How to write a CV that a recruiter will want to read
Photo by Luke Southern on Unsplash
A well-written CV can help you to stand out. Not only will it help you to make an impactful first impression, but it will also show very clearly your expertise and value. It’s an opportunity for you to show how you make a difference.
An experienced recruiter won’t spend long reviewing your CV so what can you do if you want them to give it more than a glance? In this blog, I share my tips on how to write a CV that a recruiter will want to read.
How a recruiter reads a CV
An expert recruiter can understand a candidate's profile from reading about their career – the companies and roles. When working on an assignment recruiters look for evidence that you have the experience and skills required. Chances are your CV will get a very quick scan so it’s important to help your expertise stand out on the page.
ONE-PAGE CV, LINKEDIN PROFILE, MASTER Template, TAILORED CVs
One-pager
A succinct one-pager is the ultimate teaser and a smart tool for a general introduction
LinkedIn profile PDF
The quickest way to send out an overview of your career experience (provided you’re keeping your profile and work experience updated)
Full CV
Always have a full version of your CV as a MASTER template - something that you can tweak and finesse
Tailored
If you’ve applied for a specific role or been headhunted, the recruiter will review your experience against the brief and specific criteria.
How to make your CV stand out
You don’t need to use a fancy template or even pay a professional to write your CV. But if you want to stand out make it easy to read, with simple language and white space to give it a professional feel.
How long should a CV be?
Focus on having the right content and good editing, if it spills onto three pages does it matter?
The one-pager is the ultimate teaser (used by headhunters) so be sure to have one in your professional marketing tool kit.
Let's get down to business
The important bits
Your CV is an important marketing tool and a sales document
It's a summary of your work history and experience, not a job description
Highlight the key responsibilities and why you were hired, then focus on the results and your achievements
Remove clichés, corporate jargon and waffle
Tailor your CV for each opportunity (one size does not fit all)
Do it yourself – a professional CV writer might produce a pleasing-looking document but it won’t have your voice, and it won’t help you to sell yourself
Here’s how to do it
Find a simple, easy-to-use CV template so that you can focus on content
Create a clear structure and keep the style consistent
Add a brief description of each company (size, location, public, private, P.E backed, start-up, global, channels)
Details of your college and university education can go at the back (high school exam results aren’t necessary)
Add your current interests. It gives insight into the real you plus – someone may be looking for a film, wine, or art buff
Mention languages, awards & philanthropic ventures
It’s all in the editing
Spell check, re-read and edit. Repeat.
Ask a friend to read for meaning
Print it off to see how it looks, and when you’re happy, save it in PDF format
CVs are my starting point
I’ve been reading CVs for 30 years as an in-house recruiter, executive search headhunter and now as an executive career coach and job search strategist. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly so if you want to know why your CV isn’t working for you get in touch to discover how I can help.
ABOUT ME
I’m Tracy, Career Consultant, former Executive Headhunter and I help senior executives and leaders to land great jobs and be successful at work through 1:1 coaching.
I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.
If you’re ready for straight-talk and career guidance get in touch – let's start the conversation.
And don’t forget to sign up to The Insider – behind the scenes of your executive career for my 'insider' tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.