What does a good CV look like?

TCS Consulting
6 days ago
3 min read

When job hunting, a CV is your chance to make a great first impression. It’s the initial time an employer gets to learn about you, your relevant experience, and what you bring to the table. No matter what industry you are going into, each employer has their own methods of deciphering a good CV so getting it right can feel like an immense amount of pressure.

In recruitment, we review countless CVs every day, and it quickly becomes clear what separates an average application from an exceptional one. It can be easy to fall in to certain traps, like trying to make sure there’s as much information as possible or including information that doesn’t need to be shared. When you’re writing your CV, it can be difficult to know what information truly matters- what is relevant and what is filler.

Here at TCS, we’ve put together a few tips to help you create a strong, impactful CV that elevates your job search:

Keywords are key - Many recruiters rely on platforms like CV Library. These systems match candidates to roles based on specific keywords that you include in your CV. Including relevant terms to your work experience increases your chances of being recommended for suitable positions. These keywords could involve specific industry you have worked in, i.e Construction, IT, or Engineering - and include any OEMs, CRMs, or specialist systems you’ve worked with. It’s also helpful to highlight transferable skills that apply across sectors. This combination not only strengthens your CV but also optimises your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers.
Keep it concise - You don’t need to provide an in‑depth breakdown of each role you’ve held. A short list of clear, focused bullet points describing your key responsibilities is far more effective. A lot of information on a CV can be overwhelming and can mean important details could be overlooked. By keeping your points concise and relevant, you make it easier for recruiters to quickly understand your experience and identify your strengths.
Include dates in order - It may seem obvious, but accurate dates are essential. They help recruiters understand your career timeline, how long you have spent in each role, and any gaps between positions. Always list your experience in reverse chronological order (newest-oldest) so your most recent role is the one that employers can see first. If your current job isn’t directly related to the industry you are hoping to be put forward for, it’s still important to include so employers have a clear picture of your current circumstances. If your CV shows no employment for the last two years, for example, it may raise concerns and limit your chances of being put forward for opportunities. Even if you’ve taken time out of your primary field and worked elsewhere - such as in hospitality - it’s always better to show recent employment than none at all.
Contact details - Make sure your phone number and email are on your CV, if you’re perfect for the role we would love to be able to get in touch! Also make sure your location and email is included too, however a full address isn’t necessary. Phone numbers of recent employers, or former schools, isn’t required either, if you are perfect for the job, these numbers will be collected when it’s time to get references.
Driving license - Adding whether you have a UK driving license will increase your chances. A lot of jobs, especially in field work or construction, require a driving license. Putting this on your CV means we can fast track you quicker.
Don’t get too personal - Keep your CV focused on information relevant to your job search. It’s helpful to showcase who you are but avoid sharing overly personal details. Especially when it comes to gaps in employment, you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to or go too far into detail.
Highlight your impact - As well as listing responsibilities, emphasise your achievements and the results you delivered. This helps your CV stand out and shows employers the value you can bring.

We understand that the job hunting process can be difficult, time consuming and stressful, hopefully adding these little changes to your CV can make all the difference. Good luck!