You’ve been sending out CVs… but no interview calls?
The issue might not be your experience — but how you’re presenting it.
A vague or generic headline can ruin your chances — even with solid experience behind you.
Some commonly used phrases actually put recruiters off. They could send your CV straight to the “no” pile.
Did you know recruiters spend less than 8 seconds scanning a CV?
Step 1 – How to Structure Your CV
Your CV is your first impression — and in just 6 seconds, a recruiter will decide whether to keep reading or move on. That’s why structure matters more than you think. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Start with a strong personal statement.
At the very top, write a short paragraph (3–4 lines) summarising who you are, what you do, and what you’re aiming for. Avoid clichés like “I’m a motivated team player” — be specific and honest.
2. Use a clear and logical layout.
Stick to the most effective order: profile → skills → work experience → education. Make section headings stand out and keep the flow intuitive.
3. Keep the design clean and easy to read.
Avoid fancy fonts or excessive colours. Stick to classic typefaces (like Arial or Calibri), consistent spacing, and well-balanced margins.
4. Cut the clutter.
Leave out outdated or irrelevant roles. Focus only on what supports your current career goals.
When your CV is well-structured, it speaks clearly on your behalf — even before you walk into the room.
Step 2 – Highlight Your Skills
It’s not just about what you know — it’s about how well you present it. Recruiters are scanning for specific abilities that match the job. So instead of listing random skills, show how each one brings real value.
1. Create a tailored “Key Skills” section.
Place this section near the top. Pick 5 to 8 skills that are relevant to the roles you’re applying for — such as “Customer Service,” “Time Management,” or “Data Analysis.” Be honest, but strategic.
2. Support each skill with context.
Mention these skills again within your work experience. Show how you’ve actually applied them:
“Improved response time by 40% through efficient customer service solutions.”
3. Match the language of the job post.
Use similar wording to what’s in the vacancy description. Many companies use software to screen CVs before a human sees them — matching keywords increases your chances of passing.
4. Don’t forget soft skills.
Skills like communication, problem-solving, or adaptability matter too — especially if you can back them up with short examples.
When you treat your skills as proof of what you can deliver, your CV becomes a convincing sales pitch — not just a list.
Step 3 – Turn Your Experience
Recruiters don’t just want to know where you’ve worked — they want to understand what you’ve accomplished. Listing job duties is not enough. To stand out, you need to translate your experience into results.
1. Use bullet points for clarity.
Under each job title, include 3 to 5 bullet points focusing on your key contributions — not just responsibilities. Start each point with a strong action verb like led, improved, delivered, or solved.
2. Focus on achievements, not tasks.
Instead of saying “Handled customer queries”, say “Resolved 50+ customer queries per day with a 95% satisfaction rate.” It’s specific, measurable, and shows impact.
3. Quantify wherever possible.
Numbers catch the eye. Think in terms of percentages, time saved, sales increased, or processes improved. Even small wins add credibility.
4. Keep it relevant to your target role.
Tailor your examples to reflect what matters most in the jobs you’re applying for. If it’s a leadership role, highlight team results. If it’s analytical, showcase data-driven outcomes.
When you show how your past roles created real value, recruiters can easily imagine what you’ll bring to their company.
Step 4 – Grabs Attention
Your CV’s personal profile (or summary) is one of the first things a recruiter sees — and it can decide whether they keep reading. It’s your elevator pitch: short, confident, and tailored to the job.
1. Keep it brief but powerful.
Aim for 3 to 5 lines. Use this space to explain who you are, what you’re good at, and what you’re aiming for. For example:
“Results-driven customer service professional with 3+ years of experience improving client satisfaction. Skilled in resolving queries efficiently and keen to grow within a fast-paced team.”
2. Align it with the role you want.
Don’t just describe yourself — show how your strengths match what the employer is looking for. If the job needs problem-solving and initiative, make sure those qualities are front and centre.
3. Avoid clichés and vague terms.
Phrases like “hard-working” or “team player” don’t mean much unless backed by proof. Be more specific and confident.
4. Update it often.
Adapt your summary slightly for each job application. A well-matched profile signals that you’ve done your research and that you take the role seriously.
This small section can create a strong first impression — so make it count.
Step 5 – Match the Role
Your skills section shouldn’t be a random list. It’s your chance to show recruiters that you’re already equipped for the job they’re hiring for — without them needing to guess.
1. Focus on relevant, job-specific skills.
Tailor your list based on the vacancy. Read the job description carefully and include skills that appear often. For example, if applying for a customer support role, highlight conflict resolution, CRM systems, or multitasking.
2. Mix hard and soft skills.
Technical knowledge (e.g. Excel, coding, bookkeeping) shows you can do the job. Soft skills (e.g. communication, teamwork, time management) show how you’ll work with others. Employers want both.
3. Use clear, confident phrasing.
Instead of vague phrases like “basic knowledge”, be direct:
✔️ Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
✔️ Fluent in English and Spanish
✔️ Strong organisational skills under pressure
4. Back them up in other sections.
If you list problem-solving as a skill, make sure it appears in your achievements or job experience. Consistency builds credibility.
This section may seem simple — but when done right, it makes it easier for recruiters to say: “This person ticks all the boxes.”
Step 6 – Tell a Story
Your work history isn’t just about where you’ve been — it’s about what you’ve done and how that makes you valuable today. Every bullet point is a chance to show impact, not just tasks.
1. Use reverse chronological order.
Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Include job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
2. Go beyond duties — show achievements.
Instead of writing “Handled customer complaints”, say:
✔️ Resolved 95% of customer complaints within the first call, increasing satisfaction scores by 30%
Use numbers when possible — they instantly show results.
3. Focus on relevant experience.
If you’ve had many jobs, don’t list them all in detail. Focus on the roles most similar to the one you want now. Summarise the others if needed.
4. Use action verbs.
Start each bullet point with words like led, improved, supported, managed, delivered, reduced. They make your contribution clear and confident.
Your experience section should leave no doubt that you’ve already delivered value in real roles — and that you’re ready to do it again.
