A well-crafted CV is essential for securing senior-level roles in today’s competitive job market. Employers expect more than just a list of job titles and responsibilities—they want to see a clear demonstration of expertise, leadership, and impact. Whether you’re looking to advance in your industry or transition into a new role, these five strategies will help elevate your CV and position you as a top candidate.
Create a compelling professional profile
Your CV profile is the first thing recruiters read, so it must create a strong and immediate impression. This short paragraph should summarise who you are, what you specialise in, and the value you bring. Generic statements like “hardworking and results-driven” add little impact—employers need specific details that align with their needs.
Instead, craft an introduction that highlights your expertise and strengths. For example, “A commercially astute finance director with a track record of delivering multi-million-pound cost savings and driving financial strategy in global organisations.” This communicates value and positions you as a high-impact leader.
Tailor this section to each role, ensuring it aligns with the key skills the employer is looking for. By keeping it concise, relevant, and engaging, you set the stage for a CV that captures attention.
Highlight your achievements with measurable results
Senior professionals are expected to deliver impact, so your CV should focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. Recruiters want to see how you’ve made a difference—whether it’s increasing revenue, improving processes, or leading teams.
Avoid vague statements like “managed a sales team” and instead provide results: “Led a sales team to achieve a 30% revenue increase in 12 months, securing £5m in new business contracts.” These details show your ability to drive outcomes and highlight your capabilities.
Include figures related to revenue growth, cost savings, or efficiency improvements. This strengthens your credibility and helps differentiate you from others with similar roles. A results-focused approach ensures your CV makes an impact and reinforces your value.
Make the most of keywords
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs, so including the right keywords is essential. These systems scan for key terms related to the role, meaning that qualified candidates can be overlooked if their CV doesn’t contain the right language.
To optimise your CV, study the job description and incorporate relevant terminology. For example, if the role prioritises “digital transformation” or “strategic leadership,” ensure these phrases appear naturally within your profile, skills, and work experience.
However, avoid excessive keyword stuffing—your CV still needs to read naturally. The key is to balance ATS optimisation with engaging content. By aligning your language with the employer’s needs, you improve your chances of progressing.
Tailor your CV to each application
A one-size-fits-all CV won’t suffice at the senior level. Employers expect to see a CV that addresses their organisation’s needs and shows a clear fit for the role. This means refining your CV for each application, highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.
Review the job description to identify key priorities. Then, tailor your CV—if the job focuses on business expansion, emphasise your global market experience. If it’s leadership-focused, showcase how you’ve managed high-performing teams.
This level of customisation shows you’ve put thought into your application and increases the likelihood of success. A tailored CV demonstrates your suitability for the role and your ability to align with organisational goals.
Ensure a professional and modern design
First impressions count, and an outdated CV format can undermine your application. A sleek, professional layout makes your CV easier to read and ensures key information stands out. Stick to clean fonts like Calibri or Arial and use consistent formatting.
Avoid excessive design elements like images or multiple columns, as these can be difficult for ATS systems to process. Instead, focus on a structured layout with clear headings, spaced sections, and a logical flow. White space is crucial—dense text can be hard to navigate.
Your contact details should be at the top, followed by your professional profile, core skills, work experience, and education. Prioritise recent and relevant experience, condensing or removing older roles if they add little value.
A well-presented CV improves readability and reinforces your professionalism. By keeping the design simple yet polished, you make it easy for recruiters to absorb key information.
A senior-level CV must go beyond listing job titles and duties—it should showcase leadership, impact, and strategic thinking. By refining your profile, quantifying achievements, using the right keywords, tailoring each application, and ensuring a modern layout, you create a CV that impresses recruiters and opens doors to high-profile opportunities.
Investing time in crafting a standout CV can be the difference between being overlooked and securing the role you want. By following these steps, you ensure your CV reflects your expertise and professionalism, helping you excel in today’s job market.