How to Write a CV That Gets You a Job in Preston (Real Examples)

Let’s be real for a second. Recruiters spend 7 seconds looking at your CV. 7 seconds. That’s it. So, what do you think they’re looking at in those 7 seconds?

If your CV isn’t immediately grabbing attention, you’re out. No matter how skilled you are or how perfect the job is for you.

But here’s the good news: You can easily stand out in those 7 seconds. All it takes is knowing exactly what recruiters look for and how to deliver it.

In this post, I’m going to break down:
✅ The key sections every CV needs (yes, it’s more than just experience)
✅ Real-life examples of CVs that worked and why
✅ My top tips to make sure your CV gets noticed every time

The 3 Key Sections Every CV Needs

First things first: If your CV doesn’t have these three sections, you’re doing it wrong.

1. Headline (Your Elevator Pitch)

You’re not writing a cover letter here. The CV headline is your chance to summarize who you are in 1–2 lines. This is not the place for vague statements like "hardworking" or "motivated."

No. This is about results and value. What can you do for the employer?

Real Example:

Wrong:
“Experienced Marketing Professional Seeking New Opportunities”

Right:
“Digital Marketing Manager with 5+ Years Experience in Driving 30% Year-on-Year Growth for Retail Brands”

Why it works:

  • The headline is specific—it shows the role, experience, and tangible results.
  • Numbers (30% growth) make it clear what you’ve achieved.

2. Key Skills (Don’t Just List ‘Skills’—Show Results)

Recruiters don’t care that you know how to use Excel or WordPress. They care about how you use those tools to solve problems.

This section should be a bullet-point list of your top skills—but make sure you include quantifiable outcomes.

Real Example:

Wrong:

  • Excel
  • Content Creation
  • Email Campaigns

Right:

  • Excel: Built and maintained dashboards for 50+ clients, improving reporting accuracy by 25%
  • Content Creation: Managed editorial calendar for blog with 20,000 monthly visitors, increasing traffic by 40%
  • Email Campaigns: Developed email campaigns for e-commerce clients, boosting open rates by 18%

Why it works:

  • The focus isn’t on the tool itself but how you used it to create real-world value.
  • Each point is quantified, so recruiters know exactly what you bring to the table.

3. Experience (Show, Don’t Tell)

This is the meat of your CV. But if you’re still listing your responsibilities without showing the impact of your work, you’re missing a huge opportunity.

Employers want to know how your work has driven success in your previous roles. If you can’t show this, don’t bother applying.

Real Example:

Wrong:
“Managed a team of 5 marketers and coordinated campaigns.”

Right:
“Led a team of 5 marketers to develop integrated campaigns for 12 products, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales within 6 months.”

Why it works:

  • Leadership and results: This shows leadership, but more importantly, the impact. You’re not just managing; you’re driving sales.
  • Numbers: A 25% sales increase is a concrete result that shows what you can deliver.

Other Key Sections You Can’t Ignore

While the headline, skills, and experience are crucial, there are other sections that will help you round out a powerful CV.

Education

If your qualifications are relevant, list them. But remember, no one cares about your high school degree if you’ve been working for 5 years. Only list relevant certifications or degrees that matter to the role you’re applying for.

Example:

  • MSc in Digital Marketing, University of Manchester
  • Google Ads Certification, Google

Achievements and Awards

This section is optional, but if you have relevant accomplishments (awards, industry recognitions, etc.), showcase them. Proof of success matters.

Example:

  • Best Marketing Campaign Award, 2023 (XYZ Company)
  • Top Sales Performer, 2022 (ABC Agency)

Hobbies & Interests

Only include this if it’s relevant to the role or shows you as a well-rounded person. Don’t list “reading” or “travelling”—they don’t tell the recruiter anything.

Example:

  • Volunteering at local animal shelters (shows leadership, empathy, and time management)
  • Competitive tennis player (shows discipline and resilience)

Tips to Make Sure Your CV Gets Noticed

1. Tailor Your CV for Each Role

Don’t use the same generic CV for every job. If you’re applying for a role in digital marketing, emphasize your skills and experience in that area. If you’re applying for a tech role, focus on coding and project management. Customize your CV for each application.

2. Use Keywords from the Job Description

Recruiters often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant keywords. Don’t get filtered out before they even read your CV. Make sure you include relevant keywords from the job description.

3. Keep It Concise

A recruiter won’t read a 5-page CV. Be concise. Limit your CV to 2 pages (unless you have 20+ years of experience). Highlight the most relevant information and remove anything unnecessary.

4. Check for Errors

Nothing screams unprofessional like a CV full of spelling and grammar mistakes. Read through it multiple times. Ask someone else to review it. Proofread until it’s perfect.

5. Make It Visually Appealing

Design matters. Keep the layout clean, with easy-to-read fonts and sections that are clearly marked. You want the recruiter to scan it easily in those 7 seconds.

The CV That Works Is the CV That Sells You

Your CV is not a list of your job history—it’s a sales pitch. It’s your chance to prove, in 7 seconds or less, why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

To do that, you need to show results, not just responsibilities. Highlight your achievements, use numbers, and make sure your CV clearly conveys the value you bring to the table.

A great CV doesn’t just get you a job—it gets you the job.

So, what are you waiting for? Time to update that CV and start landing interviews. 🚀

Check out the latest job opportunities at Preston Jobs.