Writing a CV that actually gets read
What recruiters look at in the first fifteen seconds, and how to give it to them.
TellTip EditorialPublished 9 August 2026Last updated 15 August 2026 4 min read
Most CVs are scanned, not read. Make the first third of the page do the work.
Lead with a short, specific summary of what you do and the results you have delivered. Use plain language and real numbers.
Match the words in the job advert. Many employers filter applications automatically, and unusual job titles can quietly remove you from the list.
Keep formatting simple. One column, standard headings and a readable font travel far better through applicant tracking systems than designed templates.
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