25 Jul 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
How to make your CV more searchable
Have you ever wondered how recruiters find you on a job board? They use special search engines and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Just like Google or Yahoo, these search engines will pick out specific keywords as they look at applicant profiles on our jobs board.
While you can certainly give yourself an edge by following some basic ground rules when it comes to writing your CV, optimising it for a search engine could be that extra step that puts you on the path to your next role. It’s also just one of the things you can do to help you improve the chances of job search success.
Job Description Detective Work
The idea of putting keywords into your CV might seem daunting, but fear not: Job descriptions will usually give you plenty of pointers. Read the descriptions of roles similar to those you’re looking for. Make a note of how roles are described, what titles they have, and what key skills the employer is looking for.
You can then use this terminology in your own CV to increase the chances of search software finding you. It’s important to note that you should try and spread these words out throughout your CV as much as you can, rather than bunching them up all in one place.
Sector specific terminology
Let’s say you’ve got plenty of experience as a trauma counsellor, and you’re looking for something similar as your next role. Putting ‘trauma counsellor’ as a previous role will certainly get a hit on any search that includes the complete term (trauma counsellor) or separate terms (warehouse + manager), but what if a recruiter is searching for a trauma-informed specialist or recovery counsellor? In order to make sure any potential searches of this kind discover your CV, you need to include these terms too.
The best way to do this is to make sure you include a variety of terms for your roles. You might use ‘Trauma Counsellor’ as the main job title for example, but then, as you describe the role, say something like: ‘As a trauma-informed specialist, it was my responsibility to...’ and so on.
Additionally, make sure to throw around industry jargon and acronyms as much as you can. Recruiters will use industry specific terms in their searches, especially for more specialised or niche positions. Use these terms and spread them throughout your CV as much as is feasible, for example, as a 'UKCP registered counsellor' and so on.
It probably goes without saying, but avoid spamming certain words just for the sake of it. Use terms wisely to avoid unnecessary repetition.
Get into the details
The skills section on your CV is another area that can really help you get picked up in a search. Many employers and recruiters will be looking for certain skills, and you can guarantee these will put into the search terms.
Let’s say you’re an Art Therapist – instead of simply putting ‘using creative tools to help with self-expression' in your skills section, include key words and unique experience with different mediums such as 'therapeutic storytelling', 'sculpture', 'drawing', 'collage', painting', and so on. These more specific terms will instantly make your CV more visible to more specific searches that might have missed it otherwise.
The same is true for your education or professional registration status. Make sure to state the exact nature of any qualification (Bachelor of Science/Art Degree, MBA, etc) as well as the place you got it from – some universities or institutions can add additional search quality to your CV - as well as the exact membership type and regulator / accrediting body, for example HCPC registered, BACP Accredited Member, and so on.
Format Finesse
This can be a tricky one, because it really depends on where you’re uploading your CV.
Most of the automated software used by recruiters is designed to pick out certain search terms, for example, recruiters can search your Applicant Profile using our CV Matching Service.
We recommend uploading your full CV in a .doc or .docx format, alongside your online applicant profile.
Now you’ve got the tools to make your CV more searchable than ever, don’t forget to register for free to create your searchable harmonia applicant profile so we can help you find your next role!
Build a free CV
You can craft your CV for free using the online CV Wizard, powered by JobLookup.
CV Writing Service
Or for just £49 our friendly team of CV writing experts will create a bespoke, fully optimised and designed harmonia applicant profile and accompanying CV for you. Simply send you details to us with subject title 'CV Writing Service' to get started.
