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To succeed in your career path, you need a professional CV to set yourself apart in the competitive job market. Navigating the job market can feel daunting, especially after facing multiple rejections. But fear not, you're not alone in this journey. Follow our examples and tips on how to boost CV, increase your chances of landing a job. Discover the best approach to improve your CV layout; be creative and strategic in showcasing your strengths to make yourself noticeable with a professional modern CV. These essential tips will help to make your CV better.
Explore our diverse collection of CV templates that can be easily customised for the job you are applying for and are applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly.
Things you need to consider when updating your CV:
Formatting and keywords are friendly for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Achievements and results are supported by numbers and figures.
Action verbs are used to describe your experience and accomplishments effectively.
Keywords that are specific to the industry you are applying to and included in the job description.
Optimisation using an AI CV maker to help refine and improve your CV.
Scroll to the bottom for a free CV checklist.
Not sure how to improve your CV? Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools can guide you step by step. Follow our expert guide to learn how to use AI to write your CV.
1. Make it easy to read
When it comes to improving a CV, the first step in to ensure your it is readable and concise.
Avoid lengthy sentences and opt for short bullet points to emphasise the main information. For example, instead of writing five or six lines for responsibilities, use bullet points to break down duties and achievements, ensuring they are tangible and include numbers and figures.
Doing so makes it the recruiter's job easier to scan your CV and identify your key skills and relevant experience.
Supervised and trained 10+ interns and care assistants in general wards and mental health units, fostering a supportive and professional workforce
During my time at AECOM, I was deeply involved in managing various projects and supporting team operations and I worked closely with colleagues to work towards improving the company's goals and took part in developing some new initiatives.
See the related blog article on how long should a CV be for more information and valuable tips.
Pro Tip
While it's important to maintain professionalism, if you're applying for a creative role, adding a touch of creativity to your CV or portfolio can help you stand out. This could be through thoughtful design elements, unique layouts, or showcasing your skills directly in the way your documents are presented. Just ensure it remains clear, ATS-friendly, and relevant to the job you're applying for.
2. Add must-have CV sections
Each CV section provides hiring manager and recruiters with valuable information about your background and qualifications. For example, utilise the personal profile section to briefly capture your key qualifications and background. Meanwhile, the skills section can help you categorise your relevant expertise and break it down into soft, hard, and technical skills. The work experience section can be used to effectively highlight strengths on your CV.
Must-have CV sections:
Personal details: Include email address and contact number.
Personal profile: Summary of your experience and qualifications.
Skills: Use bullet points and action verbs.
Work experience: Demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Education: List your most recent relevant qualifications.
Must-have CV sections
Personal profile
Skills section
Work experience
Education
Learn more about how to write a good CV.
Optional CV sections:
Additional experience (volunteering or hobbies and interests)
3. Use a chronological CV format
Write your CV in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent positions and working your way backwards. Doing so allows recruiters to quickly assess your application without wasting time. For example, include your current job in the work experience section, followed by previous roles in descending order. Similarly, start your education section with the highest level of education, such as a master's or bachelor's degree. If you have already held a few jobs, you can confidently remove your high school experience or old courses.
Do arrange your experience in chronological order
Marketing Manager, BP plc (2020-present)
Digital Marketing Specialist, Unilever (2018-2020)
Marketing Assistant, Tesco (2016-2018)
Do not place your positions in random order
Digital Marketing Specialist, Unilever (2018-2020)
Marketing Assistant, Tesco (2016-2018)
Marketing Manager, BP plc (2020-present)
For more tips and examples, refer to the chronological CV example guide.
Pro Tip
When it comes to choosing 'good words' for your CV focus on action words and keywords. If keywords are missing, your CV might not make it to a hiring manager.
4. Format your CV
Ensure it is easy to follow and maintains a professional tone to avoid overwhelming the reader with unnecessary information. Utilise clear headings and a simple design featuring consistent font styles and sizes. Opt for a modern layout with distinct sections and white space between paragraphs to enhance readability.
