Why your CV isn’t getting you noticed — and how to fix it

Did you know the average time someone spends skimming your CV is 7 seconds?

Not AI. Not software. A real person. 7 seconds to decide if you’re in or out.

So, what’s your CV doing in that time? Is it catching attention? Or is it falling flat?

If you ask me, the job of a CV is simple. Make it easy to scan. Make it punchy. And make them want to know more. That’s it.

Let’s get straight into it.

I read a lot of CVs. And I mean a lot.

Most of them are bland. Same format. Same tone. Same vague career objectives. They just blend into the background. Not ideal when you're looking to stand out! 

Your CV should reflect you. It should have personality. It should sound like a real person with a real story, not a robot using CV buzzwords from 2003.

Here’s a structure I know works. Not just for experienced professionals but also for those earlier in their career. I’ve seen the success first-hand.

Start with your name and contact info. That’s it.

Lose the ‘CV’ or ‘Resume’ title at the top. We all know what it is.

Instead, put your name, your location and how to contact you. Email and mobile. Keep it simple.

Ditch the ‘Career Objective’. Write a proper intro.

Nobody reads a generic paragraph about how you’re a “hardworking individual looking for a new challenge.” That doesn’t say anything.

Instead, write a short summary that tells me who you are, what you’ve done and why you’re open to something new.

Make it personal. Make it relevant. Show me what you bring to the table.

Your experience — short, sharp and real.

This is where most people go wrong. It’s not your life story.

Once people have decided to read on, you've then got about 45 seconds before deciding what they will do next.

They want to know what your job was, what you actually did and how well you did it. That’s all.

You need to hook them in. Give them something to ask you about. Don’t overload it, keep the focus on impact and outcomes.

Here’s what mine might look like if I ever fancied getting a job again. (Spoiler - I don’t. I’m very much unemployable now.)

But this is the format I give to people I work with. When they use it, they get more traction. It works.

Matt Hanley
Manchester
07728 332371
matt@m-two.uk

I'm an experienced recruiter specialising in placing print, packaging and signage professionals. I've built businesses from the ground up developing a brand that's trusted and building long-term relationships through delivering real value and keeping recruitment human.

Through my industry podcast, I stay connected to what’s happening out there. I bring trust, insight and proper market knowledge. I’m not just another recruiter.

I’m now looking for an opportunity to use that knowledge, experience and network to support a forward-thinking business where I can make a genuine difference.

Position - Managing Director

Company - MTWO Search www.m-two.uk

Dates - July 2021 to Present

MTWO is a niche recruitment business operating exclusively within the print, packaging and signage sector. I lead the business and am responsible for the following:

Responsibilities:
• Built a brand recognised as a go-to recruitment partner in the sector
• Developed targeted search campaigns and long-term client partnerships
• Delivered tailored recruitment solutions at every level

Achievements:
• Built a personal network of over 20,000 industry professionals
• Secured more than 100 client and candidate testimonials
• Co-host an industry podcast that strengthens sector relationships

Repeat that structure for each role. Keep it tidy. Keep it honest.

Education

Nobody needs to know what you got in GCSE Geography in 1994.

List your school, college or university. Mention the area studied. Add rough grades. That’s enough.

Example:
10 GCSEs
2:1 in Business Management

Done.

About you

Tell us something human. This is where you break the ice.

Mention your family, your hobbies, what you enjoy outside of work. Let people picture you as a person they’d want to talk to.

Testimonials, not ‘references on request’

“References available on request” adds no value.

Instead, drop in a couple of your best LinkedIn testimonials. Let others vouch for you. It’s way more powerful.

Final thought

Your CV is your first impression. It’s not meant to do the whole job, just enough to get someone interested.

Be honest. Be specific. Be yourself.

Make it easy to read, and even easier to say yes to.