Strengthen your CV without breaking a sweat

Posted on 16 May 2025 • Career planning, CVs and applications

Just like improving fitness, building a strong CV is all about consistency, the right techniques, and a solid plan.

Warm-Up: assess your strengths

Before you jump into the heavy lifting, warm up by analysing your skills and qualities. Just like stretching before a workout, this step helps prevent injury – aka sending in a rushed CV that doesn’t showcase your full potential.

Cardio: keep up the pace with research

A CV isn’t just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about tailoring it to the job you want. Do your research – just like choosing the right workout plan for your goals. Check out industry trends, job descriptions, and employer expectations to ensure your CV has the endurance to stand out.

Strength training: power up your achievements

Employers want to see results, so don’t just list responsibilities – showcase your skills. Think of it as weightlifting: don’t just say you went to the gym; demonstrate what you can do. Use quantifiable results where possible – e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of five.” Present your skills effectively, and your CV will impress.

Core work: build a strong structure

Just like a good workout focuses on core strength, a strong CV needs solid structure. Keep it clear, concise, and easy to read. Use bullet points, impactful language, and clean formatting to ensure recruiters can quickly scan and absorb the most important details. Our example CVs give some ideas for how you might structure your own.

Cool down: edit and refine

After a workout, you take time to cool down and reflect – do the same with your CV. Proofread it carefully, check for consistency, and ensure it aligns with your career goals and the role you are applying for. Review these key steps for creating a CV.

Get a personal trainer: use our AI tools

If you’re feeling stuck, try our interactive tools to help you create and review your CV. Just like having a personal trainer at the gym, having expert support can make all the difference in achieving your career goals.

 

Penny Beecroft is an OU Careers and Employability Consultant specialising in supporting students in Wales. Penny helps students navigate their futures, figure out their goals and build their confidence through one-to-one careers consultations and by designing career learning events and resources for the OU. Explore the rest of the Careers Stories page for more articles from the Careers and Employability Services team.