CV help & tips
Need help improving your CV? Our expert CV advice covers everything from how to write a CV and what to include, to formatting, structure, layout, key skills, and the best words to use. These practical CV tips will help you tailor your application, explain gaps in employment, and present your experience clearly to employers. Whether you’re writing your first CV or refining an existing one, you’ll find step-by-step guidance, examples, and expert insights to help your CV stand out for the right reasons.
14 of the best retail skills for your CV
Here are 14 of the best retail skills for your CV – from active listening to commercial awareness – plus tips on how to showcase them to employers.
How to read a job description (and use it to apply)
Learn how to decode job descriptions, uncover what employers really want, and use those clues to write a stronger application.
VIDEO: How to write a CV that gets you hired (step-by-step tutorial)
Watch our step-by-step video guide on how to write a CV that gets you hired. Includes a breakdown of CV sections, formatting tips, and expert advice.
Should I use a template to write my CV?
Considering using a template to write your CV? Here are some template pros and cons - and what you need to know to get started.
What are KPIs? Definition and examples
What is a KPI? We explain the definition, provide examples for marketing, sales and HR, and show you how to use them to boost your CV.
Job application forms: What you need to know
From job application tips to what to include, read our essential guide to acing your application. Also includes an example job application form.
How to get a reference
Struggling with references? From who to ask to handling bad reviews, read our essential guide on how to get a reference for a job.
Personal statement examples for jobs
Struggling with your CV? Check out our personal statement examples for jobs, tailored to career stages and industries, to help you stand out.
Five personal qualities valued by employers
To make sure you’re highlighting your attributes as well as your skills, here are five personal qualities most valued by employers.
Does your CV pass the seven second test?
Recruiters spend just seven seconds scanning a CV. Find out how to grab attention fast with with our tips on layout, brevity, and relevancy.
Five organisational skills to add to your CV
To help you add value to your applications, here’s what you need to know about organisational skills (and how to include them in your CV).
What is a CV?
What is a CV and what does it stand for? We explain the definition of a CV, what to include, and how to format it to get you hired.
How to tailor your CV to a job description
Learn how to tailor your CV to a job description to stand out to recruiters - with examples and top tips to get you hired.
How far back should a CV go?
Wondering how many years of experience to show on your CV? Our guide helps you decide what to include from your long career history.
What are soft skills?
Not sure what your skills are? To find out how to make the most of them, here’s our guide on soft skills – and how they could help land your next job.
The best CV skills every employer wants to see
Discover the best CV skills that employers value most, and learn how to showcase your soft and hard skills with real-world examples.
CV layout examples
Browse the best CV layout examples for your situation. From traditional to creative formats, find the CV layout to land a job you'll love.
Eight ways to make your CV stand out
Found a job you like? Excellent. Now it's time to write the perfect CV. Here are five of our top tips to help yours stand out...
How to explain a gap in your CV
To help make sure your career break isn't holding you back, here are a few tips on how to explain a gap in your CV - and examples to suit your situation.
How to write a CV education section (with examples)
Learn what to include in the education section of your CV, with examples for graduates, school leavers, and experienced professionals.
CV layout: dos and don'ts
Even the best CV in the world can be let down by poor presentation. To help yours stand out, here's our list of CV layout dos and don'ts...
How long should a CV be?
In today’s competitive job market, the length of your CV can be crucial in determining whether you get the job. Learn how to keep your CV short, and get straight to the point.
The best words to use in a CV (and the ones to avoid)
It can be tempting to use the same phrases and adjectives when writing your CV. Learn how to say something different, and set yourself apart.
How to write a CV
Writing a CV can be stressful, especially if you’re starting from scratch. To help inspire you, here are our tips on how to write a CV.
FAQs
What words and phrases do we recommend using on your CV?
Some lines could be killing your CV, without you even knowing. We recommend using positive, action-orientated phrases, and ditching the clichés. Examples of some words you should be using on your CV include planned, implemented and achieved - but there are many more other proactive phrases to choose from.
What’s our advice to explain a gap in your CV?
If you’ve been out of work for a while, knowing how to explain a gap in your CV may be daunting. Our advice is to be honest, and address any gaps early on. You don’t need to apologise - just be proactive. If you’re struggling, our career break CV template will help get you started.
What’s the best way to make your CV stand out?
There are lots of great ways to make your CV stand out from the crowd. The best way to start is by finding your USPs and tailoring them to the job description. You could also try using some creative CV layout examples, to ensure your application is up-to-scratch.