When applying for a new role, many candidates focus on listing their job titles and responsibilities. While this is important, from a recruiter’s perspective, a strong CV goes far beyond simply outlining what you have done.

Recruiters often review hundreds of CVs across different industries, and while every role has unique requirements, there are several consistent factors that help candidates stand out.

Keep Your Career Timeline Clear and Easy to Follow

One of the first things recruiters look at is your career timeline. It should be easy to understand how your experience has developed over time and whether it aligns with the role you’re applying for.

If there are gaps between roles, it’s always helpful to briefly explain them. Time taken for travel, further study, or personal reasons is completely normal. However, unexplained gaps can raise unnecessary questions during the screening process, so providing context helps create a clearer picture of your career journey.

Highlight Relevant Tools, Systems and Industry Knowledge

Recruiters also look for evidence that you are familiar with the tools, systems, or platforms commonly used in the role.

For example:

• Marketing professionals may highlight CRM systems, marketing platforms, or analytics tools.
• Finance professionals often include accounting software such as Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks.
• HR professionals might reference HR systems or employee management platforms.

Including this type of information helps recruiters quickly assess whether you have the practical experience required to step into the role confidently.

Demonstrate Progression and Stability

Recruiters look for signs that a candidate has developed their responsibilities or progressed within an organisation over time. Candidates who show longevity within companies can stand out, particularly if they have taken on additional responsibilities or moved into more senior roles. Even if you have moved between organisations, highlighting how your responsibilities have expanded can demonstrate professional growth and development.

Attention to Detail

Your CV is usually the first impression you give to an employer, so presentation matters.

Recruiters will often notice:

• Formatting and layout consistency
• Spelling and grammar
• Clear structure and readability

A well-presented CV reflects professionalism and strong attention to detail, while small errors can unfortunately distract from an otherwise strong application. Equally, we often see CVs with no contact details, which makes it very hard for recruiters or hiring managers to reach out about specific opportunities. If you’d like more help with your CV, click here.

Communicate Your Experience Clearly

Recruiters are not only reviewing your experience, they are also assessing how effectively you communicate it.

Clear, concise descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements can demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidates who explain their experience in a structured and easy-to-understand way often stand out, particularly for roles that involve collaboration with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.

Make Your CV Work for You

Ultimately, the strongest CVs present information clearly, logically, and with purpose. Instead of simply listing responsibilities, try to show how your experience, skills, and achievements align with the role you are applying for.

Working with experienced recruiters can also help ensure your CV highlights what employers are really looking for. At Thompson & Terry Recruitment, we regularly support candidates in preparing for applications and presenting their experience in the strongest possible way.