Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, your CV is your first chance to make a strong impression. With employers often scanning applications in seconds, it’s vital to present yourself clearly, confidently, and professionally. Here are our top ten tips to help your CV stand out, for all the right reasons.
1. Keep It Clear and Concise
Aim to keep your CV to one or two pages. Use clear section headings, leave plenty of white space, and stick to simple, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri in size 10–12. The goal is to make your CV easy to navigate at a glance.
2. Start Strong with a Personal Statement
Open your CV with a short, impactful paragraph that highlights who you are, what you offer, and what you’re looking for. Tailor this statement to each role or industry you apply for.
Example:
Reliable and hardworking warehouse operative with 3+ years’ experience in fast-paced distribution environments. Skilled in inventory control, goods handling, and teamwork. Seeking a company where I can grow and contribute in the long term.
3. Tailor Your CV for Each Role
No two jobs are exactly the same, and your CV shouldn’t be either. Make sure to highlight relevant experience and skills for each application. Use the job description as a checklist and mirror the language and priorities where appropriate.
4. Use Bullet Points for Experience
Make your work history easy to scan by listing your key responsibilities and achievements in bullet point format. Start each point with a strong action verb like “delivered”, “managed”, or “supported”.
Example:
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Operated a forklift to load and unload goods safely
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Managed stock rotation and reduced waste by 15%
5. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Employers want to see the impact you’ve made, not just what you were expected to do. Whenever possible, include measurable results or specific successes.
Ask yourself: What did I do well? What difference did I make?
6. Include a Skills Section
A dedicated skills section can be especially helpful if you’re changing careers or applying for your first role. Include a mix of technical and soft skills relevant to the job, such as:
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Teamwork
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Microsoft Excel
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Customer service
7. Don’t Forget Education and Training
Include your most recent or relevant qualifications, whether that’s GCSEs, degrees, apprenticeships or industry-specific training. This section helps demonstrate your commitment to learning and development.
8. Keep Formatting Consistent
Make sure the formatting is tidy and consistent throughout – check that dates, fonts, and spacing are aligned. Use bold or underline to highlight key information like job titles or employers, but keep it simple and professional.
9. Include References or Say ‘Available on Request’
It’s perfectly fine to leave out full references on your CV. Just add a line that says “References available on request,” but make sure you have them ready if asked.
10. Proofread – Then Proofread Again
A great CV can be let down by spelling and grammar mistakes. Always proofread carefully, and if possible, ask someone else to double-check. Reading it aloud can also help you spot awkward phrasing or missing words.
Need more support with your job search or want feedback on your CV? Our team is here to help – get in touch with Zenith People today.