May 2023

5 Secrets on Creating a Stand Out CV

Career AdviceJob Search Tips
5 Secrets On Creating A Stand Out Cv

It can be tough to stand out in a competitive job market. Your CV is up-to-date, you're saying all the right things, but something’s missing—your phone isn't ringing with new opportunities.

Paul Norman, Managing Director at Glocomms Europe, has over 10 years of experience in the industry, and he's here to help. Discover Paul’s top five secrets to getting noticed by talent managers and recruiters, from perfecting your CV to making a lasting impact after that coveted interview spot.

1. It’s a numbers game

Let’s start with the most obvious one: how you’ve improved sales is one of the best ways to stand out. Make sure your CV is packed with impressive metrics. And we're talking about relevant numbers here—not your fantasy football league wins (as cool as that is), but sales figures and deal cycles.

Metrics to include:

  • Revenue you generated
  • Average deal size/order value
  • The size of the accounts/customers you’ve managed (e.g., enterprise or mid-market)
  • Average deal cycle length
  • The number of new accounts you’ve acquired (percentage of net new vs. existing business)
  • The number of accounts you’ve expanded

2. Appearances matter

Making your CV easy to digest is key to catching attention. Put the most important facts right at the top, in an intro and skills section, starting with the benefits rather than the features.

It’s also crucial to update your LinkedIn profile when you’re job hunting. Sounds basic, but when you celebrate your achievements publicly, you build your credibility with potential employers, showing them that your accomplishments are accurate and honest. #Humblebrag

3. Get geeky—Be an expert

Once you've laid out the top-level numbers in your CV, it’s time to show why you’re the sales specialist everyone wants. Stand out from the pack by adding context that proves you're the go-to expert. Make sure you include:

  • Regional expertise: What territories have you sold into (e.g., North America, EMEA, APAC)?
  • Industry verticals: Which sectors do you specialise in, like tech, energy, retail, or healthcare?
  • Key contacts: Who do you typically sell to? Marketing, finance, operations?

Don’t forget to mention any specific sales methodologies you excel in, like the Challenger Sales Model or Customer-Centric Selling.

Quick note: make sure you can back up all of this expertise. You don’t want to be the person claiming they speak a language only to struggle when asked to demonstrate it in the interview. Awkward.

4. Inject some personality

Got an interesting hobby? Add it to your CV. Some of the best interview conversations have revolved around unique interests. You never know—your hiring manager might be as passionate about karaoke, Warhammer, or fly fishing as you are.

This is also a great way for hiring managers to gauge your cultural fit. We’re not just looking for top sellers; we’re looking for candidates who align with the company’s core values.

As a general rule, recruiters want talent with genuine drive, enthusiasm, and resilience. Show them you can adapt, overcome challenges, and understand the true meaning of success.

5. Stand out IRL (in real life)

Want to make a lasting impression? It’s not just about wearing a bright shirt—it’s about being strategic. While doing your research for an interview is a basic step, one way to really boost your profile post-interview is to follow up with value-adding information.

For example, I've seen candidates reach out to the hiring manager after the interview with a relevant news article or a potential lead they've spotted, demonstrating that they were engaged and paying attention during the interview.

Put these secrets to the test

Ready to take your career to the next level? Browse the latest tech sales jobs and send us your CV. Let Glocomms help you land your next great opportunity.

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By your side every step of the way, here at Glocomms your job journey is our journey too. Discover your next role today.