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Home » CV Advice » Recruiter Top 5 Secrets: What We Really Look for in CVs

Recruiter Top 5 Secrets: What We Really Look for in CVs

Have you ever wondered why your CV doesn’t get the response you expect after sharing it with us?

Every week, we review hundreds of CVs, and unfortunately, most of them don’t make it past the first quick scan. Not because the candidates aren’t qualified, but because their CVs fail to highlight the right things.

We’re not looking for fancy layouts or long job descriptions. What matters most to us is clarity, relevance, and proof of results. And that’s where so many job seekers miss the mark.

Here’s a breakdown of what we actually pay attention to when reviewing a CV:

1. Clarity and Easy Navigation

The first thing we notice is how easy your CV is to read. If we can’t tell within seconds who you are, what you’ve done, and what you can offer, your CV risks being overlooked.

For example, compare these two CV headings:

  • Michael Otieno, P.O. Box 457, Nairobi, Tel: 07—
  • Michael Otieno | Finance Professional | CPA (K), 5+ Years in Audit & Compliance

The second one instantly tells us what you do and your level of expertise. As simple as it seems, many professionals miss out on opportunities because of this.

2. The Right Language

Generic claims like “I am hardworking” or “team player” don’t impress us. What we look for is evidence that is, achievements, numbers, and impact.

Instead of saying “Responsible for managing a sales team”, a stronger statement would be:
“Led a sales team of 10, introduced a new client pipeline system, and grew revenue by 25% within six months.”

3. Relevance to the Role

Even a polished CV can miss the mark if it’s not tailored. We instantly notice when a CV doesn’t connect to the role; it shows the candidate didn’t take the time to align their experience with what the employer needs.

Example:
If you’re applying for a project management role and your CV headline says “Customer Service Specialist”, you’ve already lost relevance. But if it says “Project Manager | Skilled in Budgeting, Scheduling & Stakeholder Management”, you’re instantly aligned.

With over 250 applicants per role on average, tailoring your CV is no longer optional; it’s the only way to stand out.

4. A Consistent Career Story

We notice gaps, job-hopping, or sudden career shifts right away. What makes the difference is how those stories are told. A CV that leaves questions unanswered feels incomplete, but one that frames transitions clearly shows intentionality.

Example:

  • Gap: 2019–2021 (No explanation)
  • Framed: 2019–2021: Completed professional training in Data Analysis while freelancing on short-term research projects.

Finally,

A weak CV shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on your next opportunity. Your CV is more than just a document; it’s your personal marketing tool, the first impression you make before you even talk to a recruiter. It should highlight your strengths, showcase your achievements, and make recruiters curious to know more about you.

The truth is, many professionals underestimate the power of a well-structured CV. You could have the right skills, years of experience, and proven results, but if your CV doesn’t communicate that clearly, employers won’t see your true value. That’s why countless qualified candidates get overlooked while others, with a sharper presentation, move forward.

If your current CV isn’t confidently answering those questions, then it’s holding you back.

Our CV Writing Service is designed by recruiters, for candidates. We know exactly what hiring managers look for, and we craft CVs that stand out both with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and with human reviewers. Send us your CV here today, and let’s refine it into one that gets you interviews.