Whether you’re writing your CV from scratch or editing an older one, it’s helpful to have a list of CV writing tips to hand to help keep you on track. Knowing the best layout, format, and information to include can seem a little overwhelming, so we’re here to help make the process a little easier. 

Here’s our Top 5 CV Writing Tips:

1.Presentation is key

When writing your CV, it’s important to make it visually appealing to help it stand out from the hundreds of other applications flooding the potential employer's inbox or desk. Depending on what industry you work in, design your CV to match your industry. If you’re an Interior Designer or Architect, it’s important to ensure your CV and portfolio are creative and show an example of your design skills. If you work in finance, you may choose to keep it plain and simple, and that’s ok, but make sure it will still stand out. 

Reminder: Keep your CV clear and concise. Structure your CV in bullet points and keep it to 1-2 pages long and no more than that. 

2. CV Structure

On average, recruiters and hiring managers spend just 6 to 7 seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether to continue or move on. This brief window is used to scan for key information that matches the job requirements, such as:

• Contact details
• Current role and job title
• Previous experience
• Relevant skills
• Education and qualifications

If these elements don’t stand out immediately or if the CV is poorly structured, lacks relevant details, or is too cluttered, recruiters and employers often choose not to proceed further. This highlights the importance of creating a CV that is concise, well-formatted, and tailored to the specific job. If you work for a renowned company that is desirable to that specific employer, make sure that stands out near the top of your CV too. Contact one of our experts to review your CV and guide you through the process. 

3. Tailor your CV to each job application

When tailoring your CV to each application, look at what the employer requires for the role and focus on those points. Make sure to list relevant skills that match the job requirements, particularly technical and soft skills. Include industry-specific terminology and keywords to help your CV get through automated screening processes and demonstrate your expertise.

4. Highlight achievements, not just duties 

Instead of just listing responsibilities, focus on your accomplishments. Use measurable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Led a project that cut costs by 15%”) to show the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.If you’ve worked on reputable projects, make a point of adding these in and talk about what your role was. 

5. A list of don’ts 

As much as we advise on things you should do, we also need to point out some things you shouldn’t do.

• Don’t include a picture of yourself. As much as this may seem like a nice personal touch, it could potentially put an employer off and isn’t necessary to have. 
• Don’t use slang words on your CV. Showcase your writing skills and professionalism.
• Don’t forget to check spelling and grammar. Mistakes can look unprofessional and doesn’t leave a good impression on your writing skills. 
• Don’t write your CV in a rush. Do it when you have time to sit and go through it properly to ensure nothing is missed.
• Don’t write anything negative about previous employers. 

By following these tips, your CV will stand out and make a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers. 

If you’re looking to get your CV written up to start applying for jobs, get in touch with our friendly recruitment experts to get your job search started. You can also keep up to date with our latest industry news, cv writing tips, interview tips and much more on our insights page.