Your CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer or recruiter. Before you even get the chance to speak about your experience, your CV needs to communicate your skills, qualifications, and achievements in a way that is both professional and easy to process.At Murray McIntosh, we see thousands of CVs every year. We know what helps candidates stand out, and what causes applications to be overlooked. Every CV that is submitted to us is reviewed by a recruitment consultant. However, our systems also scan and organise applications so that we can quickly search and match candidates to the right opportunities. For this reason, your CV needs to be clear, searchable, and optimised with the right keywords.In this article, we explain exactly how to prepare your CV before submitting it to a recruitment firm or company.

1. Choose the Right File Format

Always submit your CV as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF. Word documents are easier for recruitment software to scan and extract information from, while PDFs preserve your formatting. Avoid unusual file types as they may not process correctly.

2. Use Relevant Keywords

Recruitment software uses keywords to match candidates to job descriptions. If those words don’t appear in your CV, your application may not be flagged for review.Look closely at the job advert and identify the key skills, qualifications, and industry terms. Then, include them naturally in your CV. For example:

• For a project management role in the water sector, you might include “programme delivery,” “AMP8,” and “stakeholder management”.
• For an engineering role, you might highlight technical proficiencies, software knowledge, or compliance standards.

This not only helps you get noticed by applicant tracking systems but also shows hiring managers that you’ve read and understood the role requirements.

3. Keep Formatting Simple and Consistent

Complex layouts can confuse recruitment software and make your CV harder to read. To avoid issues:

• Stick to a single-column layout.
• Align text to the left.
• Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, at size 11–12.
• Avoid graphics, tables, images, text boxes, and logos.
• Use consistent bullet points, tense (present for current roles, past for previous roles), and date formats.

Simplicity not only ensures your CV is ATS-friendly but also makes it more professional and easier for recruiters to review quickly.

4. Structure Your CV Effectively

A clear, logical structure makes your CV more impactful. We recommend the following format:Professional Summary

• A short personal statement of 3–5 lines.
• Include your years of experience, sector expertise, and career goals.
• Tailor it to the role or industry you are applying for.

Experience

• List roles in reverse chronological order.
• Include the month and year for start and end dates.
• Provide the company name, role title, and location (city or area).
• Use bullet points to highlight achievements rather than just responsibilities. Where possible, quantify results (e.g., “Delivered a £5m infrastructure project on time and under budget”).

Skills and Competencies

• Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the role, such as leadership, stakeholder management, communication, or collaboration.

Education and Qualifications

• Include your degrees, certifications, and professional memberships.

Other Relevant Sections

• Languages, technical proficiencies, professional publications, or relevant presentations.

5. Leave Out the Photo

There is no need to include a photo on your CV. At Murray McIntosh, we are far more interested in your skills and experience. Photos are unnecessary and may even disrupt automated CV scanning.

6. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Generic CVs are far less effective than tailored ones. Adjust your CV for each role by highlighting the most relevant skills and achievements. This doesn’t mean rewriting your entire CV each time, but it does mean prioritising content that directly matches the job requirements.

7. Keep It Concise and Impactful

Recruiters often spend just seconds scanning a CV initially. To keep their attention:

• Aim for 1 page if you are early in your career, or 2 pages for mid-to-senior professionals.
• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
• Keep sentences short and focus on measurable results.

8. Proofread for Errors

Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting create a poor impression and can harm your chances. Always proofread carefully, or ask someone else to check it for you.

9. Name Your File Clearly

Save your CV with a professional, identifiable file name, such as Firstname_Lastname_CV.docx. Avoid generic names like CV.docx or UpdatedCV.pdf, which can easily get lost in a recruiter’s database.

10. Always Be Honest

Never exaggerate or fabricate your experience. Recruitment firms and employers value accuracy, and inconsistencies will be uncovered during interviews or reference checks. Integrity and transparency will always strengthen your application.
Final ThoughtsKeep your CV clear, concise, and focused on the skills and achievements that matter to the role. Make sure it is easy to read, searchable, and free from errors. Doing this will maximise your chances of being shortlisted and put you in the strongest position when applying through a recruitment firm or directly to an employer.At Murray McIntosh, we help candidates present themselves effectively and connect them with opportunities in the policy, engineering, and water sectors. If you need tailored advice on your CV or job search, get in touch with our team.

Final Thoughts

Keep your CV clear, concise, and focused on the skills and achievements that matter to the role. Make sure it is easy to read, searchable, and free from errors. Doing this will maximise your chances of being shortlisted and put you in the strongest position when applying through a recruitment firm or directly to an employer.At Murray McIntosh, we help candidates present themselves effectively and connect them with opportunities in the policy, engineering, and water sectors. If you need tailored advice on your CV or job search, get in touch with our team.