How to make your CV stand out!

When you're applying for jobs, your CV is your first chance to make a great impression. With hiring managers often sorting through dozens—or even hundreds—of CVs, how do you make sure yours stands out from the crowd? Here’s our quick guide to help you do just that!

1. Start with a strong personal statement

Your personal statement is the first thing employers see. Keep it concise and focus on what you can offer the company. Highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals.

2. Showcase Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Instead of just listing what you’ve done, focus on what you’ve achieved. Numbers and results speak volumes.

Tip: Instead of saying “Taught vocational courses to adult learners,” try, “Increased student completion rates by 15% by delivering engaging, practical assessments that improved learner confidence and skill application.” This shows you’re not just teaching—you’re helping students succeed and thrive in their education and careers.

3. Keep It Clean and Simple

A cluttered CV can be a turn-off. Stick to a simple layout with clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space. This makes it easy for hiring managers to skim through your qualifications quickly.

Tip: Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri, and keep the font size between 10-12 pt.

4. Highlight Relevant Skills

Skills matter! Create a section that lists both hard skills (like software or technical skills) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork). Tailor these to the specific role you're applying for.

5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Typos or grammar mistakes can cost you the job. Double-check your CV for errors and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it.

Tip: Read your CV out loud. It helps you catch awkward sentences and mistakes you might miss when reading silently.

A great CV effectively showcases your skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and impactful way. Tailor it to each job, emphasise your strengths, and ensure it’s well-organised to grab the attention of hiring managers. For more expert advice on crafting a standout CV, reach out to our recruitment specialist Emma at 0333 188 5555.