How to Craft an Attention-Grabbing CV

Stand Out to Employers and ATS Systems

Creating a compelling CV is essential for success in today’s competitive job market. Your CV not only represents your skills and achievements but also showcases your professional image. Here’s a guide on what to include, what to avoid, and how to format your CV for maximum impact.

1. Start with a Strong Introduction

Begin with a brief, impactful headline or summary at the top of your CV. This introduction should convey your experience level, key skills, and career highlights in just a few sentences. Aim for an “elevator pitch” that captures attention in the first few seconds, helping both hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) understand your value.

2. Focus on Skills and Achievements, Not Responsibilities

Instead of listing basic responsibilities, highlight your achievements and skills, with metrics where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in six months”). This approach emphasizes your contributions and results, which is what employers and ATS filters focus on. Include only relevant job experiences that support the role you’re applying for, as unrelated or short-term roles can dilute your CV’s focus.

3. Use a Clean and Professional Format

Choose a layout that is modern yet professional. Opt for clear headings, bullet points for readability, and consistent alignment. Recommended fonts include Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, as they are easy to read both on-screen and in print. Ensure font sizes are consistent, ideally between 10–12 points for body text, with slightly larger headings.

4. Optimize for ATS Compatibility

Since many companies use ATS software, make sure your CV is easy for these systems to parse. Avoid images, graphics, and complex formatting that can confuse ATS. Use standard section headers like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills," and include relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your CV ranks well in automated scans.

5. Keep It Concise and Relevant

Limit your CV to 1-2 pages, focusing on your most relevant experiences and qualifications. Avoid unnecessary personal details like age, marital status, and unprofessional email addresses, as well as hobbies that don’t relate to the job. This keeps your CV focused and makes it easier for recruiters to identify your strengths quickly.

6. Add a Professional Profile Picture if Appropriate

While not required, a professional headshot can add a personal touch, especially in markets where photos are common. Choose a high-quality, well-lit headshot with a neutral background, wearing professional attire and a friendly expression. However, avoid casual selfies or photos with busy backgrounds, as they can detract from your professionalism.

7. Additional Tips for a Winning CV

• Format for Brevity and Impact: Avoid lengthy descriptions; instead, use short, impactful statements.
• Avoid Jargon and Buzzwords: Terms like “go-getter” and “self-starter” can seem generic; opt for specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
• Proofread: Ensure grammar and spelling are flawless to maintain a professional appearance.

Conclusion:

A carefully crafted CV can make all the difference in securing an interview, but ensuring it’s optimized for both human and automated readers requires expertise. Let's create a CV that not only gets noticed but makes a memorable impression.

David Muller, ONYX Resourcing