10 Key Elements Hiring Managers Are Looking For On Your CV

HR managers look for several key elements when reviewing a CV in 2024. While some factors remain timeless, there are current trends and qualities that they might prioritize due to evolving workplace dynamics and technological advancements.

Here’s what they typically look for:

1. Relevance to the Job: HR managers first check if your experience, skills, and education align with the job requirements. Tailoring your CV to the job description can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
2. Clear and Concise Presentation: A well-structured, clear, and concise CV is highly appreciated. In 2024, the trend continues towards more streamlined CVs, often complemented by digital profiles or portfolios.
3. Quantifiable Achievements: Instead of listing responsibilities, candidates are encouraged to showcase their accomplishments with quantifiable results. HR managers look for specific examples of what you have achieved in your past roles.
4. Up-to-date Skills and Technologies: With the constant evolution of technology, showing that you have current and relevant skills (especially digital competencies) can set you apart. This could include anything from proficiency in new software to knowledge of recent industry trends.
5. Soft Skills and Cultural Fit: While technical skills are crucial, HR managers also look for soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. They may also assess your CV for signs that you would fit well with the company culture.
6. Professionalism: This includes attention to detail, such as correct spelling and grammar, and a professional tone and format. A sloppy CV can be a significant red flag.
7. Work History and Gaps: HR managers will review your work history for progression and any significant gaps. If there are gaps, they look for explanations such as education, personal projects, or volunteering.
8. Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. Including relevant keywords from the job description can help ensure your CV passes these initial screenings.
9. Diversity and Global Perspective: Especially for global companies, showing that you have a diverse background or international experience can be a plus.
10. Personal Brand and Online Presence: HR managers might also look for a cohesive personal brand across your CV and online profiles (like LinkedIn). In some cases, they may search for your digital footprint to glean more about your professional persona.

Remember, each HR manager and company may prioritize different aspects, so it’s crucial to research the company and role you are applying for and customize your CV accordingly.

Examples

Here’s an expanded explanation of each element HR managers look for in a CV, with examples:

1. Relevance to the Job: Ensure your CV highlights the experience and skills that are most relevant to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, emphasize your previous marketing campaigns, the results (e.g., increased engagement by 30%), and any relevant tools you’ve used (like Google Analytics or HubSpot).
2. Clear and Concise Presentation: A well-organized CV that makes it easy for the HR manager to find information is crucial. Use bullet points, clear headings, and consistent formatting. For example, use bold for job titles, italics for companies, and ensure your dates of employment are easy to find and understand.
3. Quantifiable Achievements: Instead of saying “Responsible for sales,” say “Increased sales by 20% in Q1 2024 by implementing a new lead-generation strategy.” This shows the outcome of your actions and the scale of your achievement.
4. Up-to-date Skills and Technologies: List current skills and technologies relevant to your field. For instance, if you’re in IT, mention your proficiency in the latest programming languages or certifications in emerging technologies like cloud services or cybersecurity.
5. Soft Skills and Cultural Fit: Demonstrate soft skills through specific examples, such as “Led a team of 10 in a project that resulted in an award for innovation.” Mention any involvement in company-wide committees or groups that indicate a commitment to workplace culture and teamwork.
6. Professionalism: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected] instead of [email protected]). Format your CV consistently in terms of font, size, and color.
7. Work History and Gaps: Clearly list your work history in reverse chronological order. If there are gaps, fill them with relevant activities. For example, “June 2023 – Present: Enrolled in a digital marketing certification program while freelancing for local businesses.”
8. Keywords: Use industry-specific keywords and phrases from the job description. For instance, if the job ad mentions “project management” and “agile methodologies,” ensure these terms are in your CV if relevant to your experience.
9. Diversity and Global Perspective: If you have worked in diverse teams or international settings, highlight this. For example, “Collaborated with a global team across three continents to launch a successful product,” or “Fluent in Spanish and English, with basic proficiency in French.”
10. Personal Brand and Online Presence: If you have a professional website, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile, include the link. Ensure your online presence is consistent with your CV and showcases your work and achievements. For example, “Developed a professional blog on marketing trends, attracting over 10,000 monthly visitors.”

By tailoring your CV with these elements and examples in mind, you can make a strong impression on HR managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.