Your CV is more than just a document - it’s your personal story. It tells potential employers who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re the right person for the job. Whether you’re applying for a role in warehousing, cleaning, hospitality, commercial, or industrial sectors, your CV is often your first impression, so it’s important to make it a strong one.
At Abacus Employment Services, we’ve helped thousands of candidates find work they love, and we know what employers are really looking for. Here’s how you can create a CV that highlights your skills, avoids common mistakes, and helps you stand out.
Structure Matters: Keep It Clear and Focused
A great CV should be easy to read and well organised. Use clear section headings and bullet points so employers can quickly scan for key information.
A simple format that works:
- Name and Contact Information
- Personal Statement - A few lines about your experience, strengths, and what you’re looking for
- Key Skills - Tailored to the role you’re applying for
- Work Experience - Start with the most recent job and work backwards
- Education & Training
- References - Or state “Available on request”
Quick win: Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri, and avoid large blocks of text.
Highlight the Right Skills
For hands-on roles, practical skills matter. Think about what the employer is looking for and reflect that in your CV.
Examples of relevant skills:
- Forklift or pallet truck operation
- Stock control or inventory management
- Customer service or cash handling
- Cleaning and hygiene standards
- Teamwork and communication
Even if your experience isn’t from a similar role, many skills are transferable—think time management, attention to detail, or being able to work under pressure.
Quick win: Look at the job advert and mirror some of the language they use when describing your skills.
Don’t Underestimate “Small” Experience
Short-term, part-time, or voluntary work still counts-especially in service-led industries. What matters is showing how your experience proves you can do the job.
Instead of:
“Worked in a warehouse briefly.”
Try:
“Worked as a Warehouse Operative for 3 months, picking and packing orders in a fast-paced environment. Gained experience using handheld scanners and working to deadlines.”
Quick win: Use action words like “managed,” “operated,” “supported,” or “delivered” to bring your experience to life.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even strong candidates can miss out if their CV has simple errors. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Spelling or grammar mistakes – Use a spellchecker or ask someone to review it
- Missing contact details – Always include your phone number and a professional email address
- Too much personal info – You don’t need to list age, gender, or a full address
- Being too vague – Be specific about your duties and achievements
Quick win: Print out your CV or read it aloud to catch anything that doesn’t sound right.
Your CV is Just the Start — Let’s Tell Your Story Together
At Abacus, we don’t just match CVs to jobs — we get to know the person behind the paper. We’ll help you craft a CV that brings out your strengths and opens doors to new opportunities.
Whether you're just starting out, returning to work, or ready for a new challenge, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Need help perfecting your CV?
Contact your local Abacus team today or drop in for a friendly chat — let’s make your story count.