Additional techniques include aligning text to the left, using standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, and avoiding dense paragraphs. Keep margins wide and use at least 11-point font size for main text. Avoid decorative borders or graphics that distract from your achievements.
Pro Tip
While it's important to maintain professionalism, if you're applying for a creative role, adding a touch of creativity to your CV or portfolio can help you stand out. This could be through thoughtful design elements, unique layouts, or showcasing your skills directly in the way your documents are presented. Just ensure it remains clear, ATS-friendly, and relevant to the job you're applying for.
Consult our blog articles on the best font and best colour for your CV for more details.
5. How to make an CV ATS-friendly
Applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used by a recruiter to speed up the hiring and recruitment process. It saves time for employers who need to read through hundreds of CVs weekly. It enables them to easier track and identify the best candidates based on the following criteria:
Number of years of work experience
Specific keywords
Experience with particular techniques or software
Certain knowledge or skills
Speaking a specific language.
An ATS-friendly CV template can ensure your application beats the software and reaches hiring managers and recruiters.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Don’t “stuff” your CV with keywords – use them naturally within bullet points or role descriptions.
Don’t use elaborate templates with graphics or non-standard fonts.
Don’t leave out essential information, such as locations, dates of employment, or clear section headings.
Or explore the following CV examples to guide you in the CV writing process:
Pro Tip
Don’t lie about your skills and qualifications; even white lies can backfire, blackening your employment and promotional hopes. It can also make you look untrustworthy.
6. Add keywords from the job description
Start by looking up a job opening you’re interested in and list the recurring keywords throughout the text. It could include soft and hard skills, duties and responsibilities, or other vital characteristics. Adjust your future CVs to the company culture by checking out the ‘About us’ page. Keep an eye on the company's values, interests, and goals.
Depending on the employer, different conditions and key search terms apply, so always check them before submitting your application. Lastly, replicate and incorporate these keywords into your tailor-specific CV, ensuring they are reader-friendly and fit in the context.
Most-commonly used keywords in job descriptions
These are the keywords that appear most often in job listings. Including relevant ones in your CV can increase visibility, demonstrate alignment with the role, and improve your chances of getting shortlisted.
Creative & Marketing Keywords
Green Economy & Construction Keywords
Financial & Professional Services Keywords
Retail & Hospitality Keywords
Technology & Data Keywords
Most-commonly used skill-related keywords in job descriptions
Hard Skills Keywords
Soft Skills Keywords
Use these groupings to identify which keywords to highlight in your CV or applications based on your target sector and job level. Soft skills continue to be highly valued, especially for entry-level roles, while specific tools and certifications become more prominent in mid-level and sector-specific positions.
Discover more of the best CV keywords for your next job application.
7. Use action verbs
Use action verbs in a CV to make your sentences more concise, to the point, and easy to follow. Action verbs allow hiring managers to get a better idea of what you did. For example, you can use them to describe your skills, job duties, and achievements. Avoid using the passive voice unless there is no other way to phrase your sentence.
Strong action verbs for a CV:
Research: ‘examined’, ‘surveyed’, ‘assessed’, ‘compiled’, identified’.
Communications: ‘articulated’, ‘briefed’, ‘presented’, ‘demonstrated’, ‘disclosed’.
Organisational: ‘coordinated’, ‘leveraged’, ‘cultivated’, ‘monitored’, ‘administered’.
Technical: ‘designed’, ‘operated’, ‘developed’, ‘calculated’, ‘launched’.
Leadership: ‘appraised’, ‘trained’, ‘facilitated’, ‘directed’, ‘executed’.
Weak action verbs: ’tried’, ‘did/made/created’, ‘responsible for’, ‘organised’, ‘helped’, ‘worked with’, ‘experienced in’, ‘watched’, ‘studied’, ‘took (courses)’, ‘showed’.
8. Add numbers to your achievements
Quantify your achievements by adding specific numbers, figures, or percentages to make your writing more impactful. They are measurable metrics you can use to add credibility to your skills, providing proof that you're capable of performing the job well. Mention the most impressive achievements as high as possible and remove any outdated information.
