Crafting a Standout CV in 2024

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In today’s competitive job market, your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers. It’s not just a summary of your work history; it’s a marketing document that should showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the role you’re applying for. Here’s how to craft a CV that stands out in 2024:
1. Tailor Your CV for Each Application
- Why It Matters: Employers increasingly value candidates who take the time to tailor their CVs to the specific job they’re applying for. A generic CV might save you time, but it’s unlikely to catch the attention of a recruiter who is sifting through dozens, if not hundreds, of applications.
- How to Do It: Start by carefully reading the job description and noting the key skills and experiences required. Then, make sure these are prominently featured in your CV. Use the language of the job posting to describe your skills and accomplishments, which will also help your CV pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter applications
2. Highlight Achievements Over Responsibilities
- Why It Matters: Recruiters and hiring managers are more interested in what you’ve accomplished in your previous roles than in a list of duties you were responsible for. This approach helps them understand the impact you can bring to their organization.
- How to Do It: Instead of stating “Managed a team of 5 people,” try something like “Led a team of 5, increasing sales by 20% over 12 months.” Quantifying your achievements with numbers, percentages, or timeframes adds credibility and helps potential employers visualize your contributions
3. Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Why It Matters: Many companies use ATS to streamline their recruitment process. If your CV isn’t optimized for these systems, it might not even be seen by a human recruiter.
- How to Do It: Use clear, standard headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.” Avoid using images, tables, or non-standard fonts that might confuse an ATS. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your CV naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your CV look and read unprofessional
4. Keep It Concise and Structured
- Why It Matters: Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning each CV. A clear, concise, and well-structured CV is more likely to make a good impression.
- How to Do It: Aim for a CV that is no longer than two pages. Use bullet points to break up text and make it easier to read. Ensure there is plenty of white space to avoid overwhelming the reader. Your CV should have a logical flow, with your most relevant experience and skills highlighted first
5. Include a Strong Personal Statement
- Why It Matters: A personal statement at the top of your CV provides a brief summary of who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for in your next role. It sets the tone for the rest of your CV and can engage the reader right from the start.
- How to Do It: Keep it concise—three to four sentences is usually enough. Focus on your key strengths, relevant experience, and what you’re aiming to achieve in your next role. Tailor this section for each application to ensure it aligns with the job you’re applying for.
6. Use a Professional Format and Design
- Why It Matters: While content is king, presentation matters too. A well-designed CV that’s easy to read and looks professional can make a strong first impression.
- How to Do It: Choose a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri, and stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points. Use bold for headings and section titles, and ensure consistent formatting throughout. Avoid overly creative designs unless you’re in a creative field where such a CV would be appropriate.
Conclusion
A standout CV in 2024 is one that is carefully tailored to each application, highlights achievements, and is optimized for both human readers and ATS. By following these tips, you’ll create a CV that not only reflects your professional abilities but also resonates with employers and sets you apart in the job market.
Author

Conall Anderson
Director, Toronto
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