What Recruiters Really Look for on a CV?

When your CV lands in a recruiter’s inbox, you don't have long to make an impression. Contrary to what many job seekers believe, recruiters aren’t looking for a laundry list of everything you’ve ever done, they’re scanning for specific signals that show you’re the right fit for the role. So, what exactly do recruiters look for on a CV? Here’s an inside look.

Clear, Professional Formatting

First impressions matter, and messy formatting can be a deal breaker. Recruiters need to quickly locate key information, so your CV should be:

• Easy to read with clear headings and bullet points.

• Free from spelling or grammatical errors.

• Professionally formatted (avoid excessive colours, fancy fonts, or graphics unless you’re in a creative field).

Tip: Stick to a clean, modern layout and save your file as a PDF to preserve formatting.

Relevant Keywords

Even without an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), recruiters still scan for specific keywords to quickly assess if you have the right skills for the role.

• Include job-specific terms like “project management,” “customer engagement,” or “data analysis.”

• Make sure these keywords appear naturally in your experience and skills, not as a list at the bottom.

Why it matters: Keywords help us connect your experience to the requirements of the role, making it clear you’re a strong match.

A Strong Professional Summary

The top section of your CV is prime real estate. Instead of an outdated “objective statement,” use a Professional Summary that:

• Highlights your core skills and achievements.

• Aligns with the role you’re applying for.

• Provides a quick snapshot of your value.

Quantifiable Achievements

Recruiters love numbers, they show impact. Instead of saying:

“Responsible for managing a team,” say, “Led a team of 10 and improved project delivery speed by 25%.”

Metrics make your experience credible and results-driven.

Relevant Experience

Your CV isn’t a biography; it’s a marketing tool. Tailor it to the role:

• Focus on positions and projects that demonstrate relevant skills.

• Omit unrelated experience or keep it brief.

Tip: If you’re changing careers, highlight transferable skills

and relevant certifications.

Skills That Match the Role

Recruiters look for a blend of technical and soft skills.For example:

• Technical skills: Software proficiency, data analysis, programming languages.

• Soft skills: Leadership, communication, problem-solving.

Make sure your skills section is concise and relevant.

Education & Certifications

For certain roles, education is critical; for others, experience trumps degrees.

Include:

• Highest degree earned.

• Relevant certifications or licenses.

• Ongoing training that adds value.

Final Thoughts

Recruiters aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for clarity, relevance, and proof of impact. A well-structured, tailored CV signals professionalism and attention to detail, two qualities every employer values.

Take a fresh look at your CV today. Does it speak to the role you want? If not, it’s time to rewrite and refocus.