How to make your CV unforgettable
Your CV isn’t just a document; it’s your first impression on a potential employer. And in a job market where recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning each application, standing out is no small task. Yet, many job seekers make the same avoidable mistakes, sending generic, poorly crafted CVs that fail to capture attention.
What if you could think like a recruiter? By understanding what they’re looking for—and what instantly turns them off—you can craft a CV that not only gets noticed but remembered.
This guide is packed with insider tips that recruiters wish every applicant knew. From nailing the layout to showcasing your unique strengths, here’s how to make your CV truly unforgettable.
1. Lead with impact: your personal statement matters
The personal statement is often the first thing recruiters see—and for many, it’s a deciding factor. Think of it as your elevator pitch: a short, sharp summary of who you are, what you’ve achieved, and what you’re aiming for. Yet, too many personal statements are generic, vague, or worse, irrelevant.
What recruiters want from a personal statement
- Specificity: Avoid clichés like “hardworking and motivated.” Instead, provide concrete details about your experience and goals.
- Alignment: Tailor it to the role. Show how your background and skills align with the job requirements.
- Clarity: Keep it concise. Two or three sentences are enough to grab attention.
How to write an unforgettable personal statement
Start by answering these three questions:
- Who are you professionally?
- What’s your standout achievement?
- What do you bring to the role?
Example for a marketing manager role:
“As a results-driven marketing manager with over five years of experience in digital campaigns, I’ve successfully increased customer engagement by 40% through targeted strategies. I’m passionate about leveraging analytics to drive innovative solutions and am eager to bring my expertise to [Company Name] to enhance their brand presence.”
Quick tips for success
- Use keywords from the job description to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Avoid repeating your entire CV in the statement. Focus on highlights.
- Test its impact: would it make you want to interview yourself?
2. Tailor your CV for every role
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending out a one-size-fits-all CV. Recruiters can spot a generic CV within seconds—and it’s an instant turn-off. Tailoring your CV to each role not only shows effort and attention to detail but also demonstrates that you understand what the employer is looking for.
Why tailoring matters
Every job is unique, even within the same industry. A tailored CV helps you:
- Show how your skills and experience align with the job description.
- Highlight the qualifications and achievements that matter most for this specific role.
- Stand out from candidates who didn’t bother personalising their application.
How to tailor your CV effectively
Start with the job description
The job description is your cheat sheet. Carefully review the key skills, responsibilities, and qualifications listed. Identify the most important points and reflect them in your CV.
Example: If a job emphasises leadership and team management, highlight your experience in leading teams or mentoring colleagues.
Use keywords strategically
Many companies use ATS software to filter applications. These systems scan for keywords from the job description. Tailoring your CV with these keywords can ensure it gets through to human eyes.
Example: If the role requires “data analysis,” ensure you mention specific tools or methods you’ve used, such as Excel, Tableau, or Python.
Prioritise relevant experience
Rearrange your CV so the most relevant skills and achievements appear at the top. This is especially important if you’re transitioning careers or have a diverse work history.
Example: For a sales role, move metrics like “increased revenue by 25%” to the top of your work experience section, even if they’re from a previous role that isn’t directly related to sales.
Rewrite your personal statement
Your personal statement should match the specific role, using the same tone and focusing on the qualifications and skills the employer values most.
Highlight achievements that resonate with the role’s requirements. Focus on results and quantify them wherever possible.
Generic: “Managed a team of employees.”
Tailored: “Led a team of 12 to exceed quarterly sales targets by 30%.”
Real-world example of tailoring success
A candidate applying for a project management role noticed the job description focused heavily on stakeholder management. In their CV, they prioritised examples of managing cross-functional teams and resolving stakeholder conflicts. The tailored CV earned them an interview—and later, the job.
Quick tips for tailoring your CV
- Save different versions of your CV for various industries or roles you’re targeting.
- Keep a “master CV” with all your experience, then copy and customise it for each application.
- Don’t forget to update your cover letter to match your tailored CV.
3. Showcase your achievements, not just responsibilities
One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is listing job responsibilities instead of achievements. Recruiters already know the basics of your previous roles—they want to see what you accomplished. Your achievements demonstrate the value you’ve brought to previous employers and hint at the value you’ll bring to the new role.
Why achievements matter
- They show results, not just effort.
- They differentiate you from candidates with similar job titles or experience.
- They help employers picture you solving problems and driving success for their company.
How to showcase achievements effectively
Quantify your impact
Numbers speak louder than words. Use metrics to illustrate the scale and success of your achievements, and don’t forget to say HOW you did it.
Generic: “Improved customer satisfaction.”
Specific: “Increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% in 12 months through revamped training and support strategies.”
Focus on results
Frame your achievements in terms of outcomes rather than tasks. Think about what changed because of your contributions.
Example: Instead of “Organised events,” say “Coordinated 10+ events annually, resulting in a 15% increase in client retention.”
Highlight transferable skills
If you’re transitioning to a new career or industry, showcase achievements that illustrate transferable skills like leadership, communication, or problem-solving.
Example: “Led a team of 5 in implementing a new inventory system, reducing stock discrepancies by 30%.”
Use action verbs
Start each bullet point with a dynamic verb to make your achievements stand out. Examples include designed, implemented, increased, reduced, led, or negotiated.
Example: “Designed and implemented a customer referral program, generating £50k in new revenue within six months.”
Quick tips for showcasing achievements
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to craft concise and compelling descriptions.
- Tailor achievements to the job description to align with the employer’s priorities.
- Group achievements under headings if you have multiple strong examples, such as “Leadership Highlights” or “Sales Achievements.”
4. Avoid common CV mistakes
Even the most compelling CV can fall flat if it’s riddled with errors or poor design choices. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your CV makes a great impression.
Mistakes to avoid
- Typos and grammar errors
A single typo can signal a lack of attention to detail. Use proofreading tools like Grammarly and ask a trusted friend to review your CV. - Poor formatting
A cluttered, hard-to-read CV will likely end up in the rejection pile. Use a clean, professional template with consistent fonts, margins, and spacing. - Clichés and vague language
Phrases like “team player” or “hardworking” add no real value. Instead, provide examples that demonstrate these qualities in action. - Overloading with irrelevant information
Recruiters don’t need to know about every job you’ve ever had. Focus on roles, skills, and achievements relevant to the job you’re applying for. - Failing to tailor
Sending the same CV to every job application is one of the easiest ways to get overlooked. Tailoring isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
Quick tips for avoiding mistakes
- Stick to two pages max unless you’re in academia or have extensive relevant experience.
- Always save your CV as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Test readability: show your CV to someone unfamiliar with your background and ask if they can easily identify your key skills and achievements.
Craft a CV recruiters will remember
Your CV is your chance to make a powerful first impression, but standing out requires more than just ticking the boxes. By leading with impact, tailoring your CV for every application, showcasing your achievements, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a CV that not only gets noticed but remembered.
Think of your CV as a marketing tool. It’s not just about listing your experience—it’s about showing why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Take the time to craft a CV that reflects your unique strengths and value, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job.
