How to Write a CV: Insights from a Recruiter

In today’s job market, landing an interview can feel like a daunting task for a lot of people, but it’s important to remember that it’s not all about your CV. That may sound silly given this article is all about CVs and how to make yours perfect, but does anyone really know what a perfect CV looks like! Do you make it all about structure and drop the flair so that CV parsing software can read it correctly and not mismatch you or miss highlighting opportunities for your recruiter, only to have it look so basic that a potential hirer throws it in the bin!

So while there's no denying your CV is a key element to your job hunting journey, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, if you truly feel your CV is the right fit for you and the image you want portray then stick with it! If you’re not getting the responses you’d hoped for, it doesn’t mean you’re doing everything wrong like we see so many recruiters telling candidates these days. A CV is just one piece of the puzzle, and sometimes it’s just about being the right fit or good timing. However, if you do feel like your CV could do with some attention, there's no harm in refining it or considering some alternative ways to convey your work history. So we've written this article to offer some practical tips to help you showcase your strengths and experience more effectively.

Understanding the Purpose of a CV

A CV is more than just a summary of your work history; it’s a strategic tool designed to showcase your most relevant experiences and skills to potential employers. It should quickly demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Remember, in high application roles, recruiters typically spend less time scanning each CV, so clarity and relevance are crucial to ensure you showcase your skills in an easy to read manner.

Tailoring Your CV to a Job

If you are submitting a generic CV for multiple job applications, and not getting responses, this could be a way to improve your response rate. It could potentially be because you've already read similar guides to this one saying to cut down on unnecessary information on your CV, and inadvertently removed something that would make you a standout candidate for a particular role!

Each role you apply for may require a slightly different emphasis on your skills and experience. So before you make your next application, try giving your CV a bit of attention. Really consider what the particular role is asking for in terms of experience and skills, and compare this to what you highlight on your CV.

Tailoring your CV involves:

• Keyword Optimisation: Ensure that your CV reflects the specific language used in the job description. This isn’t just for human readers—many companies use ATS software to filter candidates, and the right keywords can make the difference between being seen or discarded.
• Relevant Experience: Highlight the experiences that align most closely with the role. If you’re applying for a managerial position, focus on leadership roles and projects where you’ve demonstrated those abilities.

A very simple example adjustment would be if a role asks for competency using google docs, but you've only listed that you're an expert in Microsoft word. Chances are if you're an admin wizard, you've probably used google docs before as well, and even if not it's an easily transferrable skill between word processing platforms. So as long as it's true, mention that you can use google docs as well, that way the wording will match between the role and your CV.

How to Structure Your CV

A well-structured CV is easy to read and logically organised. There are an abundance of templates out there, but a lot of them are over done, and you are probably better off if possible starting from scratch yourself. Often you'll be able to more easily keep it clean and simple, adding a few bold headings isn't to tricky. You also have to keep in mind that in this digital age, many recruiters or hiring teams will use software to scan and pull information from your CV. This means you not only have to imagine a person reading your CV, but also a computer being able to identify the information and accurately parse it into whatever system the recruiter is using.

Here’s a breakdown of what your CV should include:

• Contact Information: At the top, include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure this information is up-to-date and presented vertically.
• Professional Profile: This is a brief section at the beginning of your CV where you summarize your professional background and key skills. It should be tailored to each application, highlighting what makes you a strong candidate for the specific role.
• Work Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include your job title, the company name, and the dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements, focusing on quantifiable results (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%").
• Education and Qualifications: Include your academic background, starting with your highest qualification. If you have a degree, it’s usually unnecessary to list your GCSEs or A-levels unless specifically relevant.
• Skills: This section should reflect both your hard and soft skills. Technical skills or languages should be highlighted if relevant to the job. Be honest—never claim skills you can’t back up.
• Additional Sections: Depending on your industry and experience, you might also include sections for certifications, volunteer work, publications, or professional memberships.

Writing Style and Language

The language you use in your CV should be professional and direct. Avoid jargon unless it’s industry-specific (not specific to your current employer, make sure to use widely understood terminology or systems). Keep your tone formal but not overly stiff—your CV should reflect your personality while maintaining professionalism.

• Active Voice: Use active verbs to describe your achievements (e.g., "Led a team of 10," "Developed a new sales strategy").
• Conciseness: Be succinct. Avoid overly long sentences and unnecessary details. Every word should add value.
• Proofreading: Spelling or grammatical errors can give the impression of carelessness. Use tools like Grammarly, and if possible, have someone else review your CV for mistakes you might have missed.

Common CV Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong candidates can falter with their CV if they fall into common traps:

• Irrelevant Information: Personal details such as your marital status, nationality, or a photograph are not necessary in the UK and can detract from the professional focus of your CV.
• Exaggeration: While it’s important to present yourself in the best light, avoid exaggerating your experience or skills. Recruiters will likely probe these areas in an interview, and dishonesty can damage your reputation.
• Fluff and Filler: Phrases like “team player” or “hard-working” are too vague to be meaningful. Instead, focus on specific accomplishments that demonstrate these qualities.

Continuously Improving Your CV

Your CV should be a living document, regularly updated as you gain new experiences and skills. If you’re not getting the responses you want, be open to revising your CV. Sometimes small tweaks can make a significant difference in how your CV is received.

However keep a good balance of constantly adjusting your CV, and giving it a chance to do it's job. In the same way that tailoring your CV to each and every role can end up being a negative if you are still not getting the responses you desire. If you are starting to feel like maintaining your CV is a full time job in itself, then it may be time to take a break! It's natural that when you've put more attention and time into an application, it makes it even harder when you don't get a positive response.

Thinking About Applying for a New Job?

Creating a compelling CV requires careful thought and regular revision. By tailoring your CV to each job, using a clear and structured format, and focusing on your most relevant skills and experiences, you can greatly improve your chances of standing out in the UK job market.

From finding jobs to tailoring your applications to specific roles, Prism 7 Resourcing can help you with a targeted job search, aimed at landing you with a position you will thrive in! We also have a variety of temporary and temp-to-perm work available, so even if it's not a permanent position you are looking for, we have alternative options for you.

By registering your CV with us, we can help perfect your CV and tailor your job search to roles that suit you.