Top Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out
When you’re looking for a new job, your CV is the first thing employers – and recruiters - will see, so it’s worth getting right.
Using a recruitment agency is one of the best ways to find your next role but remember: just as employers want employable candidates, so do we. We see hundreds (sometimes thousands) of CVs every week, so making yours stand out straight away can be the difference between landing a role quickly and being overlooked.
Around 36% of UK job seekers already use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to help write their CVs and cover letters, and their popularity is only growing. They can be a brilliant way to save time and sharpen your application, but the key is using them properly. Before you let AI take over, it’s important to nail the basics first.
Whether you’re looking for work in Construction, Industrial, or Facilities Management, and no matter your experience level, there are a few essentials to cover first. Some might sound obvious, but they’re often the ones people miss.
1. Always Outline Key Skills:
Construction: From groundsworkers to site managers, include competencies like H&S and technical ability
Industrial: Highlight machine operation, quality control, or supply chain experience for warehouse roles
Facilities Management: Cover key duties such as maintenance, H&S, cleaning standards, or HVAC operations
2. Include Relevant Certifications:
Construction: Always list your CSCS card, plus NVQs, Safe Pass, or construction management qualifications
Industrial: FLT licences are gold dust. Add HACCP, H&S, or other specific machine training
Facilities Management: NEBOSH, IOSH, and HVAC licenses will make you stand out.
3. Quantify Your Achievements:
Construction: “Delivered a project 2 weeks early and under budget.”
Industrial: “Improved production efficiency by 10%.”
Facilities Management: “Reduced energy costs by 15% through improved HVAC maintenance”
Once you’ve got the basics in place, then bring in AI. Starting with AI too soon is how you end up with generic, copy-and-paste CVs, which hiring managers and recruiters can spot from a mile away.
How AI can help polish your CV:
Suggest a suitable format for your industry and experience level
Compare your CV against a job description and highlight missing keywords - this can help your CV stand out on job boards too!
Keep your work experience concise - hiring managers are busy and don’t have time to read pages of detail. Focus on the highlights that show why you’re right for the role.
Advise on what details are worth including (“Should I mention my office cleaning experience?”)
Proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes - Hiring managers see them as a red flag and may question your accuracy and attention to detail.
Used well, AI isn’t lazy – it’s efficient. It helps get your CV job-ready faster, which matters in a competitive market. But no AI tool can replace the insight of someone who knows what employers are actually looking for.
That’s where we come in. At Thorn Baker, we’ll take the time to understand your skills, experience, and career goals, then shape your CV in a way that speaks directly to hiring managers. It’s the best way to boost your chances of landing the right role, sooner.
If you’re on the hunt for your next job or need support with your CV, get in contact with your local office today: www.thornbaker.co.uk/contact-us