A good CV gives recruiters enough relevant information to decide whether to invite you to interview. You cannot control every recruitment decision, but you can make your experience much easier to assess.
1. Keep the CV concise
Recruiters do not have unlimited time to review every document. Prioritise the information that matters and remove repetition. The original advice favours a one-page CV, which is particularly helpful for some students and entry-level applicants. In the UK, however, a clear two-page CV is also common for candidates with more experience. Readability and relevance matter more than forcing everything onto one page.
2. Use the language of the job advert
Include appropriate keywords for the role, especially technical skills, qualifications, job titles and tools that genuinely match your experience. This helps recruiters and recruitment software recognise relevant information.
Do not overload the document with repeated terms. Explain your responsibilities and achievements in natural language.
3. Make the headline count
The top of your CV should quickly identify you and your professional direction. Use your name, a clear target job title and, where helpful, a short personal profile. Put your most relevant skills and achievements near the beginning rather than burying them in an unrelated paragraph.
4. Focus on results, not only duties
Job titles and task lists tell employers what you were expected to do. Achievements help show what you actually contributed. Describe improvements, completed projects, responsibilities and results, including meaningful figures when you can support them.
For example, 'Improved stock accuracy through a new checking process' is more informative than simply listing 'stock control'.
5. Proofread, including aloud
Read the CV carefully before sending it. Reading aloud can reveal awkward sentences and repetition that are easy to miss on screen. Check names, dates, spelling, grammar, links and file formatting.
Make a final comparison with the vacancy and ensure that your CV honestly demonstrates the skills the employer needs.
