you have 6-8 seconds for your resume to stand out: how to make that time count

Recruiters and hiring managers scan CVs fast, often in just 6 to 8 seconds, to decide if you’re ticking the key boxes for the job requirements. That means your CV needs to be clear, effective, and relevant from the very top.

Here’s how you can pass the 8-second scan:

• Put your most relevant information at the top. For example, clear job titles, key skills & experience in each role, key achievements, and highlight programs/ platforms you have experience in that are required for the job you’re applying for.

• Use a clean, professional layout. Avoid fancy fonts or clutter.

• If you are applying for a design, creative, or fashion marketing role, use your resume as an example of your work. For example, create it in InDesign rather than a Word document

• Use bullet points for each job to make for quick and easy reading

• Always create a personalised summary for the job you're applying for. Show them you’re a match immediately.

• Use numbers to highlight impact: For example, say “Increased sales by 30%” rather than “Responsible for sales”.

• Recruiters and hiring managers are mostly interested in your most recent work history, not that you like long walks or reading in your spare time. Ensure that your most recent job is at the top of your resume and work down from there. Put any personal information about what you do in your spare time or interests at the end of your resume. Aim to keep the resume to 2 pages max.