How Do You Make a Killer CV?

LetterLab
Mar 31
4 min read

Updated: Apr 4

A killer CV doesn’t just list your work history, it sells your skills, experience, and potential on a silver platter. In today’s competitive job market, a powerful CV can mean the difference between landing your dream job and getting lost in the crowd.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your CV stand out, you’re in the right place. This guide will break down the art of writing a killer CV, one that makes recruiters sit up, pay attention, and say, "We need to hire this person."

Why a Killer CV Matters

Your CV is often the first impression employers have of you. According to a survey by StandOut CV, the average recruiter spends just 6-8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to keep or discard it. That’s barely enough time to make a cup of tea, let alone impress a hiring manager!

A killer CV cuts through the noise, showcasing your qualifications in a way that’s:

✅ Clear - Easy to read and logically structured

✅ Relevant - Tailored to the job and industry

✅ Impactful - Demonstrates achievements, not just duties

✅ Professional - Well-formatted and error-free

Step 1: Choose the Right CV Format

The format you choose depends on your career history and the role you’re applying for. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Chronological CV - The classic format, listing jobs in reverse order. Best for those with consistent work history.
Functional CV - Focuses on skills and achievements rather than work history. Ideal for career changers or those with employment gaps.
Combination CV - Merges both formats, showcasing skills while still providing a work history overview.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re in a creative field, consider using a more visually appealing layout. Tools like Canva offer free templates to make your CV pop.

Step 2: Nail the Header and Personal Statement

Your header should include:

Full Name
Contact Information (email, phone number, LinkedIn profile)
Job Title or Desired Position

Write a Compelling Personal Statement

The personal statement (or profile) at the top of your CV is your chance to shine. It should be 3-4 sentences that sum up your experience, skills, and career goals.

📌 Example: “Results-driven marketing professional with over 5 years’ experience in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management. Proven track record of boosting engagement by 30% through innovative campaigns. Seeking to leverage skills to drive measurable growth at XYZ Corp.”

✅ Pro Tip: Tailor your personal statement to match the role you’re applying for, keywords from the job description are your friend!

Step 3: Showcase Your Experience with Impact

This section is where most CVs fall flat. Simply listing job duties won’t cut it, you need to demonstrate the impact you made.

✅ Use the STAR Method:

Situation: What was the context?
Task: What was your responsibility?
Action: What did you do?
Result: What was the outcome?

📌 Example: Digital Marketing Manager | ABC Agency | 2019 - Present

Led a 6-person team to execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in conversions.
Developed data-driven strategies that improved ROI by 40%.
Implemented content marketing plans, boosting organic traffic by 60%.

🔗 Authoritative Source: According to LinkedIn, including quantifiable achievements on your CV is one of the most effective ways to stand out.

Step 4: Highlight Your Skills with Precision

Your skills section should be tailored to the job. Focus on hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities).

📌 Example Skills Section:

Hard Skills: SEO, Data Analysis, Project Management, Graphic Design
Soft Skills: Leadership, Problem Solving, Time Management, Adaptability

🔗 Authoritative Source: As noted by Monster, employers increasingly prioritise soft skills alongside technical abilities.

Step 5: Add Education and Certifications

Include:

Degree(s) with institution name and graduation date
Relevant certifications or professional courses

📌 Example: BA (Hons) in Business Management University of Leeds | Graduated: 2020

✅ Pro Tip: If your education is more impressive than your work experience, move this section higher on your CV.

Step 6: Perfect the Layout and Design

A polished, professional-looking CV can make all the difference. Follow these guidelines:

Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri)
Keep font size between 10 and 12 points
Use consistent formatting (e.g., bold for headers, bullet points for lists)
Avoid clutter, plenty of white space improves readability

🔗 Authoritative Source: The National Careers Service recommends keeping your CV to two pages and using a clear, professional format.

Step 7: Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

A generic CV is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Customise your CV for each job by:

Including relevant keywords from the job description
Highlighting the most relevant experience and skills
Tweaking your personal statement to suit the role

✅ Pro Tip: Use tools like Jobscan to compare your CV against the job description and optimise it for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Step 8: Proofread and Get Feedback

A killer CV with typos is a dead CV. Proofread thoroughly and consider using online tools like Grammarly. Better yet, get a trusted friend or professional to review it.

Client Success Story:

One of our clients, a project manager struggling to land interviews, approached us for help. After a complete CV overhaul, focused on quantifiable achievements and tailored keywords, he secured three interviews in a week and landed a senior role.

Final Thoughts: Land the Job You Deserve

A killer CV is your ticket to standing out in a sea of applicants. It should highlight your achievements, skills, and potential in a way that leaves employers eager to meet you.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, don’t leave your future to chance. Our professional CV writing service can help you create a powerful, tailored CV that opens doors.

📩 Ready to create a killer CV? Reach out today, and let’s make your next opportunity a reality!