Think your CV is holding you back?
Yesterday evening, my friend Jess called me in the middle of a job hunt spiral. She’s applying left and right, but every time she hits 'submit' on a CV, the same thought creeps in: "I don’t think it’s good enough. I just don’t know what they’re looking for."
Sound familiar?
Crafting the perfect CV can feel like navigating a minefield of self-doubt. But it doesn’t need to be. With the right mindset and a few smart tools you can create a CV that reflects your brilliance without the burnout.
Here’s how to get it right:
1. Start With the Story. Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs. It’s the story of your professional journey. Lead with a short, punchy personal statement at the top. Who are you? What are you great at? Where do you want to go?
2. Tailor It To the Job Description. No two job descriptions are the same, so why send the same CV? Use AI tools like ChatGPT to align your skills and experience with what the company is actually asking for. Trust me, recruiters notice.
3. Make It Measurable. Don’t just say you “managed a team.” Say you “managed a team of six and grew department revenue by 30 percent.” Numbers show impact. And impact leads to interviews.
4. Keep It Clean (and Short). Two pages maximum. Stick to clear formatting and logical structure. Tools like Grammarly can help make your writing crisp and readable.
5. Fill the Gaps With Value. Been out of work? Took a sabbatical? No stress. Be honest and frame the gap around learning, growth or personal projects. Use AI to help phrase it with confidence and clarity.
6. Optimise for AI Readers Many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a human even sees them.
To pass the robot test:
Use standard section headings like "Work Experience" and "Education"
Avoid unusual fonts, graphics and text boxes
Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your CV
Save your file as a .docx or .pdf (check what the employer prefers)
Don’t over design your CV keep it clean and simple
7. Proof It Like a Pro Typos are the fastest way to get your CV ignored. Use spell-checkers, AI editors and if you can get a friend to give it a once-over.
8. Save and Share Like You Mean It Export as a PDF. Name the file professionally (not "finalfinalREALLYfinal-v3.docx"). And make sure your LinkedIn matches the tone and highlights.
Final thought? Your CV isn’t just a record. It’s a reflection of who you are and where you’re headed. It deserves your time and attention but it doesn’t need to be perfect. Just authentic.
You’re more ready than you think.
