The CV signals that move us to a first call
Recruiters skim. Here's what catches our eye in the first ten seconds — and what gets a CV closed before page two.
Recruiters skim. Here's what catches our eye in the first ten seconds — and what gets a CV closed before page two.
The top third is everything
Name, current role, one-line summary, and the most recent two roles with outcomes. That is what gets read.
Everything below is read only if the top third earned it.
Outcomes beat responsibilities
'Managed the data platform' tells me nothing. 'Took platform availability from 99.2 to 99.95 across 18 months' tells me you measure your own work.
Skip the personal statement
Generic statements at the top of the CV are wallpaper. They are skipped by every recruiter, every time. Use that space for one specific, recent achievement.
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How to read a startup before you accept the offer
The questions to ask, the people to talk to, and the public signals that tell you what the deck won't.
