Why Your CV Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)
- Sarah Bryer
- Apr 6
- 2 min read

Everyone seems to have an opinion about your CV.
Your mum, your partner, your friend, your boss, even recruitment consultants—they all have advice to share. But here’s the truth: your CV is probably fine… if it was being handed directly to a human.
Recruitment consultants in agencies are more likely to actually look at CVs. They’re less reliant on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and more likely to progress candidates with CVs that don’t follow the “rules.”
I’ve seen humans progress CVs that are five pages long, use the “wrong” font, include columns, or even have photos.
But here’s the catch: the problem isn’t your CV’s format or font—it’s a technical issue.
When you apply for a job through a job board, your CV is fed into an ATS. This system isn’t judging your CV based on how it looks; it’s scanning for keywords and phrases to determine whether your CV makes it to the top of the pile.
It’s not about aesthetics—it’s about data analytics.
So, if you’re tired of hearing the same advice:
“Just add more achievements!” (Yes, it’s a good idea.)
“Keep it to two pages!” (Not a bad shout.)
“Be patient; the right job is just around the corner!” (🙄)
It’s time to stop hoping and praying. This isn’t going to work.
We need to approach your CV as a technical task. It’s about analysing the data, understanding what the ATS is looking for, and tailoring your CV to the specific job you’re applying for.
This is where I can help.
I specialise in CV optimisation that strikes the perfect balance:
Human and ATS-friendly: Your CV will feel natural and authentic while still containing the right keywords.
Tailored to every job: We use advanced technology to analyse job specs and ensure your CV is perfectly aligned with the role.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start landing interviews, get in touch today. Let’s transform your CV into a tool that works for you—not against you.
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