a clean, text-based format.
- Include Relevant Keywords – Scan the job description and incorporate key skills and terms naturally throughout your CV.
Need Help Perfecting Your CV?
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