10 ways to create a successful CV

“One of the most frustrating aspects of job hunting is not getting a chance to give a great interview. If you are unable to impress the hiring manager with your CV you will always struggle to have the opportunity for a face to face meeting.

There are lots of job seekers out there that could ace an interview and are well qualified for a role, but fail to even make it that far because of a poorly written CV. We’ve compiled a list of the ultimate CV tips to help you reach the next step.

Here are 10 ways to create a successful CV.

1. Get to the point

An employer does not have time to read every single word or sentence of your application. They want to be able to quickly delve in and out of each one and see which make the cut. To give yourself an edge you should make sure your CV is straight to the point. It should contain zero waffle and aim to offer the employer exactly what they want.

Have a look at all of your previous jobs and see how many match up to the new role. Do you really need to list all of those tasks and duties? Probably not, and you could instead focus upon the ones that do and use your two pages wisely.

Make use of bullet points to list things like tasks and achievements. The eye can read bullet pointed lists much easier than lengthy sentences and paragraphs.

Use the personal statement to best effect. This is a short summary that goes at the top of the page (under your name, address and contact info) explaining who you are and why you’re a great fit for this role. It’s nothing like a uni personal statement (it’s at least 425 words shorter for a start) so don’t get it mixed up with whatever you wrote for your uni application! The CV personal statement is concise and a great way to hit an employer with your best selling points in just a few seconds.

2. Customise

A one-size-fits-all CV is a thing of the past. To truly impress potential employers, it’s essential to customise your CV for each role you apply for. This demonstrates your attention to detail, your genuine interest in the position, and your ability to align your experience with the company’s needs.

How to customise your CV effectively

1. Start with the job description
   • Carefully read through the job advert to identify the key skills, qualifications, and experience the employer is looking for.
   • Highlight specific terms or phrases that are repeated, such as “team leadership,” “data analysis,” or “client relationship management.”
2. Tailor your personal statement
   • Use the personal statement at the top of your CV to directly address how you meet the role’s requirements.
   • For example, if the advert highlights the need for project management skills, your statement could start with:
     “Experienced project manager with a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.”
3. Adjust your work experience section
   • Focus on the roles and responsibilities from your past jobs that are most relevant to the new position.
   • Use language that mirrors the job description to make it clear how your experience aligns. For instance, if the role involves “leading cross-functional teams,” replace “managed teams” in your CV with “led cross-functional teams.”
4. Highlight relevant skills
   • If the job emphasises specific tools or software, ensure they are prominently listed in your skills section.
   • For example, if proficiency in Excel and Power BI is required, list these tools explicitly, even if you’ve only briefly mentioned them in past applications.
5. Research the company
   • Learn about the company’s values, culture, and goals through their website and social media.
   • Reflect this knowledge in your CV by emphasising skills or experiences that align with their ethos. For example, if they value sustainability, mention any green initiatives you’ve been part of.

Practical tips for customisation

Keep customisation quick by focusing on the personal statement, skills section, and the most recent two jobs.

Save your core CV as a “master version” and make a copy to tweak for each role.

Use job description analysis tools like Jobscan to compare your CV against the advert and identify areas for improvement.

3. Plug the gaps

Having a gap in your work history timeline could create all sorts of issues. The employer has to decide for themselves why you were out of work, and they are likely to assume the worst. This is why you should always plug an employment gap of at least 2-3 months.

Were you out of work because of personal health issues? Did you have to take time away to help a family member? Did you start a family and are now getting back into a career? These are all perfectly normal reasons for being unemployed and you shouldn’t shy away from explaining this.

All you need is a brief explanation in your work history timeline, or you could even discuss it within a cover letter. This will then allow the employer to focus upon more important details and move on.

4. Write a personal statement

Whilst a personal statement or profile isn’t a mandatory requirement of a CV, it is often seen as such amongst employers. They like to have a little introduction to help connect the dots between your skills, qualifications, experience and the job.

Some job seekers ignore this because they feel it’s a little cheesy and potentially unnecessary, but it has become an integral part of the application and helps to personalise what is typically quite a formal process. Don’t skip this part and make as much effort with this section as you would any other on your CV. Every word you write paints a picture and must keep a positive tone.

5. Track your progress

As the years roll on and you get comfortable within a job it’s easy to forget anything significant you might achieve along the way. We don’t usually consider this until we decide to apply for a new job, and by that time it’s usually too late to remember anything – or certainly not the specifics.

Always track your progress and never assume you will be in the same job for the rest of your career. No matter how happy you are, there will always be something that will come along and shake things up a little. You could be made redundant or just decide that you need to have a change. No matter what the reason, you will be glad that you’d made detailed notes about your progression – promotion, training courses, new skills, and so on.

One of the most important reasons to track your progression is to also make notes of your achievements. Again, it can be very difficult to recall certain facts and figures surrounding the accolade, and this would be very important to include on your CV.

6. Include numbers

To create a more credible and believable CV you need to include numbers wherever possible. It isn’t enough to state that you were the top salesman for 2016 if you don’t back that up with cold hard facts. It would be much more beneficial to the hiring manager if you were to include the total units and revenue.

