What Recruiters Are Most Looking for on Your CV

Your CV is often the first impression you make on a recruiter, and it plays a crucial role in landing your dream job. But with so much advice available, what do recruiters actually look for? Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that can make your CV stand out.

1. A Clear and Concise Format

Recruiters spend an average of six to seven seconds on an initial scan of a CV. To make yours easy to read:

Use a clean, professional format with clear headings.

Keep it to one or two pages.

Use bullet points to highlight key achievements and skills.

2. A Strong Professional Summary

Instead of an outdated objective statement, use a compelling summary at the top of your CV. This should be a brief 3-4 sentence section highlighting:

Your industry expertise.

Your key skills.

Your most relevant accomplishments.

3. Quantifiable Achievements

Recruiters love to see measurable results. Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on achievements. Use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes to show your impact. For example:

"Increased sales by 30% within six months."

"Reduced operational costs by 15% by streamlining processes."

4. Relevant Keywords

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they reach human eyes. To get past this stage:

Use keywords from the job description.

Include industry-specific terms and skills.

Avoid overloading with buzzwords—make sure they are used naturally.

5. Skills That Match the Job Description

Highlighting the right skills is essential. Recruiters look for a mix of technical and soft skills, such as:

Industry-specific technical skills.

Leadership and teamwork capabilities.

Communication and problem-solving abilities.

6. A Strong Employment History

Your work experience should showcase your growth and expertise. Make sure to:

List jobs in reverse chronological order.

Provide job titles, company names, and employment dates.

Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

7. Education and Certifications

Your education section should be concise but informative. Include:

Your degree(s) and major(s).

Relevant certifications or training.

Additional coursework if it’s relevant to the role.

8. Clean Grammar and Formatting

Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression. Before submitting your CV:

Use spell-check and grammar tools.

Have a friend or mentor review it.

Ensure consistent formatting with aligned bullet points and font usage.

Your CV should be a tailored, easy-to-read, and accomplishment-focused document that reflects your professional strengths. By emphasizing clear formatting, relevant keywords, and quantifiable results, you can make your CV stand out and capture a recruiter’s attention.