How to Write a CV That Gets You Hired (Not Just Noticed)

In today's competitive job market, your CV isn't just a list of past jobs - it's your personal marketing document. It has a single, crucial purpose: to get you an interview. A recruiter spends an average of just 6 seconds scanning a CV, so every word and every section has to count.

Here’s our ultimate guide to writing a "perfect" CV that doesn't just get noticed, but gets you hired.

1. The Golden Rule: Tailor, Tailor, Tailor

This is the most important piece of advice you will ever receive about CVs. One size does not fit all. For every job you apply for, you must customise your CV to match the job description.

• Deconstruct the Job Ad: Read the job description meticulously. Identify the keywords, required skills, and key responsibilities.

• Mirror the Language: Weave those keywords into your CV. If the ad asks for "logistics coordination" and "stock management," use those exact phrases to show you're a perfect fit.

• Re-order Your Content: Put your most relevant experience and skills at the top. If a role is heavily focused on IT skills, make your "Technical Skills" section prominent.

2. Start with a Powerful Personal Statement

This isn't just a generic "I am a motivated individual" paragraph. Your personal statement, or professional summary, is your elevator pitch. It should be a powerful introduction that sells you to the reader in just a few lines!

• Who you are: Your job title or professional identity (e.g., "Experienced Warehouse Manager").

• What you do: Your core skills and expertise (e.g., "specialising in optimising supply chain processes").

• What you want: Your career goal or what you're looking for (e.g., "seeking a challenging role to lead a high-performing team").

3. Quantify Your Achievements

Don't just list your responsibilities. Prove your impact!

This is where your CV moves from good to great. Instead of saying, "Managed a warehouse team," use quantifiable data to show the results of your work.

✅ "Managed a team of 15 warehouse operatives, improving picking efficiency by 20%."

✅ "Implemented a new inventory system that reduced stock errors by 30%."

✅ "Negotiated with suppliers, leading to a 10% reduction in procurement costs."

Numbers are powerful. They demonstrate your value and give the recruiter a clear picture of what you can achieve for their company.

4. Get the Basics Right: Layout and Formatting

A cluttered, difficult-to-read CV is a one-way ticket to the "no" pile. Keep it clean, professional and easy on the eyes.

• Keep it Concise: Ideally, your CV should be no more than two pages long.

• Choose a Professional Font: Stick to classic, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman.

• Use Clear Headings and Bullet Points: Break up sections for easy scanning.

• Proofread Relentlessly: A single typo can suggest a lack of attention to detail. Read it yourself, then ask a friend to check it too.

5. What to Include and What to Leave Out

Include:

• Your name and professional contact details (phone, email, LinkedIn profile).

• A strong personal statement.

• Your work history (most recent first), including company names, dates, job titles, and quantifiable achievements.

• Education and qualifications.

• Relevant skills (e.g., specific software, languages, certifications).

Leave Out:

• Personal Information: Your age, marital status, or nationality are irrelevant and should not be included.

• Outdated Information: If your work experience goes back 20 years, only include the most relevant jobs from the last 10-15 years.

• Unprofessional email addresses. - Ditch "partyanimal123@email.com" and create a professional one using your name.

• Headshots - unless you’re an actor or model a photo is not required and can distract from the content.

By following these key steps, your CV will stop being just a document and start becoming a powerful tool that opens doors to new opportunities.

For more advice or to have us review your CV, get in touch with the team at Route 1 today!

Call us on 01924 261636 or email info@r1work.co.uk