CV Advice

We know that no two career paths look the same, so we’ve pulled together our best advice to help you navigate yours. Whether you're fixing a formatting glitch, returning after a break, or tackling those tricky personal questions, you’ll find a guide here for just about every hurdle you might face.

Updated for 2026

The Essentials: What Actually Makes a Good CV?

Start here for a straight-talking look at what a great CV needs to do right now. From getting past the "robots" (ATS) to making sure you actually sound like a human, this guide is your best jumping-off point for everything else on this page.

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Quick Diagnostics

Identify why your current applications might be failing and fix critical issues immediately.

Why Your CV is Not Securing Interviews

Preparing Your CV for ATS Scanners

Solving Common CV Formatting Problems

Core Writing Essentials

Learn the technical and content basics required for a standout professional application.

Personal Profiles: Crafting a High-Impact Opening

Building a Results-Driven Achievements CV

How Far Back Should a CV Go? (Chronology Rules)

Essential CV Proofreading Tools & Techniques

Improve Your CV with Power Verbs

Using the STAR Method for Performance Evidence

Reducing Pages: Streamlining Long Career Histories

Hobbies & Interests: What to Include and What to Cut

Design & Technical Hub

Visual professionalism and technical accessibility for recruiters and software.

Effective Use of White Space

What Font Should I Use on a CV? (The Current Standard)

CV Design Strategy: The Quadrant Method

Optimising Your CV for Digital Job Boards

SEO Principles For Your CV and LinkedIn Profile

Using White Font to Cheat ATS Scanners? The Verdict

Executive Strategy

Positioning for leadership, interim management, and board-level appointments.

Building a Board-Level CV Narrative

Executive CVs vs Executive Biographies

The Executive AI Trap: Why Automation Fails Leaders

Strategies for Non-Executive Director (NED) CVs

The Interim Executive CV: A Strategy for UK Leaders

Transitions & Special Situations

Specialist help for career breaks, international moves, and contracting.

Medicine for a Spotty CV: Explaining Employment Gaps

Writing a CV After a Long Career Break

Stay-at-Home Parent CV: Bridging the Return-to-Work

Writing a CV With Little (Or No) Experience

Self-Employed Professionals: Do You Need a CV?

Coming Out of Retirement Strategy Guide

Preparing a CV for Jobs in the Middle East

Contractor CV Strategy: Navigating IR35 Changes

Going in Blind: How to Write an Effective Blind CV

Dumbing Down a CV: A Strategic Tool for Transition

Compliance & Inclusivity

How to manage disclosure, health history, and ethical considerations.

Neurodivergent CV Guide: Showcasing Strengths

Disclosing Dyslexia On a CV: Strategic Pros & Cons

Mentioning Disability on a CV Professionally

Returning to Work After Illness: Narrative Strategy

The Failure CV: Turning Setbacks into Career Strengths

Should I Mention I was Sacked on my CV?

The Risks of Dishonesty: Should I Lie on my CV?

Criminal Record Strategy: Should I Include it?

Using ChatGPT to Write a CV: Modern Ethics & Impact

Definitive FAQs

Quick answers to persistent applicant dilemmas and concerns.

Should I Include a Photo? (The UK Rule)

How Personal Should Your CV Be?

Dealing with being Overqualified on a CV

Are You Alienating Recruiters? Red Flags to Omit

Things Recruiters Don't Want to See on a CV

Handling "Reasons for Leaving" Professionally