How To Write A High Impact CV

Holly Wilkinson • November 10, 2025

Why It Matters

Your CV is your shop window and in the marketing, digital and creative world, employers aren’t just scanning for responsibilities; they want proof of impact and delivery. A high-impact CV should tell your story with clarity and confidence, showing exactly how you’ve delivered results, not just carried out tasks.


In 2025, with so many applications filtered through AI screening tools, getting your CV right matters more than ever. It’s about balance, staying authentic while using technology to help you stand out.


How to Optimise Your CV  (and Use AI Effectively)

Tailor it for every role.
Mirror the skills and language in the job description, particularly around channels, tools, and performance metrics. You can use AI to help analyse a job ad and identify key terms to include (for example, using ChatGPT or an AI CV assistant). Just make sure the final wording still sounds like you as hiring managers and recruiters can spot copy-paste text a mile off.


Focus on achievements, not tasks.
Quantify your impact where possible, for example swap “Managed PPC campaigns” for “Improved PPC ROI by 35% on a £50k monthly budget.” Data gives credibility and shows real value. Add in an achievements section under your last few roles to leave the reader in no doubt that you do and have delivered results.


Show transferable skills.
If you’re moving between agency and in-house, highlight adaptability, stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration. These soft skills matter just as much as technical ones.


Structure clearly — but don’t obsess over two pages.
The “two-page rule” is dated. If your experience genuinely adds relevance or evidence of results, it’s fine to go to three pages. Just keep the layout clean, headings logical, and formatting easy to scan.


Let AI enhance — not replace — your CV.
AI can help polish structure, grammar, or keyword optimisation, but keep your authentic tone. Use tools to refine, not rewrite, and double-check that metrics, dates and job titles stay accurate.


Show creativity with clarity.
For design-led CVs, visuals should enhance and not hide your story. Keep colour, layout and fonts simple so your achievements still shine.


Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Generic phrases like “marketing guru” or “results-driven professional unless supported with data to prove it!
🚫 Listing every job you’ve ever had, instead focus on the last 10 years or most relevant experience. If you feel anything prior to this is worth including, do but stick to a short line or two detailing responsibilities or achievements rather than wordy paragraphs.
🚫 Forgetting digital tools: employers love to see familiarity with HubSpot, GA4, Meta Ads Manager or other platforms that prove your expertise.



Final Thought

A standout CV is one that sounds like you, professional, confident, and full of evidence that you deliver. Use AI to enhance, not overtake, your story. And remember: if what you’re including adds value and context, it deserves a place on the page, even if that takes an extra one.


Not sure if your CV is hitting the mark?
Upload your CV and we’ll give you honest, constructive feedback to help you stand out for all the right reasons.

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Salary Scales
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Talking about money can feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Your salary expectation sends a message: it tells an employer how you value yourself and where you see your level of contribution. Pitching it right is about balance , go too low, and you risk underselling your worth; go too high without context, and you might price yourself out of contention. Being open, informed and confident in that conversation shows self-awareness, professionalism and credibility, all qualities employers notice and respect. How to Talk About Salary with Confidence Do your homework Before the interview, research average salaries for your role, level and location. Market rates can vary significantly between agency and in-house, or between Milton Keynes and London. If you’re unsure, we can share real-time local salary benchmarks so you walk in informed. Give a realistic range It shows flexibility while setting clear expectations. If your research suggests £40k–£45k, it’s fine to say, “I’m ideally looking for something around the mid-40s, depending on the role and responsibilities.” Frame it around value, not just numbers Explain why your expectations sit where they do, link them to results, ROI, leadership experience, or specialist knowledge. For example: “I’ve managed multi-channel campaigns with £500k+ budgets, consistently delivering ROI, so I’m targeting roles around the £50k mark.” This shifts the focus from cost to contribution. Don’t undersell yourself If you say you’d “take less for the right role,” there’s a good chance you’ll be offered less. Employers typically work within budgets, not above them so set your expectation confidently and let your experience justify it. Consider the whole package Salary is important, but benefits, flexibility, progression and culture can all make a huge difference. Be ready to discuss the overall value of the opportunity, not just the pay packet. Be mindful of proof Some employers may ask for evidence of current or previous salary, such as a P60 or recent payslip. It’s not a trap, it’s part of ensuring internal parity. Just make sure your expectations align realistically with your documented history and market value. Employer Perspective Most employers set a salary range before a role goes live. If your expectations fit that window, the process moves smoothly. If they don’t, it’s better to clarify early than waste anyone’s time. And remember: once you’ve put a figure on the table, it’s rarely possible to negotiate significantly higher later so preparation really does pay off. Final Thought Salary conversations don’t need to be daunting. With the right insight and preparation, they can be empowering. Know your worth. Be honest about your expectations. And let your recruiter help position you in the best possible light, we’ll share market data, guide you through the discussion, and make sure you’re representing your value with confidence. Talk to us about salary benchmarks and negotiation advice
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By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Talking about money can feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Your salary expectation sends a message: it tells an employer how you value yourself and where you see your level of contribution. Pitching it right is about balance , go too low, and you risk underselling your worth; go too high without context, and you might price yourself out of contention. Being open, informed and confident in that conversation shows self-awareness, professionalism and credibility, all qualities employers notice and respect. How to Talk About Salary with Confidence Do your homework Before the interview, research average salaries for your role, level and location. Market rates can vary significantly between agency and in-house, or between Milton Keynes and London. If you’re unsure, we can share real-time local salary benchmarks so you walk in informed. Give a realistic range It shows flexibility while setting clear expectations. If your research suggests £40k–£45k, it’s fine to say, “I’m ideally looking for something around the mid-40s, depending on the role and responsibilities.” Frame it around value, not just numbers Explain why your expectations sit where they do, link them to results, ROI, leadership experience, or specialist knowledge. For example: “I’ve managed multi-channel campaigns with £500k+ budgets, consistently delivering ROI, so I’m targeting roles around the £50k mark.” This shifts the focus from cost to contribution. Don’t undersell yourself If you say you’d “take less for the right role,” there’s a good chance you’ll be offered less. Employers typically work within budgets, not above them so set your expectation confidently and let your experience justify it. Consider the whole package Salary is important, but benefits, flexibility, progression and culture can all make a huge difference. Be ready to discuss the overall value of the opportunity, not just the pay packet. Be mindful of proof Some employers may ask for evidence of current or previous salary, such as a P60 or recent payslip. It’s not a trap, it’s part of ensuring internal parity. Just make sure your expectations align realistically with your documented history and market value. Employer Perspective Most employers set a salary range before a role goes live. If your expectations fit that window, the process moves smoothly. If they don’t, it’s better to clarify early than waste anyone’s time. And remember: once you’ve put a figure on the table, it’s rarely possible to negotiate significantly higher later so preparation really does pay off. Final Thought Salary conversations don’t need to be daunting. With the right insight and preparation, they can be empowering. Know your worth. Be honest about your expectations. And let your recruiter help position you in the best possible light, we’ll share market data, guide you through the discussion, and make sure you’re representing your value with confidence. Talk to us about salary benchmarks and negotiation advice
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