Your CV is more than just a list of jobs – it’s your personal brand on paper.

Whether you’re actively job hunting, considering a career pivot, or just want to be ready for the right opportunity, giving your CV a refresh is one of the best things you can do to stay ahead. The job market is competitive, fast-moving and filled with people who look great on paper – so making sure your CV reflects who you are now, not just who you were, is essential.

Let’s break down exactly how to breathe new life into your CV—step by step.

1. Rethink the Format: Make It Easy to Read

The average recruiter spends just 20-30 seconds scanning a CV. That’s not a lot of time – so clarity and structure are crucial.

  • Stick to clean, professional formatting – Avoid clutter, excessive colours, or overly fancy fonts.

  • Use headings, bullet points and white space – This makes it easier for someone to quickly find key info.

  • Keep it to 1–2 pages – Recruiters and hiring managers rarely have time for anything longer unless you’re in a highly technical or academic field.

2. Tailor Your CV to the Role

One-size-fits-all CVs rarely work anymore. Hiring managers want to see alignment – how your experience and strengths connect directly with the role on offer.

  • Read the job description carefully and mirror key language or skills.

  • Highlight relevant experience near the top of the page.

  • Use your summary or personal statement to show how you match what they’re looking for.

Even small tweaks to tailor your CV for each application can make a big impact.

3. Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties

Don’t just list your responsibilities – show what you did with them. Employers want to know the value you brought to your previous roles.

Try using the STAR technique:
Situation, Task, Action, Result

For example:
“Increased customer retention by 25% over 6 months by implementing a new client feedback process.”

It’s far more impactful than:
“Managed customer accounts.”

4. Bring Your Personal Brand to Life

Your CV should give a sense of you – your approach, values, and strengths. That doesn’t mean including hobbies for the sake of it. Instead, think about how you want to be perceived and how that ties into the role or industry.

Ask yourself:

  • What am I known for?

  • What kind of problems do I love solving?

  • What makes me different?

Use your profile summary and experience sections to reflect this tone.

5. Keep It Updated – Even If You’re Not Job Hunting

Waiting until you need to update your CV often means forgetting important achievements or rushing the process. Treat it like a living document. Set a reminder to review it every few months – especially after completing a big project, earning a new qualification or taking on new responsibilities.

You never know when a new opportunity might come your way.

6. Get a Second Opinion

Sometimes you’re too close to your own experience to see what’s missing – or what stands out for the wrong reasons.

Ask a coach, mentor or trusted peer to review your CV. Better yet, work with a career coach who can help you identify the strengths and themes in your experience and make sure they come across powerfully on paper.

Your CV is your foot in the door. It’s not just a career history – it’s a first impression. And in a crowded market, that impression needs to be clear, confident and compelling.

Whether you’re applying for your next role or just preparing for what’s next, giving your CV a thoughtful glow-up is a powerful investment in your career journey.

Need help crafting a CV that reflects your unique strengths and future goals?
At Haus of Coaching we offer personalised CV reviews and 1:1 coaching to help you feel confident and ready for your next move.

Get in touch today to learn more.