A strong CV can be the difference between securing an interview and being overlooked. Recruiters often review dozens of applications for a single role, so making a positive first impression is essential.
We spoke to our recruitment team to put together this practical CV checklist. Before you hit submit on your next application, make sure you've covered these six key areas.
1. Make your contact details easy to find
It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many CVs are missing key contact information.
Your contact details should appear at the very top of your CV and include:
- Full name
- Mobile number
- Professional email address
- Location (town/city and county)
- LinkedIn profile URL (if applicable)
If you're including your LinkedIn profile, ensure it matches the information on your CV. Recruiters regularly check LinkedIn profiles, and inconsistencies can raise questions.
Avoid including:
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Gender
- Nationality
- A photograph (unless specifically requested)
2. Tailor your personal profile
Your personal profile (sometimes called a personal statement) sits just below your contact details and acts as your introduction.
Aim for three to four concise sentences that summarise:
- Who you are professionally
- Your key experience and skills
- What you can bring to the role
Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning a CV initially, so this section should quickly demonstrate why you're a strong fit.
Top tip:
Avoid generic statements such as: "I work well independently and as part of a team."
Instead, focus on specific achievements, industry expertise or strengths that make you stand out.
It can also help to incorporate keywords from the job description, particularly if applications are screened using applicant tracking systems (ATS).
3. Present your work experience clearly
Your employment history should be listed in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role first.
For each position, include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Employment dates
- Brief company description (if not widely known)
- Key responsibilities and achievements
Use bullet points to highlight:
- Results you've achieved
- Projects you've delivered
- Skills you've developed
- Responsibilities you've held
Where possible, start bullet points with action words such as:
- Led
- Implemented
- Developed
- Managed
- Coordinated
- Improved
Keep it relevant
A common mistake is including too much detail.
Your CV should ideally be no longer than two pages. Focus on the experience most relevant to the role you're applying for and reduce detail on older or unrelated positions.
Don't leave unexplained gaps
If you've had a career break, explain it positively. For example:
- Professional development
- Volunteering
- Caring responsibilities
- Travel
- Further education
Honesty and transparency are always the best approach.
4. Include your education and qualifications
List your qualifications starting with the most recent.
Include:
- Qualification achieved
- Institution name
- Dates attended
- Grades or classifications (where relevant)
Recent graduates may also wish to include:
- Dissertation topics
- Relevant modules
- Academic achievements
- Scholarships or awards
If you've been in employment for several years, your work experience will typically carry more weight than older educational achievements, so keep this section concise.
5. Only include relevant interests
Hobbies and interests aren't essential on a CV.
However, they can add value if they demonstrate skills or experience relevant to the role.
For example:
✅ Running a successful photography page when applying for a marketing role.
✅ Coaching a local sports team when applying for a leadership position.
❌ Generic interests such as "socialising", "watching TV" or "reading".
If your interests don't strengthen your application, it's perfectly acceptable to leave them out.
6. Check the formatting and proofread thoroughly
A polished CV reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
Keep formatting consistent:
- Use clear fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Verdana
- Use font sizes between 10 and 12pt for body text
- Maintain consistent spacing throughout
- Use headings and bullet points to improve readability
Proofread carefully
Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and formatting inconsistencies can create a poor first impression.
Before sending your CV:
✅ Run a spell check
✅ Read it aloud
✅ Ask a friend, family member or colleague to review it
✅ Check dates and contact details are correct
A fresh pair of eyes can often spot mistakes you've missed.
Final checklist
Before applying, ask yourself:
- Have I included all my contact details?
- Is my personal profile tailored to the role?
- Is my work experience listed clearly and in reverse chronological order?
- Have I highlighted relevant achievements?
- Are there any unexplained career gaps?
- Is my education section up to date?
- Have I removed irrelevant information?
- Have I checked spelling, grammar and formatting?
Need help perfecting your CV?
A well-written CV can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview. If you're actively looking for a new opportunity, our recruitment consultants can provide expert guidance and advice to help you present your experience in the best possible light.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your next career move.