Triggered yearly increase in sales from £300K to £1.1M by initiating and implementing various sales and marketing initiatives
Achieved consistently high customer ratings and reviews, maintaining an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on various online platforms.
Played a significant role in driving company success through successful initiatives.
Helped my manager to enhance customer satisfaction levels within the organisation.
9. Keep it job-specific
Tailor your CV to each job opening you’re applying for. Remember that it is just one of hundreds of applicants who want the same job as you. Highlight the most relevant skills and experience, aligning with the job requirements. By tailoring your CV, you show your keen interest in the position, improving your chances of success.
When writing a job-specific CV, always refer to your master CV for guidance. This central document helps you select the most important information tailored to each industry.
10. Proofread your CV
Thoroughly proofread your CV to eliminate grammar or spelling mistakes. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues, family, or friends, as they help you spot the mistakes or highlight strengths. Use spell check and grammar tools like Grammarly or QuillBot to guide you further. Lastly, remember to review your CV multiple times before submitting your application.
Led a team of software developers in the successful launch of a new mobile application, resulting in a 50% increase in user engagement within the first month.
Implemented cost-saving measures resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses for the fiscal year.
Led a teem off software developer's in the successful launch of a new mobile application, resulting in a 50% increse in user engagment within the first month.
Implemented cost-saving measure's resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses for the fisical year.
How to tailor your CV for each application
Every job and employer is different, so making your CV specific to each role helps you stand out from the crowd. Rather than sending the same CV to every employer, take a few minutes to adjust and refine your CV to match the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. This extra effort can make all the difference between a no and a yes.
How to customise your CV for each job application:
Study the job description carefully: Highlight key responsibilities, required skills, and any qualifications or personality traits the employer is looking for. Make a note of repeated terms or phrases, they’re likely important to the role and the company’s culture.
Mirror the language: Use similar wording and terminology from the job advert in your own CV, especially in your personal profile, skills, and experience sections. This not only helps with ATS scanning but also demonstrates that you’ve read and understood the job ad.
Prioritise relevant achievements and skills: Move the most relevant duties, skills, and successes to the top of each section. If you’re applying for a marketing position that lists “content creation” and “campaign management,” highlight achievements in these areas from your previous roles.
Show knowledge of the employer: If possible, incorporate information about the company’s values or current projects. For example, if the employer mentions a focus on sustainability, and you have related experience, draw attention to it.
Edit for conciseness: Remove details that aren’t relevant to the job. This keeps your CV focused and demonstrates respect for the recruiter’s time.
Example:
You’re applying for a project manager role where the job advert says, “Looking for a team player with strong leadership skills and experience managing large-scale projects with strict deadlines.”
In your personal profile, you might write:
“Results-driven project manager with five years’ experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Recognised for collaborative leadership style and strong communication skills.”In your experience section:
“Led a team of 12 to successfully implement a new project delivery process, resulting in a 20% reduction in missed deadlines.”
By tailoring your CV for each job, you show employers that you’re genuinely interested, pay attention to detail, and have what they’re looking for. This targeted approach can make a significant difference to your success rate.
A generic CV is far less effective than one tailored to a specific job. Customising your application shows the employer that you have a genuine interest in the role and have taken the time to understand their needs.
Keep a "master CV" that contains all your experience, skills, and achievements. For each job application, create a copy and edit it to highlight the information most relevant to that specific role. Refer back to the job description and use the same language and keywords where appropriate. This small effort can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
Learn more about how to tailor your CV for each application.
Use these 10 tips to update your CV today
How to improve your CV as a student: Follow these tips!
If you are a student with little to no work experience, consider changing the focal point of your CV to education. With or without extensive training, we encourage you to prioritise your transferable skills gained through training, projects, or other activities that add value to your CV. Read more about how to list soft skills on a CV.
Writing your a CV for a first job? Read more about how to write your first CV!
1. Use a project section
If you only have a side job or part-time internship, that might not be enough to convince an employer to hire you. The education section is a milestone of your CV, often more relevant than your work history. Consider creating a separate project section to expand your relevant knowledge and skills. Alternatively, you can also place it under additional or work experience sections. It’s not a well-known strategy that would help draw the recruiter’s attention to your CV.
