CV guides

How to make your CV answer the advert you're applying for. Plain advice, no myths, and nothing you'd have to make up.

• Match your CV to a job descriptionThe step-by-step way to tailor your CV to one advert.
• What a CV score meansHow the score out of 10 is worked out, and its limits.
• ATS keywords explainedWhat applicant tracking systems do, without the myths.
• Answer screening questionsYes/no, experience and free-text questions, done well.
• Read a job advertSpot the real must-haves before you change a word.
• Write CV bullet pointsA simple pattern for lines a recruiter can't misread.
• Transferable skillsChanging career? Link what you've done to what they ask.
• Missing a requirementDeal-breaker or wish? Closest experience, honestly.
• Tailor your CV in 20 minutesA quick routine you can repeat for every application.
• Personal statement for a jobThree or four lines that answer the advert.

CV advice by job

What adverts for your job usually ask for, with example lines: see every job.

• Care workerCare homes and home care: training, checks and care plans.
• NurseNMC registration, clinical skills, band and specialty.
• Teaching assistantSEND support, interventions, behaviour and safeguarding.
• AdministratorMicrosoft 365, accuracy, diaries, systems and priorities.
• AccountantACA, ACCA or CIMA, month-end, reporting and systems.
• Software engineerLanguages, frameworks, cloud, testing and delivery.
• Project managerDelivery, budgets, risks, stakeholders and methods.
• Customer service advisorPhones, email and chat, CRM, complaints and targets.
• Sales executiveTargets, pipeline, prospecting, CRM and closing.
• Warehouse operativePicking, scanners, MHE licences, safety and shifts.