(and none are fonts)
Let’s be honest, most CVs follow the same formula. Job titles, bullet points, maybe a splash of bold text and the occasional overly artistic font choice.
But when you're reviewing hundreds of CVs a week (as we do), certain things really make candidates stand out, and it has nothing to do with typeface.
Here are three things we're noticing right now that catch the eye and make a real impact:
Consistency over chaos:
A stable track record matters more than ever. Employers are looking for people who commit, who build, who grow, not just job-hop every six months looking for greener grass.
That doesn't mean your CV needs to be boring or strictly linear. Career pivots are welcome, especially when they're intentional. But if there’s a pattern of “one hit wonders” or short stints with no explanation, it raises flags. Whether you're a senior executive or just a few years in, consistency helps build trust.
Clear commercial impact:
We get it; you “hit targets” and “exceeded KPIs.” But what does that actually mean?
The CVs that stand out are the ones that quantify success. Instead of saying “Top biller in the team,” say “Generated £250k+ in revenue across 12 months, ranking #1 out of 10 consultants.” Be specific. Use numbers. Show how your work translated into real business outcomes.
This doesn’t just apply to sales roles, by the way. Whether you saved costs, improved a process, or helped retain key clients - spell it out.
A hint of personality:
CVs are still professional documents, yes. But that doesn’t mean they need to sound robotic.
When a candidate manages to give a sense of who they are, not just what they’ve done, it makes a difference. Maybe it’s a short personal profile that isn’t stuffed with jargon. Maybe it’s a touch of humour, or clarity around what motivates you.
You don’t need to go full memoir, just enough to feel like there’s a human behind the bullet points.
Your CV is often your first impression, so make it count. It’s not about fancy formatting or trying to sound like someone you’re not. It’s about clarity, credibility, and character. Get those right, and you’re already ahead of the crowd.