2. Add a degree description
A degree description is a helpful feature that would make your CV stand out. Think of it as a job description but in an educational setting. In three to four sentences, describe the essential skills gained from your higher education. Whether it is a high school or university (bachelor’s, master’s, or even PhD) diploma, it is not a problem.
You may not realise it, but you probably already possess some work experience. Even if it is not a paid experience, it is still a valuable experience for your next job. Although many employers don’t consider it an acceptable work experience, you can still use it in your additional experience section. It could include your side jobs, volunteer / freelance work, student societies, tutoring, or any relevant projects.
You could place the following additional information in your education section:
Degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) with the final grade (GPA > 3.0)
Thesis title and final grade (only if it is B or A)
Degree description
Student societies
Relevant coursework
Honours certificate
Exchange (Erasmus) program
3. Use a skills-based CV format
Opt for a skills-based CV, also known as a functional CV, if you're a beginner or transitioning careers. This format prioritises transferable skills over a long work history. Start with a qualification summary, followed by education and work experience sections. This strategic layout effectively showcases your relevant skills and achievements
Explore our skills-based CV example for more inspiration.
CV checklist
Download this CV checklist in PDF.
Key takeaways
By now, we should have provided you with a better insight into how to structure and improve your CV. Following our tips and tricks, you are better equipped with tools and guidance to land your job interview. Even if you’re not fully eligible or qualified for your desired job position, don’t worry. It’s worth applying anyway, even if you don't meet all the job criteria. Let creativity take over you, and good luck!
Use clear, concise, and professional language
Regularly update and proofread your CV
Put keywords in bold
Create a master CV and tailor it per application.
Use vague words or phrases
Write long paragraphs
Write 1000 bullet points
List everything you have achieved
Next steps?
Check out our extensive library of CV examples to help you create a professional career documents for the job you are specifically applying for.
CV builder: Use one of the colourful CV templates to help create a tailored and well-structured CV.
Cover letter builder: apply with a matching cover letter template with a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust to your career goals.
CV writing service: connect with one of our experts to receive feedback and get quick, professional advice on tailoring your career documents to a specific job.
Blog: explore our step-by-step guides to learn more about the best strategies to increase your chances of job prospects.
The next step in the application process is preparing a list of good questions for an interview.
FAQ
How to improve your CV with AI?
Check out online tools and platforms like ChatGPT or CoPilot to look for gaps and receive AI suggestions to include more keywords, improve the structure, and polish the content. We suggest using prompts like 'Improve this CV by incorporating keywords from the following job description' to increase your chances of getting noticed by employers or recruiters. Customise your CV based on your specific skillet and career goals. The key is to keep it short and incorporate the key information appearing on the company's website and job description.
How to improve your CV as a student?
See the following CV tips to help you boost your CV and improve your prospects as a student.
Use the proper format and structure
Set clear goals
Use a professional CV template
Start with an eye-catching personal profile or statement
Highlight your education
Include your relevant work experience
Showcase your key skills
Highlight your educational achievements
Add additional sections
Proofread carefully to eliminate any mistakes.
Refer to our student CV example guide for more tips and examples to help you customise it for the specific job.
How to improve your cover letter?
Use a cover letter to elaborate on your skills and qualifications that didn’t fit your CV. In a one-page A4 document, you can write down your motivations and interests in applying, explaining why you’re the right fit for the company. In the beginning, briefly describe who you are and your career aspirations. Use specific examples and achievements throughout the text to demonstrate your outstanding competencies and experiences. Your cover letter must show your commitment, core skills, and professional ambitions.
Refer to the related blog article on how to structure your cover letter for more inspiration.
How to improve your CV with no experience?
Even with little to no work experience, you can shine by highlighting transferable skills and relevant qualifications from your courses or previous jobs. Remember to tailor your CV to fit the company culture and use keywords from the job opening or the company's 'About us' page to grab the attention of applicant tracking systems (ATS).
