What Recruiters Actually Look For On Your CV & Why It Matters

Your CV is your first chance to make an impression—and recruiters often make quick decisions based on just a few seconds of scanning. While job seekers spend hours perfecting formatting and language, recruiters tend to focus on specific signals that show value, relevance, and readiness. Knowing what truly matters to recruiters can mean the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. To increase your chances, your CV should clearly showcase your strengths while aligning with what hiring managers actually want to see.

Here’s a look into the recruiter’s mindset—and how to write your CV accordingly.

Clear and Concise Formatting

Before any content is even read, the structure of your CV makes an immediate impact. Recruiters prefer:

• A clean layout with consistent font styles and sizes
  
  
  
• Bullet points over long paragraphs

Clear section headings (such as Education, Experience, Skills)

Plenty of white space for ease of reading

An overcrowded or confusing CV, no matter how impressive the content, often ends up ignored. Simplicity and clarity signal professionalism.

A Strong, Relevant Profile Summary

The top of your CV should feature a short but impactful profile summary. This section acts as your elevator pitch, briefly describing who you are, your career focus, and your most valuable qualifications.

Recruiters scan this area to determine whether you’re a good fit for the role within moments. Tailor your summary to the job you’re applying for by using relevant keywords and emphasising your unique selling points.

Evidence of Impact and Results

Recruiters don’t just want to know where you worked—they want to know what you achieved. Replace generic duties with measurable outcomes wherever possible.

For example:

• Instead of “Handled social media marketing,” say “Grew social media engagement by 60% in six months through targeted content strategy.”
  
  
  
• Instead of “Managed a sales team,” say “Led a team of 10 to exceed quarterly sales targets by 20% for four consecutive periods.”

This results-driven language shows that you bring real value and can contribute meaningfully to business goals.

Consistency in Career Progression

A CV that tells a logical, upward-moving career story is far more attractive than one with random or unexplained job shifts. Recruiters look for consistency, evidence of promotions, or logical transitions between roles.

If you’ve made a career switch or taken a gap, provide a brief explanation. Addressing such gaps honestly shows self-awareness and transparency.

Relevant Skills That Match the Job

Every role requires a certain mix of technical and soft skills. Recruiters quickly scan for specific keywords that match the job description. If your skills section doesn’t align with the job you’re applying for, your CV might not pass the first filter.

Be specific. List tools, certifications, languages, and methodologies that are relevant to your field. But don’t overstuff—only include what you can confidently speak about in an interview.

Customisation for Each Role

A one-size-fits-all CV rarely succeeds. Recruiters appreciate applicants who’ve made the effort to tailor their CV to the specific role. This includes:

• Highlighting keywords from the job description
  
  
  
• Emphasising relevant achievements
  
  
  
• Reordering sections to suit the position (e.g., putting Projects first for technical roles)
  
  

Customised CVs show motivation and attention to detail—qualities recruiters highly value.

Educational Background and Certifications

While experience often outweighs education, recruiters still glance at your academic history to assess your foundational knowledge. Include:

• Degree(s) and institutions
  
  
  
• Dates of graduation
  
  
  
• Any relevant certifications or short courses
  
  
  

For certain roles, certifications (like PMP, AWS, or Google Analytics) can strongly influence recruiter decisions.

Professional Tone and Error-Free Writing

Nothing undermines credibility faster than typos or awkward grammar. Recruiters expect CVs to be polished and professional in tone. Avoid clichés like “hardworking team player” unless backed by evidence.

Always proofread. Better yet, have someone else review your CV—it helps catch errors you may have missed.

Online Presence and Contact Details

Your CV should include updated, professional contact information:

• Phone number
  
  
  
• Email address (preferably not an outdated or unprofessional one)

LinkedIn profile or online portfolio, if applicable

Recruiters increasingly look at online profiles to gauge your personal brand and consistency across platforms.

A Well-Designed Final Touch

While design isn’t everything, a visually appealing CV can make a strong impression. Use subtle use of colour, consistent font styles, and optional icons to make your CV more reader-friendly. However, for roles in traditional industries, keep design elements minimal and professional.

Make Every Second Count

Recruiters typically spend less than 10 seconds on an initial CV scan. Your goal is to grab attention with clear formatting, job-relevant information, and a confident tone that showcases what you’ve accomplished. Understanding what recruiters are really looking for ensures your CV gets noticed—for all the right reasons.