Writing a CV is one thing, but making it stand out from a sea of applicants is a completely different ball game….
Whether you’ve recently finished school or university, or you’ve just started searching for a new position, making your CV unique is essential if you want to get invited to an interview. On average, a recruiter spends just seven seconds looking at a CV before deciding whether to save it or bin it. That’s not a lot of time to make a great impression.
So, how do you make every second count? We’ve already covered what a CV is and how to write a CV, but here are eight expert tips to help your CV stand out:
“Your CV is your first impression so make it count. Tailor it to each role by spotlighting the skills and achievements that matter most to the role you are applying for. Use strong action verbs, quantify your impact, and keep the layout clean and easy to scan. A punchy personal statement at the top can grab attention fast. And while AI tools can help you with structure and inspiration, be careful not to let them strip away your personality – your CV should sound like you, not a template.”
Shaquille Hills, Business Manager | Reed
1. Perfect your personal statement
Your personal statement is the first thing a hiring manager sees, so getting it right is essential if you want them to keep reading. It needs to be a short, succinct (around 150 words) summary of who you are, what you bring to the table, and what your career goals are.
To make it effective, refer back to the job description and pick out the specific skills the employer is looking for. Then, make it unique. Anyone can use a string of vague adjectives to describe themselves – but you want to be different.
You can do this by focusing on your most impressive and relevant skills, using specific examples to back up your claims.
How to write a personal statement
2. Tailor your CV for every single job
A one-size-fits-all CV rarely works. Sending the same generic document for every application is a common mistake that could cost you an interview.
Instead, you need to alter your CV for each role you apply for. Use the job description and the company website as your guide. Your goal is to create a CV that speaks directly to the employer’s needs and shows why you’re the perfect fit for that specific position.
For example, if you’re applying for a project management role, highlight your experience leading projects and managing budgets. And, if the next application is for a client-facing role, you should emphasise your communication skills instead. Simple.
Remember – if you’re not showcasing the most relevant skills, the hiring manager won’t see how you match up. It takes more time, but sending five carefully tailored CVs is far more effective than sending a hundred generic ones.
CV templates and tips: The complete guide for jobseekers
3. Beat the bots with keywords
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they even reach a human. If your CV doesn’t contain the right keywords, it might get rejected by a robot.
To ensure you’re ticking the right boxes, carefully review the job description. Identify specific words and phrases the employer might be searching for. These could be job titles (e.g., ‘Retail Assistant’, ‘Sales Advisor’), specific software, or particular qualifications.
If the job ad asks for experience with a specific tool, make sure your CV mentions it by name and describes your familiarity with it. We’re not saying you should stuff your CV with keywords, but being mindful of them can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
4. Prove your value with numbers
It’s easy to say you’re good at something – but actually proving it? That’s the real challenge. Instead of just listing your responsibilities, focus on your achievements and the results you delivered. Quantifying them with numbers makes your contributions tangible and impressive.
For example, instead of saying: ‘Managed social media accounts’, you could say: ‘Increased social media engagement by 20% in three months by implementing a new content strategy’.
This approach provides clear evidence of your impact. To structure your achievements, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It helps you frame your accomplishments in a clear and compelling story that demonstrates what you’re capable of.
5. Find your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Job hunting is competitive. For every role you apply for, you could be up against hundreds of other candidates with similar skills. This is where your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) comes in. It’s what sets you apart from everyone else.
This could be a personal blog, a portfolio of your work, relevant extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. The key is to ensure your USP is relevant to the job and demonstrates your ability to excel in the role.
For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing position and you run a successful blog about digital marketing, that’s a huge plus. It shows your passion, commercial awareness, and in-depth knowledge of the subject.
Five CV skills employers look for in every jobseeker
6. Showcase your work and personality
Want to give recruiters a better sense of who you are? Including links to your LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, or personal website can provide a much deeper look into your skills and experience than a two-page document ever could.
A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can back up the claims on your CV and show that you’re engaged in your industry. It also means that even if your CV is looked at months later, recruiters can see what you’ve been up to.
And, if you’re in a creative field, a portfolio is a must – as it allows hiring managers to see evidence of your work and accomplishments instantly.
7. Don’t forget the basics
All the tailoring and quantifying in the world won’t help if your CV is messy and full of errors. So, alongside the tips above, it’s vital to get the fundamentals right.
Keep your CV clear, concise, and no longer than two pages. Poor CV layout can be just as damaging as a typo. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font like Arial or Helvetica in at least size 12 for readability.
And, always proofread your CV before sending it. Then, get someone else to proofread it too. Even a small grammar mistake can make you look unprofessional and suggest a lack of attention to detail.
If you’re struggling to get started, try our free CV template.
8. Avoid underselling yourself
It’s natural to play down your achievements for fear of sounding boastful. But your CV is the one place where you should shout about how great you are.
Recruiters want to see what the person is like behind the words, so show your personality and be confident in your abilities. This means that instead of just listing your duties, reframe them to highlight your impact.
For example, don’t just say you were ‘ordering stationery’, say you were ‘responsible for ensuring the company had the necessary resources to operate efficiently’.
It’s all about how you frame it.
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