What to Look for in a CV.

Reviewing CVs can be time-consuming, but getting this process right is critical. A strong CV for a commercial or senior role in Leeds should give you a clear sense of whether the candidate can do the job, fit in with your team and add value to your business.

As a Leeds recruitment agency working with companies to find the best candidates for commercial and senior roles across Business Support, Finance, Customer Service, Sales and Account Management, HR and Talent Acquisition, Legal Operations, and Marketing and PR, we’ve reviewed thousands of CVs over the past 20 years. We understand that knowing what to look for in a CV can save valuable time at the start of the hiring process.

If you're short on time, unsure what to prioritise, or simply want to ensure you're not missing great talent, we can take this off your hands. CV review is part of what we do every day at Jo Holdsworth Recruitment. We know what good looks like, what red flags to avoid, and how to spot potential others might overlook. Let us help make your hiring process more efficient and effective.

Here’s a straightforward guide to what makes for a quality CV and what to look for when assessing job applications.

1. Relevant experience that is clearly presented

The most obvious question is: has this person done similar work before, or can they demonstrate transferable skills that apply to the role? Look for a CV that outlines what the candidate did in each role, not just what their job title was. Bullet points with specific responsibilities and outcomes (ideally backed by figures or examples) are a good sign.

Equally, watch out for vague or generic wording. Phrases like ‘responsible for key business tasks’ don’t tell you much. You should be able to quickly understand how their previous roles relate to the vacancy you’re trying to fill.

2. A logical, easy-to-follow layout

You shouldn’t have to work hard to make sense of a CV. If you’re reading it and thinking, “What exactly do they do?”, it’s probably not the right fit. A well-organised CV will have clear headings, reverse-chronological order and consistent formatting. It should be easy to read in under a minute.

If a CV is poorly structured, that might reflect the candidate’s communication skills, which is worth bearing in mind for client-facing or team-based roles.

3. Professionalism and positive presentation

Spelling mistakes, inconsistent formatting, or odd turns of phrase can distract from an otherwise strong CV.
Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, but a CV that is filled with poor spelling and grammar mistakes shows the candidate doesn’t care about making a good first impression.
It’s also worth noting the tone used in a CV. Anything that sounds too casual may be a sign that they lack experience in a business environment.

4. Evidence of progression or development

You don’t need to see a perfect career trajectory on a CV, but it’s helpful to see signs of a candidate’s professional growth:

• Have they taken on more responsibility over time?
• Moved into new areas?
• Learned new skills?

Even sideways career moves can show they’re adaptable and quick learners, provided there’s a clear reason or benefit.

Signs of career development also give insight into their motivation. Are they someone who seeks out challenges, or someone who stays in their comfort zone?

5. Tailoring to the role (or lack of it)

In this age of AI-created CVs and cover letters, a CV that is well-tailored to the role shows that the candidate has put thought into their application. Have they included keywords or themes from your job ad? Highlighted experience that’s directly relevant?

This kind of attention to detail suggests a proactive and organised candidate. It shows they’re genuinely interested in the position and have made an effort to understand the job description and your organisation.

6. Explained gaps or role changes

Career gaps or changes in direction are not automatically a red flag. People take time out or switch paths for many valid reasons, especially in today’s job market. What’s more important is whether the candidate has offered a clear and professional explanation.

Look for short notes that show honesty and self-awareness. Time out for travel, study, caring responsibilities or redundancy are all common and understandable. Multiple short-term roles could reflect market changes or a period of finding the right fit, particularly earlier in a career.

Rather than ruling candidates out on gaps alone, focus on the overall picture. If the CV shows relevant experience, strong skills and potential, these are points you can explore further in an interview.

7. Essential qualifications

Depending on the role, qualifications may be essential. However, they aren’t always the best predictor of success. Unless the job legally or technically requires certain credentials, treat qualifications as one part of the bigger picture.

If the CV clearly shows the right capabilities, don’t let a lack of a certain qualification rule them out too quickly.

Here at Jo Holdsworth Recruitment, we often see that strong candidates have gained their skills through work experience or informal pathways. For certain roles, attributes like motivation, attitude and work ethic are even more important than technical skills.

That’s why we created our Recruit for Attitude solution, to help employers in Leeds and West Yorkshire find candidates with the soft skills that can’t be trained for. To find out more about how we can find candidates with the right cultural fit for your organisation, reach out to one of our consultants.

Connect with a reputable Leeds recruitment agency

Recognising the right CV is just the beginning. If you’re hiring in Leeds or West Yorkshire and need support finding strong candidates across Business Support, Finance, Customer Service, Sales and Account Management, HR and Talent Acquisition, Legal Operations, or Marketing and PR, we’re here to help.

To make hiring simpler and more effective, tap into our local knowledge and trusted networks, built over 20 years of recruiting in these core commercial and professional sectors. We can manage the CV screening process for you from start to finish, so you only see the most relevant and qualified candidates.

Contact our team today and let us help make your next hire easier.