Think Like a Recruiter When Applying for Roles
Applying for a new role can feel overwhelming. You’re staring at a blank CV, wondering what to include, what to leave out, and how to stand out in what feels like a sea of applicants. From a candidate’s perspective, it’s easy to feel the pressure to say everything.
But here’s our best advice: think like a recruiter.
At Talent Search, we work closely with hiring managers across the creative and marketing industry, from boutique agencies to multinational brands. Our goal is simple – to find the right candidate for each role as quickly and efficiently as possible. When candidates understand this mindset, their applications instantly become stronger.
What a Recruiter Is Really Looking For
Recruiters don’t have hours to analyse every application in detail. In reality, we’re often reviewing dozens (sometimes hundreds) of CVs for a single role. The strongest applications make it easy for us to answer three key questions within seconds:
Can this person do the job?
Do they have relevant experience for this role?
Are they worth a deeper conversation?
Your CV and cover letter should be structured to answer those questions quickly and clearly.
Put Your Most Relevant Experience First
One of the most common mistakes we see is candidates burying their most relevant skills halfway down their CV. If you’re applying for a digital marketing role, your digital experience should be front and centre – not hidden beneath unrelated roles from ten years ago.
Tailor your CV for each application by:
Highlighting experience that directly matches the job description
Reordering bullet points so the most relevant achievements appear first
Removing or minimising details that don’t support your suitability for the role
This doesn’t mean rewriting your entire CV every time, but small tweaks can make a big difference.
Focus on Impact, Not Just Responsibilities
Recruiters want to see outcomes, not just a list of tasks. Instead of saying what you were responsible for, show the impact of your work.
For example:
“Managed social media accounts” becomes
“Managed social media accounts, increasing engagement by 35% over six months”“Worked on client campaigns” becomes
“Delivered multi-channel campaigns for retail clients, meeting deadlines and exceeding KPIs”
These details help recruiters quickly understand your value.
Keep Your CV Clear, Concise and Easy to Scan
A well-presented CV makes a recruiter’s job easier – and that works in your favour. Aim for:
A clean, professional layout
Clear headings and bullet points
Consistent formatting
Ideally two pages (three at a push for senior roles)
Creative roles allow for some flexibility in design, but clarity should always come first. If a recruiter has to search for key information, they’re less likely to stay engaged.
Write a Cover Letter With Purpose
A cover letter isn’t there to repeat your CV. Think of it as your opportunity to connect the dots for the recruiter.
A strong cover letter should:
Explain why you’re interested in the role and the company
Highlight 2–3 key skills or experiences that make you a strong match
Show personality while remaining professional
Avoid generic templates. Recruiters can spot them instantly. Even a short, tailored cover letter can set you apart.
Show You’ve Done Your Homework
Thinking like a recruiter also means showing that you understand the role and the business. Referencing the company, its industry, or the type of work they do demonstrates genuine interest – and tells us you’re serious about the opportunity.
Remember: Recruiters Want You to Succeed
It’s worth remembering that recruiters are on your side. Our role is to match great people with great opportunities. When your application is clear, relevant and well-structured, it makes that process smoother for everyone involved.
At Talent Search, we work with candidates at every stage of their career – from fresh graduates to experienced directors – across digital and print, in-house and agency roles, permanent positions and contracts. If you’re ever unsure how to position yourself or want guidance on your CV, we’re always happy to help.
Final Thought
When applying for roles, don’t ask “What should I include?”
Ask instead: “What does a recruiter need to see, quickly, to know I’m right for this role?”
That small shift in mindset could be the difference between being overlooked and being shortlisted.
If you’re ready to find your perfect fit in the creative and marketing industry, get in touch with Talent Search – we’ve got you covered.
