The 6-Second CV Rule: Are You Ready?

Did you know that recruiters spend an average of just 6-8 seconds scanning your CV before deciding whether to keep reading? That means your CV needs to make an impact—fast. ⏳

Here’s how to pass the 6-second test and keep recruiters engaged:

1️⃣ Use a Clear, Easy-to-Read Format

✔ Font matters – Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 10-12).

✔ White space is your friend – Avoid dense paragraphs; use bullet points to improve readability.

✔ Consistent formatting – Keep margins, font sizes, and spacing uniform.

2️⃣ Start with a Strong Summary, Not an Outdated Objective

❌ Outdated: “Seeking a challenging role where I can utilize my skills in marketing.”

✅ Impactful: “Finance professional with 5+ years of experience driving profitability and optimizing financial strategies. Proven track record of enhancing revenue growth by 30% through data-driven analysis, strategic financial planning, and risk management. Expertise in financial modeling, investment analysis, and market research to support business decisions and maximize ROI.”

Your summary should immediately tell the recruiter what you bring to the table and be aligned to the role you are applying for with relevant keywords.

3️⃣ Prioritize Key Information at the Top

🔹 Your name & contact info – Make it easy to reach you!

🔹 Headline or branding statement – Ex: “Finance Analyst | Power BI | SAP ”

🔹 Key skills – Add a skills section with industry-relevant keywords.

4️⃣ Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Recruiters want to see impact, not just tasks. Every bullet point should show results.

❌ Weak: “Managed social media accounts.”

✅ Strong: “Increased engagement by 40% in 6 months, leading to a 25% boost in website traffic.”

Use this formula: Action verb + Task + Impact

5️⃣ Keep It Concise & Relevant

📌 1 page – Entry-level or early career

📌 2 -3 pages – Mid-career professionals

📌 3+ pages – Senior level or highly technical fields

Only include recent, relevant experience—don’t waste space on outdated or unrelated jobs.

6️⃣ Make It Easy for Recruiters to Contact You

✅ Include your LinkedIn profile (ensure it’s optimized!).

✅ Use a professional email address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com, not coolguy123@yahoo.com).

🚀 Challenge: Would Your CV Pass the 6-Second Test?

‘NEED HELP’ - I can support you optimise your CV! Let’s get your resume recruiter-ready. 👇