What I looked for when hiring (and some reminders)

Recently, I recruited for a role within my marketing team.

This process prompted me to consider and share a few reflections—from a hiring manager’s perspective—as a helpful reminder for professionals considering a CV refresh, graduates entering the market, or anyone thinking about their next move. It also prompted me to do a quick refresh of my CV!

1.     An active LinkedIn profile really matters

Your CV may open the door, but LinkedIn often provides the context.

An effective profile doesn’t mean constant posting—it means:

• Your current role and dates are accurate

• Your experience aligns with your CV

• Your summary clearly reflects what you do and where you add value

Showing a bit of personality also matters. I recently attended an online u&u. Recruitment Partners Marketing Manager Career Playbook session hosted by Helen Cooper and Megan Stewart , and they reinforced just how essential LinkedIn is in prompting outcomes and showcasing personality while highlighting those epic career and work wins.

2. A clear, outcome‑focused CV stands out

The CVs that resonated most were simple, structured, and easy to scan.

What worked well:

• Clear role descriptions

• Achievements over task lists

• Outcomes that demonstrated impact

• Programs you’ve used and are proficient in

3. Your CV title sends a signal (and yes, it’s noticed)

It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference.

Instead of “Marketing CV – V10”, consider….

“Your Name- Resume – Organisation you are applying to"

Outdated dates or generic file names can unintentionally signal that a document hasn’t been reviewed recently, and a lack of attention to detail. Including the organisation where you are applying makes the application look tailored to the role you are applying for.

4. A slightly controversial take: don’t do your CV in Canva

This won’t suit everyone, but from my perspective, highly designed resumes (particularly those created in Canva) can:

• Feel crowded when there’s a lot of information

• Make spelling errors harder to catch

• Limit accessibility and keyword searching (Word to PDF performs better here)

Clean formatting and clear content often outperforms heavy design—especially when substance matters. You can showcase your creativity and work through a separate portfolio!

These aren’t hard rules, they’re simply reflections from sitting on the other side of the table, reinforced by industry insights and a very recent hiring process.

Sometimes it’s just about stepping back and reviewing your CV and LinkedIn through fresh eyes.