UK CV Optimisation Tips & Insights

CV Optimisation Topic Categories

Mastering CV format, layout design, and visual hierarchy for maximum readability.

Optimising content, tone of voice, and writing style to compel recruiters.

Technical strategies to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI filters.

Tactical advice for career gaps, industry pivots, and salary negotiation.

How to Fit Your CV on One Page - Struggling to fit your CV on one page? These formatting techniques create space without sacrificing readability or professionalism.
How to Structure a Two-Page CV - Page one hooks. Page two proves. Learn how to split your content across two pages so recruiters read both—and remember you.
CV Spacing Settings: Margins, Line Height & More - Get the exact margin, line spacing, and section break settings for a professional CV. Copy these numbers into Word or Google Docs.
Why White Space Makes Your CV Easier to Read - White space helps recruiters scan your CV in seconds. Learn why empty space isn't wasted space—and how it guides the reader's eye to what matters.
Should Your CV Have a Footer? - CV footers are optional but useful for multi-page documents. Learn what to include and what to avoid in your CV footer.

How to Write Shorter CV Bullets Without Losing Impact - Tight on space? Learn how to cut words from your CV bullets while keeping the achievements that matter. Less fluff, more punch.
The 3 Questions Every CV Profile Must Answer - Strong CV profiles answer three questions: why this field, what you bring, and what sets you apart. Use this framework to write a compelling summary.
The Specificity Rule: Why "Reading" Wastes a Line - Generic hobbies add nothing. Learn how to rewrite vague interests into specific, memorable lines that make recruiters pause.
Quantifying the Unquantifiable (The "Result" Problem) - Struggling to find the "Result" for your STAR bullet point? You don't always need money or percentages. Learn how to quantify "soft" achievements.
The "Why Hired" Hook: Contextualising Your Role - Don't start your job entry with a boring list of duties. Learn how to write a "Mandate Paragraph" that explains exactly why they hired you to solve a problem.

The "%20" Filename Error - Why you should never use spaces in your CV filename. Learn how web browsers convert spaces into ugly "%20" characters that look unprofessional.
The "PDF vs. Word" Parse Debate (2025 Edition) - The old advice was "Always Word." The new advice is "PDF First." We explain why modern parsers prefer PDF and the one specific exception where Word wins.
Keyword Strategy: Optimising Without Stuffing - ATS systems match your CV against job descriptions. Learn how to use keywords naturally without triggering spam filters or looking desperate.
The ATS Landscape: Which Robots Are Reading Your CV? - Not all ATS systems are equal. Learn which platforms Fortune 500 companies, agencies, and SMBs use—and how each one parses your CV differently.
How ATS Systems Read Your CV Header - ATS parsers extract your name, email, and phone from the header. Learn how to format contact details so robots read them correctly.

What Happens After You Click "Apply" - Ever wondered where your CV goes after you hit submit? We trace the journey from upload to inbox—and explain why you never heard back.
One-Page or Two-Page CV? How to Decide - Not sure if your CV should be one page or two? Your experience level and target role determine the answer. Here's how to choose.
Why This Industry? Answering the Career Change Question - Career changers must explain why they want in. Learn how to frame your transition as a logical step, not a leap of faith.
When Hobbies Help Your CV (And When They Hurt) - Should you list hobbies on your CV? Only if they prove something. Learn when interests strengthen your application and when they waste space.
The "Seniority Test": Why Executives Use SOAR, Not STAR - Are you sounding too junior? The STAR method focuses on "Tasks," while the SOAR method focuses on "Objectives." Learn which one signals leadership potential.