Recruiters spend an average of 6-8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further. In 2026, with more applications going through AI-assisted screening before a human ever sees them, getting your CV right matters more than ever.
Structure It for Scanning
- Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum
- Use clear section headings: Experience, Skills, Education
- Lead each role with your biggest achievement, not just a job description
- Use bullet points, not dense paragraphs
Beat the Applicant Tracking System
Many companies now filter CVs through software before a human sees them. Mirror the exact keywords and job title language used in the job posting, and avoid text inside images, tables, or unusual fonts that ATS software can’t read.
Show Impact, Not Just Duties
Instead of “Responsible for social media,” write “Grew Instagram following by 40% in 6 months through a consistent content strategy.” Numbers and outcomes are what separate a forgettable CV from a memorable one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic objective statements that say nothing specific
- Listing every job you’ve ever had instead of relevant ones
- Typos and inconsistent formatting
- No tailoring — sending the same CV to every application
Let a Professional Write It For You
A well-written CV and cover letter can significantly increase your interview rate. Check our CV & resume writing service for a professionally written CV tailored to your industry.
