🎯 Quick Win: The 6-Second Rule
Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds reviewing each CV. Make every second count with these proven strategies.
Clear Structure
Easy to scan sections
Tailored Content
Match job requirements
Quantified Results
Numbers tell stories
1. Tailor Your CV to Each Job
Generic CVs get rejected. Customize your CV for each application by:
- Using keywords from the job description
- Highlighting relevant experience first
- Matching your skills to their requirements
- Adjusting your professional summary
💡 Pro Tip: Use CV Adapter to automatically tailor your CV to any job description in seconds!
2. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers make your accomplishments tangible and memorable:
❌ Weak:
"Managed a team"
✅ Strong:
"Led team of 12 developers, delivering 15+ projects on time with 98% client satisfaction"
Include:
- Revenue increases (%)
- Cost savings (£)
- Team sizes (#)
- Project timelines (months)
- Performance metrics (%)
3. Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with powerful action verbs to show impact:
Leadership:
- • Led, Directed, Managed
- • Coordinated, Supervised
- • Spearheaded, Championed
Achievement:
- • Achieved, Delivered
- • Exceeded, Surpassed
- • Accomplished, Attained
Innovation:
- • Developed, Created
- • Designed, Innovated
- • Pioneered, Launched
Improvement:
- • Improved, Enhanced
- • Optimized, Streamlined
- • Transformed, Revitalized
4. Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before a human sees them. Beat the bots:
- Use standard headings: "Work Experience" not "My Journey"
- Include keywords: Match exact terms from job posting
- Avoid graphics: Stick to text-based content
- Use common fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman
- Save as .docx or PDF: Most ATS-friendly formats
🎯 CV Adapter calculates your ATS score and shows you exactly how to improve it!
Perfect CV Structure
1. Contact Information
Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, location (city/country)
2. Professional Summary (3-4 lines)
Your value proposition tailored to the role
3. Key Skills (6-12 skills)
Match job requirements, include technical & soft skills
4. Work Experience (reverse chronological)
3-5 bullet points per role, focus on achievements
5. Education
Degree, institution, graduation year, relevant coursework
6. Certifications & Additional Sections (optional)
Licenses, languages, volunteer work, publications
❌ Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
- • Spelling and grammar errors
- • Using personal pronouns (I, me, my)
- • Including a photo (unless required)
- • Listing references on CV
- • Using unprofessional email addresses
- • Making it too long (>2 pages)
- • Including irrelevant information
- • Using fancy fonts or colors
- • Lying or exaggerating
- • Forgetting to update dates
Ready to Create Your Perfect CV?
Let AI do the heavy lifting. CV Adapter tailors your CV to any job in seconds.