The average time looking at a CV is 5-7 seconds.

There is even software now that allows you to recruit and customise CVs online, such as if you don’t want to review CVs of people that have not stayed in long term employment. So, if you are a job seeker, making those 5-7 seconds count is vital. Here are our top tips when creating your CV:

  • Don’t be too creative
  • Put your skills at the top
  • A CV should be no more than two pages long, recruiters and hiring managers may not even look at it if it’s longer
  • No photos, you don’t want it to be a distraction, you want them to focus on your skills
  • Being professional is key, that also goes for your email address!

76% of CVs with an unprofessional email address are rejected

A CV is a professional document and will be detrimental to your credibility if you have an email such as a nickname. It is easy to set up a new email, and this could be just for your job hunt! Although it’s not the ultimate factor to reject a candidate, it does not help your case. Think of it this way; if the recruiter/hiring manager had two equally qualified candidates, they will choose the one with the professional email address.


Around 10 million people found their new job through LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the top professional social networking site, with millions using it. Therefore, hiring managers will search for keywords to find talented individuals. In order for them to find you, you need to:

  • Keep your profile up to date
  • Highlight your recent experience
  • Make it clear what you are looking for in your next role

89% of recruiters/ hiring managers look at your social media behaviour, even if they don’t admit it!

Although it’s not always said, hiring managers and recruiters tend to look at your social media accounts. But, don’t think this is a negative thing. They want a more accurate idea of what are like outside your CV. social media will determine your personality, a CV can not always do that. Professional social media such as LinkedIn is the most common platform for hiring managers and recruiters to be on.


A (good!) interview will last around 40- 60 minutes

Immediately after leaving a job interview you may think to yourself “how did I do?” but the number one sign, and the golden rule that the interview went well is that it lasted around 40 minutes to an hour. This is not to say that a shorter interview hasn’t been productive, but the longer the better and longer is a good sign.


67% of interviews said that candidates were unable to make eye contact


Candidates find giving eye contact awkward, especially if they don’t know the other person- it can be intimidating we know! but, we communicate more through nonverbal communication than words. Eye contact also portrays…

  • Confidence
  • Focus
  • Knowledge when you’re speaking.
Failure to make eye contact can give off negative connotations such as being distracted, giving false information or lacking in confidence.


21% of interviewers said that they didn’t see the interviewer again because they crossed their arms to their chest

Crossing arms can mean many things. But usually, candidates who cross their arms to their chest at an interview can come across as ‘defensive’ or ‘closed’. It’s ok to use your arms and hands to emphasise a story, and naturally, you may do so.


Only 35% of candidates have the exact person specification of the job description

A lot of people in their current roles wouldn’t fulfil every criteria that is listed on the job description, so it’s important to take it with a pinch of salt and work out how under-qualified you would be if you was to apply for the role. Every company is different, but don’t quit the race unwillingly if you don’t tick every box!


26% of interviewers said that the initial handshake was weak

You won’t get a chance to make the first impression again. So, a strong handshake sets a positive tone for the interview and gives off the idea that you are confident and ready for the interview. To make the handshake really count, give the interviewer eye contact!