A CV Recruiters Can't Overlook

Structure, content, and form. Build a CV that passes ATS systems and catches the human eye.

Your CV has exactly 6 seconds to interest a recruiter. Yes, that is how much time we devote to the first glance at a CV on average. In that moment, it is decided whether you end up in the "invite" folder or the "reject" folder. After 15 years in recruitment and thousands of read CVs, we will reveal how to create a CV that stands up to competition and opens doors to your dream job.

Structure That Works

1. Header – Your Business Card

At first glance, it must be clear who you are:

  • Name and Surname (larger font)

  • Current Position or Field

  • Phone and Email (professional address)

  • LinkedIn Profile (if updated)

  • Location (city is enough)

Leave out: Date of birth, photo (unless requested), marital status, number of children.

2. Professional Profile – Your Elevator Pitch

3-4 sentences that summarize who you are professionally and what you offer:

Example for a Sales Manager: "Sales Manager with 8 years of experience in B2B sales of industrial solutions. Specialized in developing key accounts and opening new markets. In the last 3 years, I exceeded sales targets by an average of 20%. I am looking for a position where I can utilize my experience with complex business projects."

3. Work Experience – Your Success Story

The most important part of the CV. Sort from the most recent position.

Structure for each position:

  • Job Title | Company | Period

  • 3-5 bullet points with concrete successes

  • Use numbers and facts

  • Start with active verbs

Correct: "Increased turnover in the region by 35% within 18 months." "Implemented CRM system for a team of 15 salespeople." "Gained 12 new key clients in the automotive segment."

Wrong: "Responsible for sales." "Working with clients." "Participation in meetings."

4. Education – Brief and Clear

  • Highest level of education attained (including field of study)

  • Relevant certificates and courses

  • Language skills with levels

Tip: Do not list high school if you have a university degree. Never list elementary school.

5. Skills – Be Specific

Divide into:

  • Hard Skills (software, methodologies, technologies)

  • Soft Skills (only those you can prove with examples)

  • Languages (with real levels)

6. Other Sections – According to Relevance

  • Projects (for IT, creatives, consultants)

  • Publications (for academics, experts)

  • Interests (2-3 concrete ones, can serve as ice-breakers)

Secrets of ATS Systems

Most large companies use automatic systems for initial CV screening. How to outsmart them:

  1. Use keywords from the ad – if they are looking for a "Project Manager", do not call yourself "PM".

  2. Standard formatting – no tables, text boxes, graphs.

  3. Common fonts – Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman.

  4. Save as PDF – preserves formatting.

  5. Name the file meaningfully – Name_Surname_CV.pdf

Design That Catches the Eye (But Doesn't Distract)

For most positions, the following applies:

  • Clean, clear layout

  • Enough white space

  • One, maximum two colors (black + one accent)

  • Readable font (11-12 points)

  • Length 1-2 pages (juniors 1, seniors max 2)

Exceptions:

  • Creative positions – show creativity, but readability remains priority.

  • IT positions – can add GitHub, portfolio.

  • Top management – longer CV acceptable, emphasis on strategic successes.

Most Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Universal CV for All Positions Solution:

Adjust at least the professional profile and highlight relevant experience for each position.

2. Typos and Grammatical Errors Solution:

Let someone else read your CV, use a spell checker.

3. Lies and Exaggeration Solution:

Be honest. An experienced recruiter recognizes discrepancies, and everything gets tested at the interview.

4. Too Much Personal Information Solution:

CV is not Facebook. Stick to professional information.

5. Outdated Contacts Solution:

sexydoll69@email.com should be replaced with name.surname@gmail.com.

Concrete Examples of Transformation

Example no. 1

  • Before: "I have experience with team leadership and sales."

  • After: "Led a team of 8 sales representatives, together in 2023 we achieved a turnover of 45 mil. CZK."

Example no. 2

  • Before: "Communicative, team player, hardworking."

  • After: "Coordinated international project with 5 departments, successfully presented results to top management."

Checklist Before Sending

  • Is the CV adapted to the specific position?

  • Does it contain keywords from the ad?

  • Are all successes supported by numbers?

  • Is the contact information current and professional?

  • Did it pass a spell check?

  • Does it have a maximum of 2 pages?

  • Is it saved as a PDF?

  • Does the file have a meaningful name?

Golden Rules for the Conclusion

  1. Your CV is a marketing document – sell your abilities.

  2. Quality > Quantity – 1 page of great content is better than 3 pages of fluff.

  3. Show, don't promise – concrete examples instead of empty phrases.

  4. Update regularly – don't wait until you are looking for a job.

Need Help?

Hundreds of CVs pass through our consultants' hands daily, and we know exactly what employers are looking for. We will be happy to advise you – just reach out to kandidati@no77.eu.

And remember: a good CV will open the door to an interview, but your personality, experience, and enthusiasm will help you win the dream job. A CV is just the beginning of the journey.

Good luck!