Your CV is more than just a summary of your work history – it’s your personal marketing pitch. In a competitive job market, recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for a single role. So, what makes yours stand out? The key is ensuring your CV answers the most important questions employers have about you.
By addressing these four essential CV questions, you’ll produce a strong application that showcases your skills, experience and potential – giving you the best chance of landing an interview.
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Why do you want this job?
Recruiters can quickly spot a generic CV that’s been sent to multiple employers. To stand out, your application must demonstrate genuine interest in the job, company, and industry. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to understand their business and explain why this particular role excites you.
Before applying, ask yourself:
- What attracts you to this company and role?
- How does it align with your long-term career goals?
- Does the company’s mission or values resonate with you?
Tailor your personal statement to reflect these motivations. Use key words from the job description and show that you’ve done your research – this will make you a stronger candidate.
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What value can you bring to the company?
Hiring managers don’t just want to know what you’ve done – they want to see the impact you’ve made. Your CV should highlight the value you bring by focusing on achievements rather than just listing job responsibilities.
Instead of saying, “Managed social media accounts,” say:
“Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months by implementing a new content strategy.”
Quantifiable achievements help recruiters and hiring managers understand the contributions you’ve made in previous roles. Consider:
- What problems have you solved in past jobs?
- Have you increased efficiency, boosted sales, or improved processes?
- Can you provide metrics or examples to showcase your success?
Using strong action verbs and measurable results will make your CV more impactful.
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Do you have the right skills for the role?
Employers are looking for candidates with the right mix of technical and soft skills. The skills section of your CV should be tailored to match those listed in the job description.
Include:
- Technical skills: Specific tools, software or industry knowledge relevant to the role.
- Soft skills: Communication, problem-solving, adaptability and teamwork.
- Transferable skills: Even if you’re changing industries, highlight skills that can be applied across different roles.
Where possible, provide examples of how you’ve used these skills in previous jobs. For example, instead of listing ‘Project management,’ mention a time when you led a team to successfully complete a project on time and within budget.
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What is your potential for growth?
Recruiters don’t just want to know if you can do the job today – they want to see your potential for future success. Employers value candidates who are ambitious, adaptable, and eager to develop their skills.
Showcase your growth mindset by:
- Highlighting promotions, increased responsibilities or new skills you’ve learned.
- Mentioning any additional training, certifications or courses you’ve completed.
- Demonstrating a desire to learn and stay updated with industry trends.
For example:
‘Completed a digital marketing certification to enhance SEO and analytics skills, leading to a 30% increase in organic traffic for my company.’
Employers want to invest in candidates who will grow with the company, so make sure your CV reflects your ambition.
Final tips to make your CV stand out
- Tailor your CV for each job application – don’t send the same generic version to multiple employers.
- Use keywords from the job description to improve your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Keep your CV concise and easy to read – avoid long paragraphs and use bullet points where necessary.
- Include links to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio to provide additional evidence of your work.
- Proofread for errors – even a small typo can hurt your chances of getting shortlisted.
By answering these four essential questions, you’ll create a CV that captures attention, showcases your value and increases your chances of landing your dream job.
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