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What employers look for in a CV

By Stephen Reed · Published 4 November 2026 · Updated 4 November 2026 · 2 min read

When a job attracts lots of applicants, each CV may only get a few seconds of attention at first. What helps your CV is making the important points quick to find. Here is what employers generally look for, based on advice from careers services.

Evidence you fit the job

The first question in a reader's mind is whether you can do this particular job. They look for experience, skills and qualifications that match what the advert asks for. A CV that has been adjusted for the role makes that link obvious. A CV that is the same for every job makes the reader do the work.

Proof, not claims

Statements such as "hard working" or "good team player" prove nothing by themselves. Employers look for specific examples: what you did, how big it was and what happened as a result. Numbers help, and so do concrete details such as team size, volume of work or time saved.

A clean layout that is easy to scan

Clear headings, bullet points and reasonable white space let a reader find what they need. Dense blocks of text and cluttered designs are harder to read, and they make it more likely that key points are missed. Plain and tidy beats clever.

Sensible length

For most roles, one or two pages is expected. A CV that runs on for pages with every old job and detail can lose a reader's attention. Keep the focus on recent and relevant experience.

Correct, professional details

Employers notice small mistakes. Spelling and grammar errors can suggest a lack of care, and a wrong phone number or email address can cost you a call. Using an email address that looks professional also helps.

An honest, understandable history

Recruiters like to see how your career fits together. If there are gaps, a short explanation avoids guesswork. Gaps are common and not a problem in themselves. Read our guide on how to explain gaps in your CV. Exaggeration is a risk. Claims can be checked at interview or later, so keep everything true.

No unnecessary personal details

For UK jobs you do not need to give your age, date of birth, marital status or nationality, and photos are not expected. Leaving these out keeps the focus on what you can do.

A quick self-check

• Is it obvious from the top of page one what job you want and why you fit it?
• Can a reader find your most recent role and your best achievements within a few seconds?
• Have you shown results, not only duties?
• Has someone else checked it for mistakes?

If you want a quick, objective look, try our free CV check.

Sources

• University of Reading Careers: The top 10 CV mistakes
• Prospects: How to write a CV
• National Careers Service: CV sections
• Reed: How long should a CV be?