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CV tips: 21 quick wins for a stronger UK CV

Recruiters scan a CV fast. Your goal is simple: make it easy to spot the keywords, the proof, and the fit.

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Top 7 CV tips (do these first)

  • Start from the job advert. Pull out keywords (skills, tools, outcomes) and use them naturally.
  • Lead with proof. Swap duties for results (numbers, scope, impact).
  • Make it scannable. Clear headings, bullet points, consistent spacing.
  • Keep the format safe. A clean layout beats a flashy design (especially for ATS).
  • Tailor, don’t rewrite. Adjust your profile + top skills + 2–3 bullets per role.
  • Cut anything “nice but irrelevant”. Keep only what helps you get this job.
  • Proofread like it’s a client deliverable. Small mistakes undermine trust.

In a rush? You can build a CV quickly with a clean layout here: CV templates.

21 CV tips (short + practical)

Target the job (tips 1–4)

  1. Research before you write. Your CV is a response to a role. Collect keywords from 3–5 job adverts first.
  2. Choose one target job title. Your CV reads stronger when it’s built around a clear direction.
  3. Mirror the language of the advert. If they say “stakeholder management”, don’t only say “communication”.
  4. Prioritise relevance over completeness. A shorter CV with the right proof beats a long CV with everything.

Make it easy to scan (tips 5–9)

  1. Use a familiar CV structure. Most UK recruiters expect: Profile → Skills → Experience → Education.
  2. Use bullet points (not paragraphs). Aim for 3–6 bullets per recent role, fewer for older roles.
  3. Pick a readable font. Keep typography consistent and avoid novelty fonts.
  4. Keep spacing consistent. White space makes your CV feel more professional and easier to read.
  5. Use colour lightly (if at all). If you add colour, use it for headings/dividers—not backgrounds.

Write sections that recruiters trust (tips 10–15)

  1. Write a sharp personal statement (profile). 3–5 lines: who you are, your strengths, the role you want.

    2. Example (3–4 lines): Customer-focused Retail Assistant with 3+ years’ experience in busy stores. Known for upselling and calm problem-solving. Looking to join a high-footfall team where I can improve customer experience and hit sales targets.

    More examples here: CV personal statement.

  2. Use a professional email address. Ideally firstname.lastname@… (simple, credible, predictable).
  3. List skills employers actually search for. Put your most relevant skills near the top—and prove them below.

    4. Example: “Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP) — used weekly to track stock and reduce wastage.”

  4. Use reverse-chronological experience by default. It shows your current level immediately.
  5. Explain gaps briefly and calmly. One line is enough (study, travel, caring responsibilities, job search).

    6. Example: 2024–2025: Caring responsibilities (now resolved) — completed a Customer Service course alongside.

    More help: Gaps in the CV.

  6. Keep references “available on request”. Save space and share details only when asked.

Prove impact (tips 16–18)

  1. Add numbers, scope, or outcomes. Think: £, %, time saved, volume, team size, customers, SLAs.
  2. Use action + outcome bullets. Start with a strong verb, then show the result.

    3. Example:

    • Too vague: Responsible for customer support.
    • Better: Resolved 30–40 tickets/day, improving first-response time by 25%.

    More guidance here: Work experience on a CV.

  3. Be honest (always). You can present strengths confidently without stretching dates or titles.

Format + sending (tips 19–21)

  1. Keep CV length appropriate. 1 page for early career; 2 pages is normal with strong relevant experience.
  2. Save and send in the right file format. PDF is usually safest; keep a Word version if requested.
  3. Name your file professionally. Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf (or add the job title if helpful).

Want the deeper rules for fonts, spacing, ATS, PDF vs Word? See: CV layout and formatting.

Not sure which format fits you (chronological vs skills-based vs combination)? See: CV format.

Common mistakes (avoid these)

  • Generic CV sent everywhere. If it doesn’t match the advert, it won’t convert.
  • Only listing duties. Recruiters want outcomes, not task lists.
  • Dense paragraphs. If it looks hard to read, it won’t be read.
  • Over-designed layouts. Columns, icons, and graphics can confuse ATS and recruiters.
  • Unexplained gaps. Silence creates doubt; one line removes it.
  • Too long without relevance. Trim older/less relevant roles down to the essentials.

Final checklist (before you hit send)

Before you send your CV, take 30 seconds to run through this final checklist. It helps you catch the small issues that often cost interviews (formatting, relevance, proof, and file details).

  1. Does the top half of page 1 clearly match the job (title + profile + key skills)?
  2. Do your most recent roles show proof (numbers, outcomes, scope)?
  3. Is everything scannable (headings, bullets, consistent spacing)?
  4. Is it ATS-safe (simple structure, no heavy graphics)?
  5. Is the file named properly and saved as PDF (unless Word requested)?
  6. Spelling/grammar checked (and dates consistent)?

CV tips FAQ (quick answers)

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