Industry Leaders Share Key Insights to Help Job Seekers Stand Out
Leading education recruitment firm Teaching Tomorrow has teamed up with experts across multiple industries including marketing, hospitality, finance, and tech—to reveal the ten key elements that make a CV truly stand out. Drawing on years of experience, these experts provide essential guidance to help candidates craft a CV that captures recruiters’ attention and increases their chances of landing an interview.
1. Tailoring Is Essential
Every CV should be adapted to the specific role being applied for. Adam Shulman of Teaching Tomorrow explains, “A generic CV reduces your chances—hiring managers want to see a clear alignment between your experience and the job requirements.” Joseph Berry from Stonegate Group agrees, adding that tailoring the CV shows genuine interest and makes the hiring process more efficient.
2. Structure and Readability Matter
A CV should be visually clean and easy to navigate. Kevin Nixon of Partnerscale advises, “Stick to bullet points, clear headings, and a professional font. Overly creative designs can be distracting, especially for non-design roles.” Stephen Belcher from Teaching Tomorrow adds, “A well-structured CV makes it easy for recruiters to quickly grasp your career path.”
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Instead of simply listing responsibilities, highlight measurable results. Sam Pipkin of ReKinect states, “Employers value impact phrases like ‘boosted sales by 34%’ hold more weight than vague job descriptions.” Rauiri Galashan from Lloyds Banking Group stresses the importance of using ‘I’ instead of ‘we’ to clearly showcase individual contributions.
4. Show Career Progression
Frequent job changes without explanation can be a red flag. Stephen Belcher suggests, “Demonstrating longevity or promotions within a company signals reliability and growth.” Jim Bluck of Quest Employment recommends addressing any employment gaps up front: “Mention career breaks or training periods to show continuous development.”
5. Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use software to screen CVs before a human sees them. Pippa Owens of Bright Lights Experience explains, “If your CV isn’t formatted correctly, it may never reach the hiring manager.” Experts recommend using standard headings like ‘Work Experience’ and avoiding excessive formatting such as tables and columns.
6. Create a Compelling Personal Statement
A strong opening summary is crucial. Kevin Nixon suggests, “Start with a powerful, concise statement that highlights your expertise and value. For example: ‘Experienced Digital Marketing Manager with a proven track record in driving organic growth.’”
7. Showcase Both Soft and Hard Skills
Employers look for a mix of technical skills and workplace competencies. Jim Bluck notes, “Attributes like teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential, especially in fast-moving industries.”
8. Keep It Concise—Two Pages Maximum
Recruiters prefer a focused CV. Kealie Shulman of Teaching Tomorrow says, “Long-winded applications dilute the key message. Stick to recent, relevant experience to make an impact.”
9. Ensure Consistency Across Platforms
Your CV should match your online profiles. Adam Shulman warns, “Discrepancies between your CV and LinkedIn can create doubt. Double-check dates, job titles, and achievements for consistency.”
10. Proofread to Perfection
Errors can be costly. Rauiri Galashan advises, “Typos or inconsistent formatting suggest a lack of attention to detail. Have a friend or mentor review your CV before sending it out.”
Why These Tips Matter
Recruiters often spend mere seconds scanning a CV. Implementing these expert-backed strategies increases the likelihood of passing initial screenings and securing interviews. Adam Shulman concludes, “Your CV should be so tailored and relevant that hiring managers can’t ignore it.”