Jobwatch

How to write a CV that gets interviews

A practical, no-fluff guide to a CV that recruiters actually read — structure, length, keywords, and common mistakes to avoid.

A strong CV opens doors. A weak one closes them before you even get to speak. Use this checklist to make sure yours works.

Keep it to one page (two max)

Recruiters spend seconds on the first pass. Cut anything older than 10 years and anything that doesn't map to the role you want.

Lead with results, not duties

Instead of "Responsible for social media" write "Grew Instagram from 2k to 40k followers in 9 months, adding £120k in attributed revenue." Numbers beat verbs.

Mirror the job ad

Every job you apply to has a keyword list hidden in plain sight. Match the vocabulary the employer uses — that also gets you past applicant tracking systems.

Use a clean, machine-readable layout

No tables, no columns, no photos, no icons. Simple headings, standard fonts, PDF output. Fancy design breaks parsing.

Steps

  1. 1

    Pick a target role

    Choose one job title you want to be found for. Every line of the CV should support that story.

  2. 2

    List achievements with numbers

    For each past role, write 3–5 bullet points that lead with an outcome and a metric.

  3. 3

    Mirror the job ad

    Copy the vocabulary the employer uses in the listing. Repeat it naturally in your summary and bullets.

  4. 4

    Format for parsing

    Use a single-column layout, standard fonts, and export to PDF. Skip photos and icons.

  5. 5

    Proofread out loud

    Read the whole document aloud. Fix anything that sounds like corporate padding.

Frequently asked questions