Job hunting can be competitive, and with so many applicants for every role, it’s tempting to exaggerate or stretch the truth to get noticed.
However, you don’t need to lie to make your CV stand out (and in fact, you really shouldn’t). Instead, the key is highlighting your strengths in a way that grabs attention while staying completely honest. Here are some simple ways to make your CV shine without resorting to padding it out with things that are untrue.
1. Tailor your CV to each job application.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is sending out the same generic CV for every job. Employers can tell when a CV has been copy-pasted, and it’s an instant way to blend into the pile instead of standing out. Instead of listing every job you’ve ever had, highlight the experience, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Adjust the wording in your personal statement and key skills section to reflect the specific job description.
2. Use a strong, concise personal statement.
Your personal statement is the first thing an employer will read, so it needs to be impactful. A bland or vague summary won’t grab attention, but a clear, confident statement will. Instead of writing a generic sentence like “I am a hard-working professional looking for new opportunities,” try something more engaging: “A results-driven marketing specialist with a proven track record in social media growth and brand development.” Make it specific, highlight your strengths, and keep it to the point.
3. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.
Many CVs read like job descriptions, listing tasks instead of showing real impact. While it’s important to outline what you did, hiring managers are more interested in what you accomplished. Instead of writing “Managed company social media accounts,” reframe it as “Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months by implementing a new content strategy.” Using numbers and outcomes makes your contributions more tangible and impressive.
4. Use action words to bring your experience to life.
Weak verbs and passive language can make even the most impressive experience sound unremarkable. Swapping out dull phrases for strong action words can instantly make your CV sound more engaging. Words like “developed,” “launched,” “led,” “transformed,” and “achieved” create a sense of energy and impact. Instead of saying “Responsible for organising events,” say, “Led the planning and execution of company events, increasing attendance by 30%.”
5. Highlight your transferable skills.
If you’re changing industries or applying for a role that’s slightly outside your experience, transferable skills can help bridge the gap. Many skills — such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management — are valuable across multiple fields. For example, if you’re moving from customer service to sales, highlight how your experience resolving customer issues has given you excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills. Employers are looking for adaptable candidates, so show how your skills translate to their role.
6. Keep formatting clean and easy to read.
No matter how impressive your experience is, if your CV is cluttered, hard to read, or poorly structured, it won’t make the impact you want. Hiring managers often skim CVs quickly, so making yours visually appealing is key. Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space to make your CV easy to scan. Stick to a professional font and avoid excessive colours or graphics unless you’re in a creative field where a visually unique CV makes sense.
7. Include relevant keywords to pass applicant tracking systems.
Many companies use automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they even reach a human. If your CV doesn’t contain the right keywords, it could be rejected before anyone sees it. To get past these filters, carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant terms naturally into your CV. If the listing mentions skills like “data analysis” or “budget management,” make sure those words appear in your experience or skills section — assuming they genuinely apply to you, that is.
8. Add a skills section for quick impact.
Hiring managers don’t always have time to dig through paragraphs of text to find out what you’re good at. A dedicated skills section at the top of your CV gives them an instant snapshot of your abilities. List skills that are relevant to the job, using a mix of technical and soft skills. For example, a marketing professional might include “SEO strategy, content creation, campaign analytics, stakeholder communication, and project management.”
9. Include personal projects or voluntary work.
If you lack formal experience in a certain area but have relevant skills from personal projects, freelance work, or volunteering, don’t be afraid to include them. Employers value practical experience, even if it wasn’t gained in a traditional job setting. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design job but have never worked in an agency, showcase freelance work, passion projects, or a portfolio that demonstrates your skills. It shows initiative and real-world ability.
10. Keep it concise — one or two pages max.
Source: Unsplash A CV should be detailed enough to showcase your strengths, but not so long that it overwhelms the reader. Hiring managers spend an average of a few seconds skimming each CV, so the key is making yours concise but impactful. Unless you have decades of experience, try to keep it to one or two pages. Cut out outdated roles or less relevant details, and focus on the experience and achievements that will make the biggest impression.
