How to Write the Perfect CV: A Guide from one of the Recruitment Agencies in Leeds

For many job seekers, writing a CV can be overwhelming. From showcasing achievements without sounding boastful to explaining employment gaps, there’s a lot to consider. However, getting it right significantly increases your chances of landing an interview.

As a leading recruitment agency in Leeds, POST–Recruitment has reviewed thousands of CVs. This guide will help you craft a standout CV that captures recruiters’ attention and maximises your job opportunities.

The Basics of CV Writing

A well-structured CV ensures your experience and skills are easy to digest. While creative CVs work for some industries, a clean, professional layout is usually the best approach.

Formatting Your CV

• Keep it to two pages of A4, unless you have minimal work experience.
• Use white space and line breaks for readability.
• Stick to a font size of 11-12 in Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save your CV as both a Word document and PDF to ensure compatibility.

Top Tip: Contact POST–Recruitment to get a CV Template for a foolproof layout designed by expert recruitment consultants in Leeds.

Accuracy and Honesty Matter

Your CV should be factual and free from embellishments. Misrepresenting responsibilities or qualifications can backfire during interviews.

Top Tip: Review each statement and ask, “Could I confidently discuss this in an interview?” If not, revise or remove it.

Education Section: What to Include

• School leavers and graduates: Provide detailed academic achievements.
• Experienced professionals: Summarise qualifications and focus on work experience.
• Include dates for context and credibility.

Example: University of Leeds, BA (Hons) Marketing, 2:1 (2015-2018)

Employment History: Showcasing Your Experience

• List previous employers, job titles, and dates.
• Prioritise responsibilities relevant to the role you’re applying for.
• Include measurable achievements (e.g., increased sales by 25% in six months).

Top Tip: Read the job description and tailor your experience to highlight your suitability.

Key Skills: Focus on Hard Skills

Avoid generic soft skills (e.g., “hardworking” or “good timekeeping”) and instead list quantifiable abilities.

Example: ✔ Digital marketing recruitment strategies ✔ CRM software proficiency (Salesforce, HubSpot) ✔ SEO and PPC campaign management

Technology Skills

For technical roles, be specific about software and programming knowledge.

Example: ✔ SQL (SSRS, SSIS) ✔ Microsoft Excel (VBA, Macros, PivotTables) ✔ Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)

Top Tip: Combine tech skills and other proficiencies under ‘Systems Skills’ for clarity.

References

Simply state: “References available upon request.”

Top Tip: Choose former managers who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

Voluntary Experience

Include unpaid work relevant to your career goals, using the same structure as your employment history.

Example: Marketing Volunteer, Leeds Charity Foundation (2022-Present)

Interests: Keep It Professional

This section can add personality but should remain relevant. Avoid controversial topics or excessive detail.

✔ Fitness and wellbeing ✔ Volunteering with local charities ✔ Industry networking and development events

How to Make Your CV Stand Out

1. Apply the ‘So What?’ Test

Read each statement and ask, “Why should the employer care?” If it lacks impact, reword or remove it.

Example: ❌ “Managed social media accounts.” ✔ “Increased LinkedIn engagement by 200% in six months, generating 50+ inbound sales leads.”

2. Emphasise Results

Employers value achievements over duties. Use data to demonstrate your impact.

Example: ✔ Grew revenue by 30% in 12 months through targeted sales strategy. ✔ Spearheaded a recruitment drive, reducing hiring time by 40%.

3. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Align your CV with the job description for maximum relevance.

4. Show Growth and Development

Highlight key learnings from each role to demonstrate professional progression.

Example: ✔ Developed strong leadership skills by mentoring two junior team members. ✔ Transitioned from a sales role to sales management within two years.

5. Maintain a Professional Layout

Creative CVs are useful in certain industries (e.g., marketing or design), but clarity should always be the priority.

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Spelling and Grammar Errors

Errors make a poor first impression. Proofread carefully or use Grammarly.

❌ Vague Statements

Avoid clichés like “a team player” or “passionate about success.” Use real examples instead.

❌ Unprofessional Email Addresses

Create a simple, professional email format (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com).

❌ Overusing Personal Pronouns

Reduce “I” and “me” to keep statements impactful and concise.

Contact POST– Recruitment for Your Free CV Template

Take the guesswork out of formatting your CV. Contact POST–Recruitment for your free CV template.

Final Words

A well-crafted CV is your ticket to securing interviews. Follow this guide and tailor your application to boost your chances of landing your next role.

For expert support in your job search, visit POST–Recruitment Ltd—the best recruitment agency in Leeds for sales, marketing, tech, and business support jobs.