How to Write a CV Profile for Recruiters

Here’s what recruiters actually look for in your LinkedIn summary (and what makes them hit ‘Message’ instead of ‘Back’). After reviewing 100+ profiles and helping hundreds of job seekers land interviews, I noticed a clear pattern: The summaries that work all follow this behind-the-scenes formula 👇 🔹 1. Hook Them in the First 3 Lines Because that’s all they see before “...see more” ✅ Mention your current role + impact ✅ Highlight your biggest achievement ✅ State your career mission in 1 crisp sentence Example: “I help fast-growing startups reduce hiring time by 50% through strategic talent partnerships.” 🔹 2. Showcase Your Expertise Use the middle section to position your credibility ✅ Add 3–4 key accomplishments (with numbers) ✅ Mention tools, certifications, or relevant industries Example: “Scaled recruitment for Series A–C startups | 200+ hires closed in 2 years | Certified HRBP | ATS expert” 🔹 3. Add Your Personality This is where most professionals go cold. ✅ Write in first person ✅ Keep paragraphs short (1–2 lines) ✅ Make it feel like a coffee chat “I believe hiring isn’t about filling roles — it’s about solving real business problems through people.” 🔹 4. Insert Strategic Keywords Recruiters use search filters. So speak their language. ✅ Use job title + skills + tools in natural flow ✅ Add location if targeting a region ✅ Include industry-specific terms “Specialized in FMCG hiring | Excel | Zoho | Sourcing Strategy | Employer Branding | Gurgaon-based” 🔹 5. End with a Call-to-Action Guide them on what to do next ✅ Mention your inbox ✅ Say you're open to conversations ✅ Or direct them to your work “If you're building a high-growth team or want to discuss hiring strategies, let's connect.” ❌ What to Avoid: - Writing in third person - Overusing buzzwords like “go-getter” or “team player” - Long paragraphs without breaks - Copy-pasting from your resume ✅ Final tip: Update your summary every quarter. LinkedIn is not a “set it and forget it” platform, it’s your living, breathing digital pitch. ✨ If you found this helpful and want more hands-on guidance on LinkedIn profile writing, resume wins, and job strategy… I’m hosting a free webinar: “Get Your Dream Job with My Career Spotlight Framework.” 📍 Details are in the comments. Let’s make your profile impossible to ignore. #LinkedIntips #Careergrowth #Personalbranding #Jobsearch #Jobseekers #Careertips

As a recruiter, I don't spend a lot of time on your resume I know many of you are shocked by that statement... So let me tell you what I look for when I scan your resume: -A strong professional summary -Job Titles -The first 1-2 bullet points per experience (more towards recent experiences) -Relevant keywords, numbers, and metrics -Education (if it's a specific requirement for my open position) & Certifications That's it So, let's breakdown how we make a great first impression with each of these areas 1. Professional summary should be roughly 4 sentences, highlighting accomplishments and achievements related to the job description while adding in the relevant keywords (not buzzwords, there are differences) and quantifiable metrics. Note: For someone who has experiences that are earlier in their career they fear will get skipped over by the recruiter, the summary is a great place to bring those front and center. 2. Job Titles (you don't have to put the EXACT title you have right now, just don't flat-out lie) need to be relevant. Example: Someone applying for an account manager role with a title of outside sales rep can say "Outside sales account manager" or something to that effect. Again, don't LIE and take this too far. This is all to say you don't need to put your EXACT title. Make it relate to the field you are looking to get into with your resume. 3. Lead with your strongest bullet points first (accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z], AKA the Google Recruiter Method) then followed by your bullet points that are more about what you did in your role on a day-to-day basis. Include relevant keywords. 4. Education is simple, do you have the degree I'm looking for? Certifications are always beneficial (don't put your LinkedIn certifications on your resume, please...these need to be legit certifications) And there you have it Below in the comments I'll leave links to some articles that reference a "recruiter heat map" that will show you how we look at resumes You'll see where we spend the most of our time and the least of our time *Hint: It'll back-up what I just laid out here

Resume Advice I Gave My Friend (That You Should Use Too!) As a recruiter, I constantly get asked for career advice—especially when it comes to resumes. Recently, a close friend asked me to review hers and give honest feedback. After a quick scan, I noticed a few key areas she could improve. Here’s what I told her: 1. Turn Tasks into Accomplishments Instead of listing job duties, focus on achievements and impact using numbers and metrics. Hiring managers (especially data-driven ones) love seeing measurable results. 2. Highlight the Company’s Scale & Scope If you've worked at a large international company, mention it! This shows you’ve worked cross-functionally, collaborated across teams, and thrived in a fast-paced environment. Example: “[Company Name] – A Fortune 500 company with operations in 20+ countries.” 3. Show Career Progression—It’s a Strength, Not a Weakness My friend was hesitant to list her promotions because she started in a role she didn’t love. I told her: Show your growth! Moving from Executive Assistant to Financial Analyst is a huge accomplishment. Hiring managers love seeing career progression—it shows adaptability, drive, and success. 4. Add a Strong Summary at the Top A 2-3 sentence summary showcasing your skills, experience, and impact helps recruiters instantly understand your value. Avoid generic statements like “Looking for a job in [industry].” As recruiters, we despise this. Example: “Data-driven financial analyst with 5+ years of experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. Improved budget efficiency by 20% and optimized reporting processes to drive strategic decision-making. Passionate about leveraging data to enhance business performance and profitability.” 5. Show Your Education & Continuous Learning Even if you haven’t completed a degree, list it along with your expected graduation date. If you're taking courses, mention them! It shows you're actively investing in your professional growth. Example: “Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance (Expected 2025).” Your resume should tell your career story in a compelling way. Small changes can make a huge difference in getting noticed! If you need help refining your resume and showcasing your skills effectively, send me a DM! 😁