How to Write a CV That Gets You Noticed

Your CV is often your first opportunity to make a positive impression on a potential employer. A well-written CV should clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and achievements while showing why you're a strong fit for the role.

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is treating their CV as a document they write once and never revisit. In reality, your CV should evolve throughout your career and be tailored for every application.

Whether you're applying for your first graduate role, changing careers or preparing for a promotion, investing time in your CV can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

In This Guide You'll Learn

• Why tailoring your CV matters

• How to highlight your achievements

• The importance of providing evidence

• What information to leave out

• How to plan your job search effectively

Treat Your Job Search Like a Project

Looking for a new role requires planning and consistency.

Rather than applying for jobs occasionally, schedule dedicated time each week to:

• Research employers.

• Tailor your CV.

• Prepare applications.

• Build your professional network.

• Develop interview skills.

If you're considering changing careers, identify any gaps in your experience or qualifications before applying. Review job descriptions, identify the skills employers are seeking and create a plan to strengthen your profile.

Tailor Your CV for Every Application

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is sending the same CV to every employer.

Recruiters want to see that you've understood both the role and the organisation.

Before submitting your application:

• Review the job description carefully.

• Identify the key skills and experience required.

• Adjust your CV to emphasise your most relevant achievements.

• Reflect the language used in the job advertisement where appropriate.

A tailored CV demonstrates genuine interest and helps employers quickly understand why you're suitable for the role.

Focus on Achievements, Not Responsibilities

Many CVs simply list day-to-day duties.

Instead, show the impact you've made.

Rather than writing:

Responsible for customer service.

Try:

Delivered excellent customer service across phone and face-to-face channels, consistently receiving positive customer feedback and contributing to high client satisfaction.

Employers are interested in the value you've added, not just the tasks you've completed.

Support Your Skills with Evidence

It's easy to describe yourself as:

• A strong communicator

• A team player

• Organised

• Adaptable

The challenge is proving it.

Whenever possible, support your claims with real examples and measurable outcomes.

For example:

Worked with a team of five colleagues to deliver a major client project ahead of schedule while maintaining excellent stakeholder communication throughout.

Specific examples are more persuasive than general statements.

Include Relevant Experience

Not every previous role needs to appear in detail.

Ask yourself:

• Does this experience demonstrate relevant skills?

• Will it strengthen my application?

• Does it help explain my career progression?

As your career develops, older or less relevant experience can often be summarised more briefly to make room for your strongest and most recent achievements.

The same principle applies to hobbies and personal interests. Include them only if they add genuine value to your application or demonstrate relevant skills.

Keep Your CV Clear and Professional

A strong CV is easy to read.

Aim to:

• Use clear headings.

• Keep formatting consistent.

• Avoid unnecessary graphics or design features.

• Check spelling and grammar carefully.

• Keep your writing concise and focused.

Your CV should help employers quickly identify your experience, achievements and suitability for the role.

Prepare for the Interview Too

A strong CV will help you secure an interview, but it won't secure the job on its own.

Everything included on your CV should be something you're prepared to discuss confidently during an interview.

Review your achievements, refresh your examples and think about how you'll explain your experience clearly if asked.

Good interview preparation starts long before you enter the interview room.

Final Thoughts

Your CV is more than a record of your employment history—it's a marketing document that should demonstrate the value you can bring to an employer.

By tailoring your CV, highlighting your achievements and supporting your skills with clear examples, you'll give yourself a much stronger chance of progressing to interview.

Taking the time to prepare a thoughtful, well-structured CV is an investment in your future career.

Need Help Preparing for Interviews?

A strong CV helps you secure an interview, but interview performance determines whether you receive the job offer.

The Communications Clinic provides personalised interview coaching, realistic mock interviews and expert feedback to help candidates communicate with confidence at every stage of the recruitment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tailor my CV for every job application?

Yes. Tailoring your CV to the specific role helps demonstrate that you understand the employer's requirements and makes your application more relevant.

How long should a CV be?

For most professionals, two pages is appropriate. Focus on your most relevant experience, achievements and skills rather than including unnecessary detail.

Should I include every job I've ever had?

No. Prioritise experience that is relevant to the role you're applying for. Older or unrelated positions can often be summarised briefly.

What's the biggest mistake people make on their CV?

One of the most common mistakes is listing responsibilities instead of achievements. Employers want evidence of the impact you've made, not simply a list of tasks.