What recruiters & employers look for in a CV

Crafting a strong CV is your first impression to potential employers. Here at Digital Waffle, we know you want to make it shine!

This blog post dives into what recruiters and employers truly look for in a CV, giving you the tools to showcase your skills and experience in a way that gets you noticed.

By following these key tips, you can transform your CV from good to great, increasing your chances of landing that dream interview.

Demonstrate relevant skills and experience

Hiring managers often have limited time to review applications, so make sure your most relevant skills and experience are front and centre.

Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experience they require. Use strong action verbs and tailor your CV to highlight how your skills directly match the needs of the position.

For example, if the job description mentions "project management experience," showcase a past project where you led a team to successful completion. Quantify your impact whenever possible - did you increase efficiency by 20%? Streamline the process by x number of steps?

Highlight quantifiable results and achievements

Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase the impact you made! Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the value you bring. This could be anything from increasing sales figures by a certain percentage to streamlining a process that saved the company time and money.

For instance, instead of saying "managed social media accounts," quantify it: "Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted content creation."

Detail your roles and responsibilities

Provide a clear and concise breakdown of your roles and responsibilities in previous positions. Use bullet points to clearly outline your duties, making it easy for us as recruiters to scan and understand your experience.

However, don't just list tasks; focus on accomplishments. Briefly explain how your actions contributed to the success of the company or project.

Include education and certification details

List your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree earned, and any relevant coursework. If you hold any professional certifications, be sure to include them as well.

Keep this section clear and concise, highlighting any achievements or specific areas of study relevant to the position you're applying for.

Provide relevant links

Consider including links to your online professional profiles, such as LinkedIn or a personal portfolio website (if applicable). This allows recruiters to learn more about your experience and accomplishments in a deeper way.

However, only include links that are professional and up-to-date. Make sure your online profiles are tailored towards your career goals and showcase your skills and experience effectively.

Maintain clear and concise formatting

Presentation matters! Your CV should be visually appealing and easy to read. Use a clear and consistent font throughout, with headings and bullet points to break up the text. Maintain a logical order, typically starting with your most recent experience and working backwards.

Keep your CV concise, ideally 1-2 pages long, depending on your experience level. Remember, recruiters often have to scan through many applications, so a well-formatted and easy-to-navigate CV will stand out.

Tailor it for the specific role

One size does not fit all! Don't send out a generic CV for every job application. Take the time to tailor your CV to each specific role you're interested in. Highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the position, and use keywords from the job description throughout your CV.

This demonstrates to employers that you've taken a genuine interest in the role and that your skills and experience are a perfect fit for their needs.

Ensure correct use of grammar and spelling

Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative first impression. Proofread your CV carefully, and consider having someone else review it for any mistakes.

Remember, your CV is a reflection of your professionalism and attention to detail. A polished and error-free document will show employers that you take pride in your work.

By incorporating these tips, you can create a compelling CV that showcases your skills and experience effectively.

Remember, your CV is a marketing tool; use it to sell yourself to potential employers and take that first step towards landing your dream job.

If you are currently seeking new job opportunities, we invite you to explore the amazing jobs we are currently recruiting for. To speak with one of our experienced recruitment consultants, please get in touch with us today!