How to Make Your CV Stand Out Without Big-Name Experience

If you’ve ever scrolled through job ads and thought, “They’d never pick me - I’ve not worked for big names,” you’re not alone. Many mid-career professionals quietly count themselves out long before they hit ‘apply’. In fact, recruiters care less about where you’ve worked and much more about what you’ve achieved there!

Your challenge is making that clear - fast. Because if your CV doesn’t tell that story in the first ten seconds, it’ll possibly never make it to interview.

1. Start with What You’ve Achieved, Not What You’ve Done

A strong CV isn’t a list of duties. It’s a highlight reel of results. Instead of: Responsible for improving customer retention …say: Improved customer retention by 20% due to introduction of new systems and processes and team training. a team of six in a

That’s impact. It shows value and initiative; the things recruiters are trained to notice. a six-person operations team that improved customer response

2. Use Keywords which mirror the job you want

Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. These systems look for matches between your CV and the job advert.

That means your CV needs to speak the same language. For example, if the advert says stakeholder management or budget forecasting, use those exact words (where true!).

You don’t need to stuff in every phrase. However, mirroring a few key terms helps ensure your CV is both readable by humans and findable by software

3. Make the Top Third Count

Recruiters skim first (up to 10 seconds), then read later. The top third of your CV- your profile and key skills - needs to summarise who you are, what you bring, and the value you deliver.

Use 4–5 lines for your profile. Focus on strengths and outcomes, not job titles.

Then, follow with a short skills section listing relevant tools, systems, and areas of expertise.

4. Keep Your Format Simple and Modern

• Forget graphics, boxes, or fancy fonts. They confuse ATS systems and distract from your content.

• Stick with clean, easy-to-read formatting: Clear headings (Profile, Key Skills, Career History, Education)

• Consistent spacing

• The length will be relative to your experience - I advocate 2-3 for people with career history

*Tip: If you’re unsure how to structure it, try one of our ready-to-edit ATS-friendly CV templates designed for UK job applications.

5. Use Numbers Wherever You Can

Quantifying results helps bring your experience to life. Instead of saying “helped to improve sales,” say “grew sales by 12% within six months.”

If you don’t have hard numbers, use scale or scope: These details make your work tangible and credible.

6. End Strong

Your final section (Education, Training, or Volunteering) is often skimmed - but it can set you apart. Highlight anything that shows initiative or growth: short courses, internal training, mentoring, or volunteering that’s relevant to your role.

Final Word

A great CV isn’t about brand names or job titles. It’s about clarity, confidence, and relevance. You don’t need a big company logo to make a strong impression - just a clear, focused story about what you deliver which is supported by what you share at interview.

If you’re ready to turn your experience into a standout CV that gets noticed, try our CV in a Day Course or explore the template library here.

To your success!

Denise Matthews

Career Coach; ElevateyourCV.UK