When you submit your CV, a recruiter’s first glance often lasts no more than ten seconds. In that short moment, they decide whether to keep reading or move on. Understanding how recruiters scan a CV helps you present your experience in a way that grabs attention instantly and communicates your value clearly.

What Recruiters Look For First

Recruiters don’t read every CV word by word. They scan for structure, clarity, and key information that matches the job. The top section, your name, position title, and professional summary, creates the first impression. If it’s confusing, cluttered, or too long, the rest may never be read.

They focus on:

• ✅ Job Titles and Dates: Clear career progression shows stability and experience.
• ✅ Company Names and Roles: Recognizable brands or properties add credibility.
• ✅ Skills and Achievements: Quantifiable results stand out. Percentages, numbers, and guest satisfaction scores draw the eye.
• ✅ Relevance: Recruiters want to see that your background fits the specific job they’re hiring for.

How to Capture Attention Quickly

To pass the 10 second test, your CV must be clean, structured, and easy to follow. Start with a short professional summary highlighting your strongest points. Use bullet points to break down your experience, and start each one with an action verb like “Led,” “Improved,” or “Delivered.”

Make the first third of your CV the most powerful part, it’s what recruiters read first. Mention your years of experience, your area of expertise, and one or two major accomplishments.

The Power of Visual Simplicity

Formatting plays a big role in readability. Stick to a single font and a simple layout. Leave enough white space between sections. Avoid dense text blocks or decorative elements that make it harder to scan. Remember, clarity shows confidence.

Why This Approach Works

Recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for one role. When your CV is easy to scan, you’re showing respect for their time and making their job easier. It reflects your ability to communicate efficiently, an essential skill in hospitality.

By designing your CV for readability, you move from being another name on a list to a candidate worth calling.

Your CV has only a few seconds to impress. Use them wisely to tell your story clearly, confidently, and purposefully.