Build a Killer CV: Stand Out and Land Your Dream Job

Why a Strong CV Matters

Your CV is more than just a list of jobs — it’s a snapshot of your professional story.

A good CV:

• Shows that you understand what the employer wants.

• Highlights your skills and achievements clearly.

• Demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Employers often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV, so every word counts.

What Makes a Killer CV

A killer CV is:

• Clear and concise: Usually two pages max (one page for students or entry-level roles).

• Tailored: Customised for each role, not one-size-fits-all.

• Visually clean: Easy to read, with consistent formatting and spacing.

• Focused on impact: Emphasises achievements, not just duties.

The Essential CV Structure

Here’s how to structure your CV in a way that’s familiar to UK recruiters.

1. Contact Details
At the very top, include:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Professional email address

• City of residence (no need for full address)

• Optional: LinkedIn profile or portfolio link

Avoid including age, gender, marital status, or a photo — they’re not relevant in UK hiring.

2. Personal Profile
A short, 3–4 sentence summary that highlights who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for.

Example:

“Qualified accountant with 5 years’ experience in financial reporting and audit. Skilled in stakeholder communication and process improvement. Seeking to leverage technical expertise and leadership skills in a senior finance role.”

Keep it tailored to the job and avoid clichés like “hardworking” or “team player” — focus on what sets you apart.

3. Key Skills
Use bullet points or a short list to highlight skills relevant to the role.

For example:

• Financial analysis and reporting

• Advanced Excel and data visualisation

• Stakeholder management

• Budgeting and forecasting

If you’re in a different field, focus on the top five to seven skills employers value most for that position.

4. Work Experience
List your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Include:

• Job title

• Company name and location

• Dates of employment (month/year)

• 3–5 bullet points showing what you achieved

Focus on results, not just responsibilities. Use strong action verbs and quantify achievements when possible.

Example:

“Improved month-end reporting efficiency by 30% through automation in Excel.”
“Managed a £2m budget, achieving 5% year-on-year cost savings.”

If you have limited experience, include internships, voluntary work, or relevant university projects.

5. Education and Qualifications
List your most recent qualifications first. Include:

• Degree name, institution, and year

• Professional certifications (e.g. ACCA, CFA, CIPD)

• Relevant coursework or modules if you’re early in your career

If you’re still studying, include your expected graduation date.

6. Additional Sections (Optional)
Add these if they strengthen your application:

• Achievements: Awards, promotions, or key career milestones.

• Languages: Especially useful for international or client-facing roles.

• Interests: Only if relevant or demonstrate valuable skills (e.g. team sports, volunteering).

What to Avoid

Many good candidates lose opportunities due to simple CV mistakes.

Avoid:

• Long paragraphs — keep information skimmable.

• Unprofessional email addresses.

• Irrelevant experience or outdated roles.

• Spelling and grammar errors — proofread carefully or use tools like Grammarly.

Also, don’t include references unless specifically requested. A simple “References available on request” is enough.

Tailoring Your CV for Each Job

Generic CVs rarely get noticed. Instead:

• Match your skills to the job description.

• Use the same keywords employers use — many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for them.

• Highlight your most relevant achievements for that role.

For instance, if you’re applying for a finance position, prioritise financial systems, analysis, and compliance experience rather than general admin duties.
You can analyse job descriptions using tools like Jobscan to see how well your CV matches.

Formatting Tips That Make a Difference

• Use a simple, professional font (e.g. Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica).

• Keep margins at least 2 cm on each side.

• Avoid using tables or text boxes that might confuse ATS software.

• Save your CV as a PDF before sending it (unless the employer asks for Word).

• Name the file clearly: Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf.

If you want a head start, you can find free UK-specific CV templates on Reed.co.uk or Indeed.

How to Make Your CV Stand Out

• Add a short Achievements section at the top if you have standout results (like awards, certifications, or promotions).

• Quantify results wherever possible — numbers catch the eye.

• Keep your tone confident but professional.

• Ensure your LinkedIn profile supports and reinforces your CV story — most employers will check.

Final Checks Before Sending

Before submitting your CV:

• Review it on both desktop and mobile screens.

• Ask a trusted friend or colleague to proofread it.

• Double-check that your most impressive points appear in the top half of page one.

Remember, your CV’s purpose is to get you the interview, not to tell your entire life story. Once you’ve created a strong version, save it as a base and tweak it for each new role.

Next Steps

A killer CV doesn’t just open doors — it builds confidence. Take the time to craft yours carefully, focusing on clarity, relevance, and results. Combine it with a strong cover letter and an updated LinkedIn profile, and you’ll be in an excellent position to impress hiring managers and land your next opportunity.