How to give your CV a boost

Recruiters are reviewing CVs faster than ever. In most cases, they’re scanning, not reading, so clarity matters.

At a basic level, they’re looking for three things:

What you did
Why it mattered
What impact you made

If your CV answers these clearly, you’re already ahead of most candidates.

In 2026, there’s more focus on skills and outcomes than job titles alone. A strong CV shows how you apply your experience, not just where you’ve worked.

Keep your language simple, direct and easy to follow. If it takes too long to understand your value, your CV is likely to be skipped.

What your CV should look like

Your CV is often your first impression. A clean, structured format helps the reader quickly find what matters.

Most roles still require a simple, professional layout. Creative designs don’t add value unless you’re applying for a design‑focused role.

Keep formatting simple

Use a clear, readable font such as Calibri, Arial or a similar modern font. Font size should generally sit between 10 and 12 for body text.

Consistency matters more than style. Headings, spacing and alignment should be uniform throughout.

Make it easy to scan

Recruiters don’t read from top to bottom. They scan for key details.

Use clear headings, short paragraphs and bullet points where needed. Leave enough spacing so the CV feels easy to read.

If it looks crowded, it’s harder to engage with.

Use clear section titles

Headings should stand out slightly from the rest of the text so the structure is easy to follow.

Keep them simple and familiar, for example experience, education, skills.

Avoid unnecessary design elements

Graphics, icons and heavy formatting can cause issues with applicant tracking systems.

Keep your CV text‑focused unless design is part of the role.

Photos are generally not required and are often best left out. Your experience should speak for itself.

How long should your CV be?

Keep it focused and relevant.

One page works well for early‑career professionals. Two pages is standard for more experienced candidates.

The key is not length, but relevance. Every line should add value.

If something doesn’t help explain your fit for the role, it can be removed.

What to include in your CV

The structure may vary depending on your experience, but most CVs should include the following:

Contact details

Include your name, phone number and email address.

You can also include your LinkedIn profile if it’s up to date.

Full home addresses are no longer necessary, a city and country is usually enough.

Professional summary

Start with a short summary that explains who you are, what you do and what you bring.

Keep it focused on your key strengths and experience.

Work experience

List your experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent role.

For each role, include your responsibilities and your impact. Focus on outcomes, not just tasks.

Where possible, show results such as growth, improvements or efficiencies.

Skills

Highlight both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the role.

Employers are placing more weight on adaptability, communication and problem‑solving alongside technical capability.

Tailor this section to the role you’re applying for.

Education and certifications

Include your qualifications and any relevant certifications.

List the most recent or most relevant first.

Additional information

You can include interests, languages or awards if they add value.

Keep this section brief and relevant.

What’s changed in 2026

CV expectations have shifted.

Skills are becoming more important than job titles, so your CV should reflect what you can do, not just where you’ve worked.

Clarity matters more than detail. Short, well‑structured points are easier to process than long paragraphs.

Many employers now use AI or filtering tools to review CVs, so using clear language and relevant keywords helps ensure your CV is seen.

Final thought

A strong CV isn’t about saying more, it’s about saying the right things clearly.

Focus on impact, keep your structure simple and make it easy for someone to understand your value quickly.

If your CV does that, you’re far more likely to secure the interview.