Is A CV Still Relevant When Applying for Jobs?
22 May, 2025
The Do's and Don'ts of CV Writing
18 Jun, 20251 - 2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- The do’s and don’ts of CV writing
- How to find and apply for the best jobs.
Your CV is often your first and sometimes only chance to make a great impression on a potential employer. Whether you're applying for your first job or aiming for the next big move in your career, how you present yourself on paper matters. A well-crafted CV can open doors, while a cluttered or careless one can close them just as quickly.
In this blog, we’ll break down the essential do’s and don’ts of CV writing to help you stand out for all the right reasons. From formatting tips to common mistakes to avoid, these practical insights will guide you in creating a CV that’s clear, professional, and impactful.
There are plenty of things that candidates shouldn’t include on their CV such as hard and soft skills and it’s important to take these tips on board when it comes to writing yours!
Do’s
Start your sentences with verbs
When it comes to what to write about on your CV, make sure you start your sentences with verbs rather than writing in the first person. For example, instead of saying ‘In the past, I have worked on X project’’, you could say ‘Working on the X project…’. This way, you are leading with your experience, the achievement and outcome.
Use bullet points
This is a good way to break the information on your CV into chunks and will make it more digestible for the reader.
Submit your CV as early as possible
If the job advert attracts too many applications, it is possible that an employer could bring the closing date forward. Make sure you have your application in early to avoid this happening!
Show your personality
As much as the skills and experience are the most important part of your CV, a hiring manager will also want to know if you will fit into their company culture. This will become more apparent at the interview stage, however there is no harm in injecting personality into your CV too.
Include ‘power words’
Words such as ‘achieved’, ‘launched’, ‘thrived’ have positive and successful connotations attached to them and will really make an impact and pack a punch as a hiring manager reads through your CV.
Don’ts
Use unnecessary jargon
Using jargon unnecessarily could make it come across as though you are trying to impress the reader. You should only use jargon if it is listed in the job description and relevant to your application.
Overcomplicate your CV
Your CV should be uncomplicated and flow seamlessly, documenting your skills and experience as the hiring manager progresses. A hiring manager shouldn’t feel confused by the information which you are giving them.
According to CV Genius, 65% of hiring managers said that they’d be less likely (31%) or somewhat less likely (34%) to hire an applicant whose CV was poorly formatted and an additional 11% of respondents consider poor formatting to be a dealbreaker.
Keeping your CV clear and simple is key to impressing the hiring manager and presenting yourself as a consummate, reliable professional.
Explain why you left previous positions
Unless it is important to your application, at this stage, it is not necessary to detail why you have left previous jobs. If a hiring manager wishes to learn more about your career history, they can ask you this during the interview stages.
Apply for one job at a time
Applying for jobs is a numbers game; the more jobs you apply for, the more chance you have of being invited to an interview. According to StandOutCV, you will usually hear back on the application within 1 to 2 weeks of applying but it all depends on other factors such as the industry, job and the size of the company.
Usually when it gets past the 4 week period, chances are that your CV isn’t being considered for the role. Applying for just one job at a time and waiting over 4 weeks can hinder your chances of securing a job and delay any chances of success.
Keep applying for jobs, networking and enhancing your skills while you wait to hear back.
Even if you reached an interview stage and you weren’t successful, all interview experience is great practice.
Forget to include a cover letter
You should always include a cover letter to introduce yourself and state your reasons for wanting to apply for their role. A cover letter is similar to your personal statement but it allows you to elaborate on key points which could help your application.
According to a survey by CV Genius, 57% of surveyed hiring managers and recruiters say cover letters are influential or extremely influential in their hiring decisions. The same survey found that 56% of hiring managers believe that candidates who submit cover letters are more passionate about the job and 61% said it helps them understand an applicant’s soft skills.
Writing a persuasive and tailored cover letter could positively impact your chances of securing a job interview.
Searching for a new job?
If you’re searching for a new and exciting career opportunity, why not check out the latest jobs available or upload your CV and be contacted when a suitable vacancy arises.
Struggling to recruit?
Recruiting throughout the UK, across eleven different specialisms, we support local authorities, public sector organisations and private companies with their recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to recruit top talent, why not take a look at everything we offer or submit a vacancy to get the ball rolling today!
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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