A recruiter’s perspective on what makes or breaks your application.
The CV: More Than Just a Piece of Paper
Let’s be honest: No one loves writing their CV. But whether you’re applying for your first internship or your tenth senior role, your CV (or résumé) is your golden ticket. It’s not just a formality — it’s your first handshake with someone who might change your career.
A well-crafted CV opens doors. A weak one? It closes them before you even walk in.
What Recruiters Really Look For
From an HR perspective, your CV tells more than you think. In fact, most recruiters decide within 6–10 seconds whether they want to keep reading or move on. That might sound brutal — and it is. But here’s what they’re scanning for:
- Clarity: Is the structure clean and easy to read?
- Relevance: Do your experiences match the job you’re applying for?
- Consistency: Are the formatting, dates, and tone professional?
- Personality: Is there a human behind the words, or just buzzwords?
Bonus tip: They also check for red flags like unexplained gaps, vague job titles, or overused clichés like „team player“ or „hard-working.“
The CV’s Secret Role: Reflection & Focus
Writing your CV isn’t just about impressing someone else. It’s also an act of self-reflection. It forces you to ask:
- What have I actually accomplished?
- What do I want next?
- What am I proud of?
This clarity doesn’t just land you jobs — it guides your entire career.
Tailoring Is Not Optional
No two job applications should use the same exact CV. Why?
Because hiring managers can instantly tell if your CV is generic. They’re reading dozens a day — and the ones that speak their language, that use their job description’s keywords, that align with their mission? Those stand out.
Template Tip: Use a flexible CV template that lets you easily tweak sections for different roles — without breaking the design.
What Makes a Great CV in 2025?
The trends change, but these timeless rules hold:
✅ One to two pages, max
✅ Clear structure with headings (Work, Skills, Education…)
✅ Action verbs („led“, „built“, „managed“)
✅ Quantifiable results („increased sales by 20%“)
✅ Modern, minimal design – skip the WordArt
Final Thought: Your CV Is Your Brand
In the end, your CV is your personal pitch deck. A 2-page argument for why you’re worth a conversation. It’s your past, your potential, and your personality — all in one.
So take it seriously. Craft it with care. And if you need a beautiful, modern CV template to get started — well, you know where to look 😉