A significant achievement, award or accolade should always be backed up with specific details. So that could be with numbers, stats, figures, and graphs. If there are no numbers to share, then go for an explanation. Tell a little story and help the hiring manager understand how and what you achieved. This creates a more credible application.

7. Be honest

While it might be tempting to exaggerate your achievements or embellish your experience, honesty is non-negotiable when it comes to CV writing. Misrepresenting yourself not only risks immediate rejection but could have long-term consequences for your career.

Why honesty matters

1. Trust is crucial
   • Employers value integrity. A dishonest CV can damage your reputation and make future employers wary of hiring you.
2. You’ll get caught out
   • Many companies verify qualifications and past employment, and some even conduct skills tests during the hiring process. Lies will likely be exposed, costing you the role.
3. Job fit issues
   • If you exaggerate your skills, you might end up in a role you’re unqualified for, leading to stress and underperformance.

Practical ways to ensure honesty

1. Stick to the facts
   • Only include skills and experiences you genuinely have. If you’re still developing a skill, be transparent. For instance:
     “Intermediate proficiency in Power BI, with ongoing training to advance skills.”
2. Quantify achievements realistically
   • Avoid inflating numbers. Instead of:
     “Increased sales by 200%,”
     try:
     “Boosted sales by 35% through targeted campaigns over six months.”
3. Be upfront about gaps
   • Explain employment gaps truthfully. For example:
     “Took a career break to care for a family member, during which I completed online courses to enhance my digital marketing skills.”
4. Verify dates and details
   • Double-check employment dates, job titles, and qualifications to ensure accuracy.
5. Highlight potential, not exaggeration
   • Instead of claiming expertise where it’s lacking, emphasise your eagerness to learn. For instance:
     “Familiar with Agile methodologies and currently completing a certification in Scrum project management.”

How to avoid accidental dishonesty

Use tools like LinkedIn or past performance reviews to confirm timelines and achievements.

Review your CV carefully to ensure no unintentional errors have slipped in.

8. No mistakes

CV mistakes can come in all shapes and sizes – from spelling and grammar, to font size and spacing. Everything has to be perfect if you want to boost your chances of getting an interview. There are very few employers out there that will forgive you for even the tiniest of mistakes, because they have so many other flawless applications to choose from.

Avoiding mistakes is your number one priority, and all your hard work will have gone to waste. Ask a friend, colleague or family member to check your CV before it goes off. Ideally you want to find someone that has experience with reading applications and could also offer some advice on the content as well.

9. Use a CV template

A well-designed CV isn’t just about looking good; it’s about ensuring your application is clear, professional, and easy to read. Your CV’s layout plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression, so it’s essential to choose a template that showcases your skills effectively while remaining visually appealing.

What makes a good CV template?

A professional CV template should:

• Be clean and uncluttered: Avoid overly complex designs with too many graphics or colours. Stick to a simple layout with clear headings and logical sections.
• Use standard fonts: Opt for easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or overly stylised fonts that might distract from the content.
• Be ATS-friendly: For those larger employers who use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs, you need to design your CV accordingly. To ensure your CV passes this stage, avoid using tables, columns, or excessive formatting that can confuse these systems.
• Include clear headings: Organise your CV into sections with straightforward labels like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” This makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly find the information they need.

Choosing the right template for your industry

Your CV’s style should also reflect the industry you’re applying to:

• Formal professions: For roles in law, finance, or academia, a traditional and minimalist template works best. Stick to black and white with standard formatting.
• Creative fields: If you’re applying for a position in graphic design, marketing, or media, you can use more creative templates that incorporate colour or unique layouts—just ensure they remain professional and don’t overshadow your content.

Where to find templates

There are plenty of resources online offering free and premium CV templates. We have a range of free CV templates to download here. We do note any that are not suitable for ATS-type applications.

Customising your template

Once you’ve chosen a template, take the time to tailor it to your needs:

1. Adjust the sections: If the template includes sections you don’t need, such as “References,” remove them to focus on what’s most important.
2. Add personal touches: Incorporate your own professional branding, such as a subtle header featuring your name and contact details in a unique yet professional style.
3. Test for readability: Print your CV or view it on multiple devices to ensure it’s clear and well-structured.

Mistakes to avoid

When using templates, steer clear of:

• Forgetting to proofread: Even with a great design, typos or errors can ruin the impression your CV creates.
• Overly flashy designs: Bright colours, busy layouts, or excessive graphics can distract from your qualifications.
• Outdated formats: Templates with older styles (e.g., WordArt or clip art) may make your CV appear dated.

10. Match keywords

Writing a brand new CV each time you apply will ensure that you address as many key points as possible. This tailored approach is a proven success, but there is also one more final thing you can do – use keywords.

Within your CV you should aim to match as many keywords as possible from the job advert. You can also write a commercially aware CV by using industry jargon and recognised keywords and phrases. But most of the words you will ever need to match are contained with the job advert, and you can use these to catch the eye of the hiring manager.

Pay close attention to the types of words they use for the important skills and qualifications. If you hold these skills, personal attributes or qualifications but your current CV version has slightly different wording, then why not change them to match. It’s a quick and easy way of letting the employer know you are on the same page and you understand what’s required.