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David Did It! – Make Your CV Shine (Without Giving Employers a Headache)

You’ve got the skills.

You’ve got the experience.

But if your CV isn’t doing you justice, it might be the reason you’re stuck refreshing your inbox, waiting for that interview invite.

Recently, I worked with someone in this very position. Their experience? Amazing! Their CV? Well, let’s just say it was the literary equivalent of trying to read War and Peace in one sitting.

After a bit of CV CPR—reformatting, bullet points, and a sprinkle of clarity—they landed an interview within a week. Want to know how to give your CV the same glow-up? Read on for my top tips.

1. Think Like a Hiring Manager

Recruiters and hiring managers scan CVs in seconds, not minutes. Make those seconds count:

  • Start with a summary: A short, snappy personal profile at the top sets the stage. If you have a lot to tell bullet points and Bold Headings are your friends!
  • Prioritise relevance: Put your most recent and relevant experience first. Unless you are changing Industry or Career then focus on Skill Based CV.

2. Bullet Points Are Your Best Friend

Long paragraphs on a CV are like a brick wall—daunting and easy to skip.

Instead:
✅ Use bullet points to highlight achievements.
✅ Keep each point concise—aim for one or two lines.
✅ Focus on outcomes, not just responsibilities. (e.g., “Increased client retention by 25%” sounds better than “Responsible for client relations.”)

3. Tailor, Tailor, Tailor!

A one-size-fits-all CV is the fastest way to the rejection pile. Each job is unique, so show that you understand what they need:

  • Match keywords: Mirror the language used in the job spec.
  • Emphasise relevant skills: If it’s a management role, focus on leadership achievements.

4. Let It Breathe

Give your CV some white space! A cluttered layout is a sure way to lose your reader’s interest.

  • Use consistent fonts (size 10–12 for body text).
  • Leave margins.
  • Break sections with clear headers (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Key Skills”).

5. Proofread, Then Proofread Again

Even the most impressive CV can be undone by typos. Run it through spellcheck, then read it aloud—or better yet, get someone else to check it for you.

6. Action Verbs Pack a Punch

Start your bullet points with dynamic verbs to make your achievements pop. Think:

  • Improved
  • Managed
  • Designed
  • Increased
  • Streamlined

7. Add a Dash of Personality

While your CV should stay professional, don’t be afraid to show a hint of who you are. However this can be done in your ‘Personal Profile’ at the top. Add character and relate your interests to your experience. (i.e I am interested in Hair and Make Up so I worked at MAC for three years in their Legal Team).

In my opinion if your CV is too wordy or long, remove the Personal Interests & Hobbies section where you list generic things every CV has such as; you walk your dog, read a book, and enjoy socialising.

 If you feel this is important make it more specific to you.

Example:

  • Favourite Book : “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
  • Cuisine of choice: Italian
  • Tea or Coffee: Coffee ( preferably a Skinny Caramel Latte)
  • Most recent Theatre seen: Wicked, London (UK) or The Lion King, Broadway (US)

Little changes can make the Personal Hobbies/Interests more personal to you and can make you seem more appealing as a Hiring Manager – also nice talking points.

  • Change “Go to the Gym /Works out” to “Hyrox and CrossFit competitor” (competitive, works towards goals, aimed on improvement)
  • Change “Likes Animals” to Foster Dogs and Cats in my spare time (shows compassion)

The Results Speak for Themselves

When I helped my client rework their CV, we transformed it into a document that not only showcased their brilliance but also made it easy to digest. With a polished format, relevant tweaks, and a job-specific approach, they didn’t just get noticed—they got results.

So, if your CV isn’t working as hard as you are, it’s time for a refresh. Remember: Your CV is your first impression—make it count!

David Did It!—And So Can You!
Ready to land your dream job in 2025? Take these tips, revamp your CV, and watch those interview invitations roll in. Stay tuned for more practical advice, career tips, and a sprinkle of humour in the David Did It! series.