How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews

Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds on a first CV scan. Your job is to make those seven seconds count.

One page, well-structured

Header with name and contact, a two-line summary, work history, education, skills. No photos, no graphics.

Lead with outcomes

Each bullet should answer "what did you change?". Use the pattern verb + what + impact: "Built a Power BI dashboard that cut reporting time from 3 days to 2 hours."

Match the job description

Mirror the language of the role. Applicant tracking systems and human screeners both look for the same keywords.

Quantify

Numbers create credibility. Even rough numbers — "supported 15 clients per week" — beat vague descriptions.

Remove filler

"Excellent communicator", "team player", "hard-working" add no signal. Replace with a specific example or delete.

Where to go next

The Tech Employability & Career Readiness course at Softclue Academy includes CV review templates and interview practice.