How to make your CV stand out

In today's competitive job market, employers often spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to shortlist a candidate. If you're looking for your next office-based role, your CV needs to make an immediate impact. Whether you're applying for an Administrator, Customer Service Advisor, HR Assistant, Marketing Executive, Finance Assistant or Sales Support position, your CV should quickly demonstrate why you're the right person for the job.

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A well-written CV can significantly increase your chances ofsecuring an interview. Here are our top tips for creating a CV,specifically tailored to office-based positions that will get you noticed.

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What Employers are looking for

Commercial employers wantcandidates who are organised, precise, reliable and able to communicateeffectively. Your CV should reflect these qualities not only through yourexperience but also through its presentation.

A professional CV should be clear, well-structured and freefrom spelling or grammatical errors.

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Recruiters are typically looking for evidence of:

·        Administration experience

·        Excellent customer service

·        Strong organisational skills

·        Clear written and verbal communication

·        IT proficiency

·        High attention to detail

·        Effective time management

·        Accuracy and efficiency

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Show employers which systems you can use

Recruiters don't just want to know that you're "computer literate." They want to know exactly what systems you can use, as this helps them quickly match you with suitable vacancies.

Examples include:

·        Microsoft Excel

·        Microsoft Word

·        Microsoft Outlook

·        Microsoft Teams

·        SAP

·        Sage

·        Xero

·        Salesforce

·        Microsoft Dynamics

·        HubSpot

·        CRM systems

·        Canva

·        Adobe Creative Suite

If you've used industry-specific software, include that too.

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Make your CV ATS Friendly

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) tofilter CVs before they're seen by a recruiter.

To improve your chances:

·        Use standard headings such as Work Experienceand Education

·        Avoid text boxes and graphics

·        Include keywords from the job description

·        Save your CV as a PDF unless instructedotherwise

·        Use a clear, professional font

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Highlight your achievements

Your responsibilities tell employers what you were expectedto do, but your achievements show what you accomplished. Think about theimprovements you've made or the value you've added.

Examples include:

·        Managed multiple diaries for senior managers.

·        Coordinated meetings and events across severaldepartments.

·        Processed high volumes of invoices accuratelyand efficiently.

·        Improved filing systems to increase efficiency.

·        Increased customer satisfaction throughexcellent service.

·        Supported successful marketing campaigns fromplanning through to delivery.

·        Reduced administration processing times byintroducing new procedures.

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Where possible, include figures or percentages todemonstrate your impact. For example:

·        Processed over 250 invoices per month with 99%accuracy.

·        Reduced customer response times by 25%.

·        Maintained 100% accuracy while processingpayroll.

·        Managed calendars for directors across multiplelocations.

·        Assisted with onboarding over 100 new employees.

·        Generated sales leads worth over £250,000annually.

·        Managed diaries for five senior managerssimultaneously.

·        Reduced filing retrieval time by 40%.

Numbers help employers understand the scale of your experience.

Tailor your cv for every application

Avoid sending the same CV for every vacancy.

Before applying:

·        Read the job description carefully.

·        Mirror the skills they're asking for.

·        Prioritise your most relevant experience.

·        Update your personal profile to reflect therole.

A tailored CV is far more likely to secure an interview.

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Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date

Many employers will look at your LinkedIn profile afterreviewing your CV.

Ensure:

·        Your job history matches your CV.

·        Your profile photo is professional.

·        Your headline clearly states your profession.

·        Recommendations are up to date.

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Demonstrate your skills with examples

Many CVs simply list qualities such as "good communicator" or "team player." While these are important, employers are much more interested in seeing evidence.

Skills employers value include:

·        Reliability

·        Excellent attendance

·        Positive attitude

·        Willingness to learn

·        Teamwork

·        Problem solving

·        Adaptability

·        Communication

·        Time management

·        Initiative

Instead of simply listing these skills, explain how you'vedemonstrated them throughout your work experience. This provides real evidenceof your capabilities and makes your CV much more convincing.

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Final thoughts

A strong commercial CV is clear, relevant and tailored tothe role you're applying for. By highlighting your experience, showcasing thesystems you've used, demonstrating measurable achievements and providingexamples of your skills, you'll give employers every reason to invite you tointerview.

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If you're unsure whether your CV is showcasing yourstrengths, our team at Busy Bee Recruitment is here to help. We regularlysupport candidates across administration, customer service, finance, HR,marketing and office support roles, offering expert CV advice to help you standout in today's competitive job market.

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Looking for your next commercial opportunity? Get intouch with Busy Bee Recruitment today and let us help you take the next step inyour career.