Your CV should showcase impact, not just tasks
In the competitive job market that we’re experiencing now, and in a world where ‘Easy Apply’ functionality flood firms’ ATS’ with a never-ending supply of unsuitable applications, it has never been more important that your CV stands out from the crowd. A decent CV is more than listing a load of responsibilities under each role.
Employers today aren’t just searching for candidates who’ve ‘been there’ or ‘done that.’ They want to know how you made a difference.
That’s why demonstrating the outcomes, results, improvements, and impact of your previous roles is essential, no matter the position you’re applying for.
If you focus on the impact you made, you can make your CV shine!
Simply listing responsibilities only tells employers what you were expected to do. For example:
- ‘Created high-level architectural designs’
- ‘Led daily stand-ups’
- ‘Processed invoices’
That might check the box for having experience in these tasks, but it leaves hiring managers wondering:
- Were those designs implemented effectively and on budget?
- Did your stand-ups lead to better collaboration or improved project outcomes?
- Were your invoices processed faster, reducing delays or errors?
In any job, whether you’re an entry-level team member or a senior leader, the true value lies in the results you deliver and the changes you drive.
Why Outcomes stand out
Adding metrics and impact to your CV helps employers see how you can contribute to their success. Consider these two examples:
- Task-driven Statement: ‘Organised marketing campaigns.’
- Impact-driven Statement: ‘Designed and launched marketing campaigns that increased customer engagement by 25%, boosting sales by £50,000 over six months.’
The second statement is specific, measurable, and tells a compelling story about your value. By showing the result of your work, you demonstrate that you don’t just complete tasks - you make things happen.
How to add impact to your CV
Here’s a quick blueprint to transform your CV into an outcomes-focused document:
- Quantify your Achievements: Use numbers to highlight your success. Instead of ‘Supervised junior staff,’ say ‘Mentored and developed a team of five, resulting in three promotions and improved productivity by 20%.’
- Show problem-solving: Employers love candidates who tackle challenges head-on. Reflect on the problems you encountered and how you resolved them. For example: ‘Streamlined invoicing system, reducing errors by 30% and cutting processing time by two days.’
- Include positive change: Did you make a process faster, save costs, or enhance efficiency? Detail those improvements, and don’t shy away from showcasing your ingenuity.
- Be specific: Avoid vague descriptions like ‘Worked with clients.’ Instead, say ‘Collaborated with 10+ clients, delivering tailored solutions that improved customer retention rates by 15%.’
- Tailor impact to the Role: Each job application deserves a tailored CV that highlights your most relevant achievements. Use the language of the job description to make your results resonate with hiring managers.
Whether you’re applying for a leadership position, a technical role, or an entry-level job, focusing on impact is always essential.
Even for junior roles, outcomes like ‘Exceeded weekly targets by 15% consistently’ or ‘Improved team workflow with new documentation practices’ can set you apart. Don’t underestimate the power of small victories, they add up to create a compelling narrative about your value as a candidate.
Ultimately, your CV should answer one key question: “What difference did you make?”
By highlighting your outcomes, results, and impact, you show hiring managers why you’re the right fit for their team. After all, a CV isn’t just a record of what you’ve done .. it’s a showcase of what you can do.
Transform your CV into a results-driven document, and let your achievements tell the story.
When done right, it can turn ‘just another application’ into a standout moment that lands you the interview, and then hopefully .. the perfect job!
