Last Updated on: 19th March 2025, 05:30 pm
Education recruitment specialist Teaching Tomorrow has collaborated with nine industry experts across fields including education, marketing, hospitality, finance, and technology to reveal the fundamental elements required to craft a compelling CV.
With extensive experience in the recruitment industry, these professionals have shared their insights on how job seekers can optimise their CVs to secure interviews.
Here are their ten essential tips:
1. Tailor Your CV to Every Role
The importance of customising a CV for each position was unanimously emphasised. Adam Shulman (Teaching Tomorrow) noted: “A generic CV is a missed opportunity—recruiters want to see alignment with the job’s core requirements.” Joseph Berry (Stonegate Group) agreed: “Relevance streamlines the hiring process and signals genuine interest.”
2. Prioritise Clarity and Organisation
Experts highlighted that a clear, structured format is essential. Kevin Nixon (Partnerscale) advised: “Use bullet points, clear headings, and a professional font. For non-design roles, avoid graphics.” Stephen Belcher (Teaching Tomorrow) added: “A well-structured CV lets recruiters instantly grasp your career trajectory.”
3. Showcase Achievements Rather Than Responsibilities
Recruiters prefer candidates who demonstrate measurable impact. Sam Pipkin (ReKinect) pointed out: “Phrases like ‘increased sales by 34%’ prove value better than vague duties.” Rauiri Galashan (Lloyds Banking Group) advised: “Focus on your contributions—use ‘I,’ not ‘we.’”
4. Demonstrate Career Progression
Gaps in employment history can raise concerns if not explained. Stephen Belcher highlighted: “Continuity and promotions within a company show adaptability and trust.” Jim Bluck (Quest Employment) suggested addressing gaps proactively: “Briefly note career breaks or upskilling periods.”
5. Ensure Your CV Is ATS-Friendly
Pippa Owens (Bright Lights Experience) warned: “If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it won’t reach human eyes.” Experts recommend using standard section titles such as “Work Experience” and avoiding complex formatting.
6. Create a Strong Personal Summary
A concise, engaging introduction can make a big impact. Kevin Nixon advised: “A concise, mission-driven summary grabs attention instantly.” An effective example: “Digital Marketing Manager with 7+ years in B2B roles, with demonstrable experience driving organic growth.”
7. Highlight Soft Skills
Employers increasingly value soft skills alongside technical abilities. Jim Bluck stated: “Teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are vital in fast-paced industries like logistics.” Candidates should ensure both types of skills are represented.
8. Keep It to Two Pages Maximum
A concise, well-structured CV is far more effective than a lengthy one. Kealie Shulman (Teaching Tomorrow) explained: “Overloading details dilutes your message.” Candidates should focus on recent, relevant experience.
9. Align Your CV with Your Online Presence
Maintaining consistency across platforms is crucial. Adam Shulman emphasised: “Discrepancies between your CV and LinkedIn profile erode trust.” Candidates should double-check that their job titles, dates, and achievements match across documents.
10. Meticulously Proofread
Small errors can undermine credibility. Rauiri Galashan cautioned: “Typos or formatting errors suggest carelessness.” He recommended having a friend or mentor review the document for accuracy.
Why It’s Important
With hiring managers spending only a few seconds per CV, these essential tips can help candidates create a strong first impression. As Adam Shulman summarised: “Make your CV so obviously relevant, it’s impossible to ignore.”
