​Writing a CV has to be up there as one of the most tedious tasks we can do when job searching. You're trying to summarise your entire professional life into a couple of pages without sounding like you’re either overselling yourself or being too modest, which is tricky and can take forreeevvverrr.

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But CVs are still widely used today as the most common way to apply to, or be considered for, a job so we have to get it right and grab a recruiter's attention. That's why we, VANRATH (NI's highest-rated recruitment agency), are giving you a peek behind the curtain to help you understand what recruiters are actually looking for - and some tips on how to craft a CV that really stands out.

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Keep it Short and Sweet

Most recruiters scan a CV in as little as 7 seconds (they'll start to read it deeper once they've found the key things they're searching for). Try to stick to two pages MAX and make sure every section has a purpose. For example, instead of listing every single task you've ever done in a role, just focus on the highlights. And on that note...

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Tailor Your CV to the Job

Sending the same CV to every job is a common mistake. Recruiters can spot a generic CV a mile off, and nothing makes you blend in more than a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re applying for a marketing role, focus on the marketing-related skills and experiences that match the job description. Applying for a Software Engineer job? Probably take out your "Part-time Shop Assistant" experience you had during uni. If you’re not tailoring it to the job description, your CV risks going straight to the “nah” pile. Basically, just keep it relevant.

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Quantify Your Achievements

Recruiters love numbers. Why? Because they give context to your experience and help measure your success. Plus, agency recruiters can highlight this experience to clients they work with, which will give you the extra competitive edge over other candidates. Instead of saying “Improved social media engagement,” say “Increased social media engagement by 35% in 6 months.” See the difference? One is just a bunch of buzzwords, the other tells a story and gives recruiters and hiring managers proof that you actually know what you're doing. Numbers show impact, and that’s what grabs attention.

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Use Keywords (Without Sounding Like a Robot)

Yes, some CVs get scanned by machines before a human even sees them. Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through CVs. These systems scan for keywords that match the job description. But while you want to include relevant keywords, don’t just throw in a load of jargon. If the job description says they’re looking for someone with “leadership skills” and “project management,” weave those into your CV like a human being. Don’t just toss them into a list of skills and hope for the best. Show, don’t tell.

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Don't Be Afraid to Show a Bit of Personality

Yes, your CV should be professional, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Recruiters are looking for the right skills, but they’re also looking for someone who will fit in with a company's culture. A little personal flavour can make your CV more memorable. If you can scatter your personality throughout the CV, then great! Or even if you’ve got a section for hobbies, skip the generic “enjoys travelling and socialising.” Give it a personal spin, like “Amateur chef who loves experimenting with Thai cuisine”. These little details make you more than just a list of skills.

Although, it's worth noting, sometimes hobbies just don't make sense to have on a CV. It really depends on the role and/or company you're applying for. If there isn't' room for them, don't make them a priority - especially if they aren't relevant to the role you're applying for.

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No Typos. Seriously.

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many CVs are riddled with spelling mistakes. Proofread it, then proofread it again, then get someone else to proofread it one last time, then put it through an online app that will proofread it for you just in case. You've no idea how many times people will list "Keen eye for detail" in their set of skills yet have their own name spelled wrong.

Typos happen, of course they do, just quadruple check your CV before submitting.

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Presentation matters.

Recruiters want something that’s clean, organised, and easy to read. Comic Sans? No. Weird layouts? Also no. Stick to something simple and professional. Recruiters need to be able to easily convert your PDF file to a word doc and vice versa. If your CV has all sorts of random formatting, it's going to cause a lot of problems, especially if it becomes unreadable after conversion. Keep the font basic—Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Stick to 11 or 12pt size, and for the love of all things professional, don’t mess around with weird colours. Black and white is your friend (it's also great for accessibility).

If the CV is anything like the below in terms of layout, imagery, and colours - despite the fact we KNOW it looks so much nicer - you're creating a formatting nightmare for the recruiter...

Keep the CV readable, the fancier more creative stuff can be saved for portfolios.

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If you’re wondering why you’re not hearing back from jobs, it might be time to have a good hard look at your CV. Is it clear? Is it relevant? Are you showing off what you actually achieved?

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A great CV isn't a matter of just listing everything you've ever done. You need to highlight the right things in the right way that makes recruiters sit up and take notice.

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Keep it sharp, keep it relevant, and please, please, proofread it.