Your CV: Your 15 Seconds to Shine

I had a call today that really got me thinking. A client referred someone to me—a talented legal professional struggling to find the right role. It happens a lot. And as soon as I looked at her CV and listened to her talk, one thing became immediately clear: her CV didn’t do her justice.

She was brilliant. Passionate about a particular area of law. Had worked alongside some fantastic people?and had?even gained hands-on experience in her chosen field. But none of that jumped off the page. Her CV was selling her short.

The reality is?that when a hiring manager or recruiter opens a CV, you get about 15 seconds—maybe less—to make an impression. In that brief window, they’re scanning, making judgments, trying to understand who you are and what you bring to the table. Your CV is your first shot at grabbing their attention, sparking interest, and convincing them to pick up the phone or invite you to interview. It’s not about embellishment; it’s about making sure your strengths, experience, and ambitions are clear.

This is where working with a recruiter makes all the difference. Because I’ve spent years building relationships with law firms, I could instantly think of five firms where this candidate would be a fantastic fit. I advised her on how to tweak her CV—just small changes, but ones that completely transformed how her experience was presented. And then, I did what I love most about my job: I picked up the phone and made things happen.

When I speak to a client about a candidate, I don’t just send a CV and hope for the best. I give context. I highlight the things that might not be obvious on paper. I explain why they need to meet this person. And that conversation—those insights—can make all the difference.

If you’re working with a recruiter, great. Use them. Let them help you refine your CV and position yourself in the best possible way. If you’re not, then before you hit send on that application, take a step back. Look at your CV with fresh eyes. Does it tell your story? Does it reflect your passion, your skills, your ambitions? If not, tweak it. Or better yet—send it to me. I’ll take a look and let you know where you can improve.

Helping people navigate their careers is one of the best parts of this job, and I’m really looking forward to doing exactly that at our upcoming career chat day. It’s completely oversubscribed, which tells me just how many people want that extra bit of guidance. And honestly? I can’t wait to roll my sleeves up and get stuck in.

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