7 quick tips to pass the seven-second CV test

Have you heard of the seven-second CV test? The truth is, you may not realise that you only have a matter of seconds to win over a hiring manager. If your CV doesn’t hit the mark, it will be rejected fast. Let’s take a look at what the test is about and how you can pass it.

What is the seven-second CV test?

First things first, let’s talk about what the seven-second CV test is. Eye-tracking research suggests that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing each CV. 

To land an interview, you need to make the right impression in that short time. Put simply, the seven-second CV test is about hooking the reader as quickly as possible. That means making your CV attractive, easy to read, and – importantly – skimmable. 

Tips to pass the seven-second CV test 

If you’re worried that your CV doesn’t pass the test, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways to create an impactful application: 

1. Keep your CV concise

When a hiring manager looks at your CV, they should be able to get the information they need quickly and easily. If you've crammed too much onto the page, that's a recipe for disaster. The reader will take one look at your CV and feel overwhelmed.

For that reason, stick to the most relevant information. Tailor your CV to suit both the company and the job role. Once you've written a draft, take the time to edit it and remove words from your CV that don't add true value to your application.  

2. Write a catchy summary

Your professional or CV summary sits at the top of your document. Using this 3-4 line introduction effectively is a great way to hook the reader and pass the seven-second CV test. Kick things off by highlighting your best skills or achievements. The goal is to leave the reader wanting to know more. 

Consider what you bring to the table that other candidates don't. That's a great place to start. When you've pinpointed your unique selling point, showcase it front and centre.  

3. Use a simple, clear layout 

If you want to pass the seven-second CV test, presentation matters. Your CV layout should be simple, clear and be easy to read. While you may be tempted to opt for a jazzy design, that move won't do you any favours. Sometimes, less really is more! 

4. Highlight what sets you apart

Now that you have the reader's attention, you need to keep it. What achievements have you gained over the course of your professional life? Tell your career story by sharing key experiences that led up to where you are today.

To pass the seven-second CV test, your CV needs to stand out. Consider whether you have any specific training or qualifications that give you a competitive edge. You may have won awards for certain projects, for example. Whatever accolades you have under your belt, now’s the time to shout about these accomplishments on your CV. 

5. Use a readable font

If the hiring manager can’t read your CV, you won’t get far. Overly formal fonts may be traditional, but they can be hard to read on paper. For that reason, choose a CV font that looks great both on-screen and in print. Here are some examples: 

• Calibri 

• Times New Roman

• Arial

• Garamond 

• Cambria

When it comes to the font size, we recommend using either 10-point or 12-point for the body text. Your headers and titles can be slightly larger than this for emphasis. 

6. Avoid using clichés 

Clichés and generic terms are a surefire way to annoy the reader. Saying that you’re “driven” or “hard-working” may sound like a good idea, but it could backfire. The hiring manager has probably heard these terms a thousand times before – and in the seven-second CV test, they just won’t cut it.

Instead, find original and accurate ways to describe yourself. Be specific, rather than generic when listing your professional experience. Additionally, include tangible metrics and figures on your CV. These show rather than tell – illustrating what you can do for the hiring manager. 

7. Choose relevant keywords from the job ad

For most applications, you’ll need to get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before your CV even faces the hiring manager’s seven-second CV test. The ATS screens applications for keywords and ranks them based on how well they meet the job criteria. 

When crafting an ATS-friendly CV, word choice is vital. Refer back to the original job advert and pick out specific words or phrases used by the company. As long as they genuinely reflect your skills and qualifications, include these keywords on your CV to improve your chances of getting past the software and being reviewed by a real person.

Want to win over hiring managers? Grab their attention in seconds with a professional CV. Our expert-backed CV writing service equips you with a keyword-optimised application, giving you a head start over the competition. Boost your chances of success today!

Recommended reading:

• CV tips for job hoppers

• Top tips to declutter your CV

• Using colour on your CV: a quick guide to getting it right