The Smart CV Adjustment That Can Boost Your Job Prospects

London: As 2026 begins, nearly half of UK office workers are considering career changes, with 38% actively searching for new roles, according to the Global Payroll Alliance. But competition is fierce — there are currently 2.5 unemployed people per vacancy, the highest ratio since 2015 (excluding the pandemic). One job seeker even revealed that her interview had 615 applicants for the same position.

Experts say a simple CV tweak can make all the difference.

Focus on Achievements, Not Duties

Jim Moore, employee relations expert at Hamilton Nash, explains that many CVs fail because they list tasks instead of demonstrating impact. “Swap outputs for outcomes,” he advises. Use measurable examples to show how your work benefited the company.

Career coach Liz Sebag‑Montefiore agrees, noting that hiring managers skim CVs quickly. Leading with results helps them instantly see the value a candidate brings, signaling confidence and commercial awareness. This shift transforms a CV from descriptive to persuasive without exaggeration.

Balance Outcomes With Keywords

While highlighting achievements is crucial, experts warn against removing job description keywords. Many companies use AI to filter CVs, so relevant terms must remain. Jim adds: “Your CV works harder when you stop listing duties and start showing results.”

How to Apply the Change

Instead of writing “responsible for…” or “supported…”, rewrite the first three to five bullet points in each role to emphasize outcomes. For example:

• ❌ “Managed stakeholder relationships”

• ✅ “Improved stakeholder engagement, reducing project delays by 20%”

Avoid the Biggest Mistake

Jim stresses that sending the same CV to every employer is a critical error. A generic CV fails to stand out. Instead, tailor your application to the role and company, making it clear why you’re the perfect fit.

Questions to guide tailoring include:

• What about the employer aligns with your career goals?

• Why is this your dream job?

• How do your achievements match their needs?

• What makes you a better investment than other candidates?

A customized CV that highlights real results is far more effective than one filled with vague descriptions.