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CV checklist
Work through the list to make sure your CV is doing its job. Tick each item as you go and your progress saves in your browser, so you can come back to it any time.
0 of 28 items complete.
The basics
Contact details
Personal statement
Work experience
Skills and qualifications
Presentation
Before you send
Do
- Tailor it to each job. A generic CV is easy to spot and easy to reject.
- Lead with results. "Cut picking errors by a fifth" beats "responsible for picking".
- Keep it clean and skimmable. A recruiter may give it 20 seconds on the first pass.
- Use the same words as the advert for key skills, so it clears any filters.
- Keep it current. Update dates, job titles and contact details before you send.
Do not
- Do not lie or exaggerate. It unravels fast at interview or in checks.
- Do not use a jokey or old email address. Set up a plain one if you need to.
- Do not add a photo, date of birth or marital status. They are not needed and can invite bias.
- Do not let it sprawl past two pages. Cut the oldest, least relevant detail first.
- Do not send it with typos. One careless mistake can cost you the interview.
Happy with your CV? Give your cover letter the same treatment, then start applying.
CV sorted? Time to apply.
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