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Date Published: 11/11/2025
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1. Tailor Your CV to the Job You're Applying For
One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is sending out the same CV for every job. While it might save time, it rarely gets results.
Why tailoring matters: Employers want to see that you understand the role and how your skills match their needs. A generic CV can come across as lazy or unfocused.
How to tailor your CV:
- Read the job description carefully. Highlight keywords and required skills.
- Mirror the language used in the job ad. If they're looking for someone "detail-orientated", make sure that phrase appears in your CV.
- Reorder your experience to put the most relevant roles or achievements first.
- Include a tailored personal profile at the top of your CV that speaks directly to the job.
Need help crafting a tailored CV? Our Employment Essentials: Personal Profiles and Tailored CVs course is designed to help you write a CV that aligns with your career goals and the roles you're applying for.
2. Write a Strong Personal Profile
Your personal profile (also known as a personal statement or summary) is the first thing employers read. It's your chance to make a great first impression.
What makes a strong personal profile:
- Concise: Aim for 3-5 sentences
- Focused: Highlight your key skills, experience and career goals
- Tailored: Reflect the job you're applying for
Example: "A highly motivated and detail-orientated administrator with over five years' experience in office management and customer service. Skilled in data entry, scheduling and team coordination. Seeking a new opportunity to contribute to a dynamic organisation."
Tips:
- Avoid cliches like "hard-working" or "team player", unless you back them up with evidence.
- Don't include personal details like age, marital status or a photo - these aren't necessary in UK CVs.
Want to learn how to write a compelling personal profile? Our Employment Essentials courses cover this in detail and include expert guidance and feedback.
3. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties
Employers are interested in what you've accomplished, not just what you were responsible for.
Why achievements matter: They show the impact you've made and help you stand out from other candidates with similar experience.
How to highlight achievements:
- Use action verbs: "Led," "Created," "Improved," "Delivered."
- Include quantifiable results: "Increased sales by 20%," "Reduced customer complaints by 30%."
- Focus on outcomes: What changed because of your work?
Example:
Instead of "Responsible for managing social media accounts." Try: "Grew social media following by 40% in six months through targeted content and engagement strategies."
Tip: Use bullet points to make achievements easy to scan
Need help identifying your achievements? Our National Careers Service Information Sessions can help you reflect on your experience and present it effectively in your CV.
4. Keep It Clear, Concise and Professional
Your CV should be easy to read and professionally presented. Employers often spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV - make sure yours is clear and impactful.
Formatting tips:
- Use a clean layout with clear headings (e.g. Profile, Experience, Education, Skills).
- Stick to one or two pages - unless you're applying for an academic or senior role.
- Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman.
- Avoid graphics, colours or fancy formatting - unless you're in a creative field.
Language tips:
- Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless relevant to the role.
- Use active language and keep sentences short.
- Proofread carefully - spelling or grammar mistake can cost you an interview.
Leverage AI for Clarity and Accuracy:
AI-powered tools can help you polish your CV by:
- Checking grammar and spelling to avoid costly mistakes.
- Suggesting stronger phrasing for impact and readability.
- Optimising keywords so your CV aligns with job descriptions and passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Providing layout feedback to ensure your CV looks professional and easy to scan.
Using AI doesn't replace your judgement - it enhances it. Always review suggestions to keep your CV authentic and tailored to your experience.
Want feedback on your CV layout and presentation? Our Employment Essentials courses include practical support to help you polish your CV and make it employer-ready.
5. Include Relevant Skills and Training
Your skills section is a great place to showcase what you can do - especially if you're changing careers or have limited work experience.
What to include:
- Hard skills: e.g. Microsoft Office, data analysis, bookkeeping, customer service.
- Soft skills: e.g. communication, teamwork, problem-solving.
- Training and qualifications: include relevant courses, certifications or workshops.
Tip: Match your skills to the job description. If the role requires "excellent communication skills," make sure that's reflected in your CV.
Looking to boost your skills? Explore our Employment Essentials courses - they're free, online and designed to help you build confidence and job-readiness.
Get Support from the National Careers Service
Writing a CV can feel overwhelming - especially if you're unsure where to start or haven't updated it in a while. That's where the National Careers Service comes in.
At Kent Adult Education, we offer free information sessions to help you:
- Understand what employers are looking for
- Get personalised advice on your CV and job applications
- Explore career options and training opportunities
- Build confidence in your job search
These sessions are ideal for anyone looking to get into work, change career or find a new job.
Your CV is more than just a list of jobs - it's your story, your skills and your potential. By tailoring your CV, writing a strong personal profile, focusing on achievements, presenting it professionally and showcasing your skills, you'll give yourself the best chance of landing the job you want.
And remember - you don't have to do it alone. Kent Adult Education is here to support you every step of the way.
Browse our National Careers Service Sessions
