Did you know that 88% (Glassdoor) of hiring managers say an outdated CV is one of the biggest red flags when recruiting? Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to switch industries, your CV is your foot in the door – and if it’s dusty, cluttered, or outdated, that door might stay firmly shut.
At Lateral Connect, we’re passionate about helping our students and partners stay ahead in the fast-moving world of cybersecurity and beyond. That includes making sure your personal brand – starting with your CV – reflects your most current skills, achievements, and aspirations. Just like your inbox or workspace, your CV deserves a seasonal refresh. Our step-by-step guide will help you cut the clutter, highlight your impact, and make a strong impression in today’s competitive job market.
From deleting irrelevant roles to aligning your online presence, we break it all down for you.
A Spring Cleaning Guide for Your CV
Getting asked for your CV only to realise you haven’t touched it in years? You’re not alone. Many professionals avoid updating their CV until they’re pressed for time – but that delay can cost you opportunities. Our CV spring-cleaning guide will help you refresh and future-proof your CV in just seven smart steps:
1. Delete the Clutter
Your CV isn’t an autobiography. Remove outdated or irrelevant experiences that no longer reflect your goals or today’s market needs. Focus only on skills and roles that align with where you’re heading.
2. Summarise Your Journey
Older roles (especially those 10+ years back) only need job titles, employers, and dates. Prioritise your recent experience and how it shows your growth.
3. Evaluate and Update Language
Does your CV communicate your true value? Rewrite vague job descriptions. Tailor your wording to reflect your current goals and compare how others in your industry describe similar roles.
4. Add Your Latest Experience
Include your current job with a results-focused summary. What do you actually do day to day? What have you achieved? Use figures where possible – they add instant credibility.
5. Format for Impact
Two pages max. Use a clean, modern layout with a mix of bullet points and short paragraphs. Choose an easy-to-read font (no larger than 11pt) and remove the fluff.
6. Check and Get Feedback
Proofread carefully, then ask someone for honest feedback. If they find something unclear or too jargon-heavy, recruiters likely will too. Better yet, submit it for a professional critique (like with our Careers Team!).
7. Align with Your Online Profile
Once your CV shines, make sure your LinkedIn reflects it too. Recruiters will check. A consistent, polished personal brand boosts your credibility and confidence.
Keeping your CV fresh isn’t just smart – it’s empowering. It reminds you of how far you’ve come and makes sure you’re ready when the right opportunity comes knocking.
No matter where you are in your career, your CV is a powerful tool – and it should always be ready to work for you. By making CV spring-cleaning a habit, you stay prepared, confident, and fully aligned with your evolving goals.
At Lateral Connect, we support our mentees not just through world-class training and mentoring, but by helping them showcase their value to future employers. Whether you’re a student looking to launch your career or a business keen to hire impact-ready talent, we’re here to connect you with opportunity.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more career tips, insider insights, and cybersecurity updates that help you stay sharp and ready for what’s next. Let’s shape the future of tech, together.
Responses