CV Optimiser guide

Why is my CV not getting responses?

If you are applying for relevant roles and hearing nothing back, the issue is often not your whole career history. It is usually the way your CV presents relevance, evidence and fit for the specific role.

Who this is for

  • Job seekers applying regularly with little response
  • People using the same CV for very different roles
  • Candidates who are unsure what recruiters notice first

What the checker looks for

  • A clear target role in the top third
  • Evidence that matches the job description
  • Strong outcomes rather than duty-only bullets
  • Readable formatting that works when scanned quickly

Quick manual checks

  • Read only the top third and ask what role it points to
  • Highlight every line that directly supports the target job
  • Check whether your strongest examples appear on page one
  • Remove weak details that distract from the role

Common reasons CVs get ignored

Generic positioning, unclear target roles, missing keywords, weak evidence and poor formatting can all make a good candidate look irrelevant. The first fix is to compare your CV against one job description, not against a vague idea of a good CV.

What to fix first

Start with target role clarity, then strengthen the top third, then rewrite bullets so they show outcomes. Formatting matters too, but clear relevance usually makes the biggest difference.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check first for why a CV is not getting responses?

Start with relevance. Your CV should show the target role, the right evidence and the language from the job description in the first page.

How many keywords should I add?

Add the important keywords you can honestly support with experience. A smaller number of well-evidenced terms is better than a long list that feels forced.

Will an ATS reject my CV because of formatting?

It can happen if core content is hidden in tables, images or unusual layouts. Clear headings, plain text order and readable bullet points are safer.

How does CV Optimiser help?

It compares your CV with a job description, shows missing keywords and highlights the fixes most likely to improve employer response.

Check your CV before you apply

Paste your CV and a job description into CV Optimiser to get a more detailed match report.