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CV FAQs: Most common questions job seekers ask - answered

Posted about 14 hours by Jonny Grange

CV FAQs: Most common questions job seekers ask - answered

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Your CV is your first impression—and in a competitive job market, getting it right is crucial.

But with so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should it be one page or two? How do you explain career gaps? Do you really need a skills section?

As recruiters, we review hundreds of CVs daily, so we know what makes one stand out. Whether you're crafting your CV from scratch or refining it, this guide answers the most common CV questions job seekers ask—from formatting and structure to tailoring it for different roles.

By the end, you'll have the confidence to create a CV that impresses recruiters and gets results.

How should I structure my CV?

One of the most common questions job seekers ask is: how long should a CV be? The answer depends on your level of experience, but keeping it concise and relevant is key.

A well-structured CV helps recruiters and employers quickly identify the information they need.

How long should a CV be?

A CV should provide enough detail to showcase your skills and experience without overwhelming the reader. The ideal length varies depending on career stage:

Entry-level / Graduate – 1 page

If you're early in your career, one page is usually enough. Focus on your education, key skills, and any relevant experience, including internships, placements, or part-time roles.

Mid-career (a few years of experience) – 2 pages

For most professionals, two pages is the ideal length. Prioritise recent roles and key achievements and avoid listing every responsibility from previous jobs.

Senior-level / Executive – 2 to 3 pages

If you have 10+ years of experience, a third page may be necessary, particularly if you’ve held leadership positions. However, the focus should be on major achievements, key projects, and strategic contributions, rather than listing every role in detail.

Why keeping your CV concise matters?

As a recruitment agency, we know that employers value clarity and relevance in a CV. A well-structured, easy-to-read document makes it far easier for hiring managers to assess your suitability for a role. A CV that is too long risks losing impact and diluting key information.

Tips to keeping your CV concise & effective

Prioritise recent and relevant experience – Older or unrelated roles can be summarised or removed.
Use bullet points – Clear formatting helps highlight key achievements.
Remove unnecessary details – Full addresses, outdated qualifications, and overly detailed job descriptions aren’t needed.
Tailor your CV for each application – Focus on the skills and experience most relevant to the role.

A well-structured one or two-page CV will always be more impactful than a lengthy, unfocused document. The key is to keep it relevant, well-organised, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

What format should my CV be?

Choosing the right CV format is just as important as the content itself. The right format ensures your CV is clear, professional, and easy to read, helping it meet employer expectations.

Below, we break down the most common CV formats and when to use them.

Creative / Visual CV

A creative CV incorporates design elements such as colours, icons, infographics, and non-traditional layouts to grab attention. This type of CV is commonly used in creative industries where visual presentation is part of the role itself.

When to use a creative CV

Best suited for: Graphic designers, marketing professionals, UX/UI designers, videographers, and creative industry roles where design skills are important.
Less suitable for: Corporate, finance, legal, healthcare, and administrative roles, where a traditional format is expected.

Benefits of a creative CV

Helps showcase design skills and creativity
Stands out visually from standard CVs
Allows for a unique, personalised layout

Best practices for a creative CV

Keep a standard version available – If you use a creative CV, always have a traditional version for ATS submission.
Prioritise readability – Use clear headings, simple fonts, and consistent spacing to make sure the information is still easy to read.
Avoid excessive graphics – Infographics, icons, and design elements should enhance, not overpower, the CV’s content.

Traditional CV

The traditional CV format is the most widely accepted across industries. It follows a clear, logical structure, ensuring that key information is easy to find.

When to use a traditional CV

Best suited for corporate, finance, legal, healthcare, education, IT, and most professional roles.
Preferred by hiring managers for its clarity and ATS compatibility.

Benefits of a traditional CV

Widely accepted across all industries
ATS-friendly – Easily readable by recruitment software
Professional and structured, making it easy for hiring managers to scan

Why simplicity is always a safe bet

Hiring managers appreciate a CV that is clear and to the point. A well-structured CV allows them to quickly identify your skills, experience, and suitability for the role without unnecessary distractions.

Best practices for a traditional CV

Use consistent formatting – Stick to one font, aligned headings, and structured bullet points.
List experience in reverse chronological order – Start with your most recent job and work backwards.
Use professional language – Keep descriptions concise and impactful.

A traditional CV remains the safest and most effective option for most job seekers.

Portfolio-based CV

A portfolio CV is designed to showcase work samples, making it a strong choice for creative professionals who need to provide evidence of their abilities.

When to use a portfolio CV

Best suited for: Writers, graphic designers, software developers, photographers, videographers, and professionals with project-based work.
Less suitable for: Corporate or administrative roles where a traditional CV is expected.

How to include a portfolio in your CV

Add links to an online portfolio (e.g., Behance, GitHub, personal website).
Include a short summary of key projects, explaining your role and contributions.

Best practices for a portfolio CV

Ensure ATS compatibility – Avoid embedding images or PDFs directly in the document.
Highlight key projects – Rather than listing everything, focus on your best work.
Provide context – Explain the impact of your work and how it contributed to the business or project success.

A portfolio-based CV can be highly effective for showcasing creativity and expertise, but it should still follow a structured format to remain professional.

Should my CV be in PDF or Word?

One of the most common questions we get from candidates is whether to send their CV as a PDF or Word document. The short answer? It depends on where you're applying.

When to use a PDF

A PDF CV keeps your formatting exactly as you designed it, ensuring it looks professional when opened on any device. This makes it the best option when applying directly to employers, especially via email or company websites.

However, PDFs are not always ideal for recruitment agencies. Since they can't be easily edited, they may need to be reformatted before being shared with hiring managers.

When to use a Word Doc

A Word document CV is preferred when applying through recruitment agencies or job portals. It allows us to make small formatting adjustments if needed before sending it to employers. It’s also fully compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), ensuring your CV is processed correctly.

The only thing to keep in mind is that formatting can sometimes shift in Word documents, so it's best to keep your layout clean and simple.

To be prepared for any job application, have both a PDF and Word version of your CV ready. Use PDF for direct applications and Word when working with recruiters to ensure flexibility.

How often should I update my CV?

Your CV should never be a static document. Keeping it up to date ensures you’re ready for new opportunities at any time, rather than scrambling to update it when a great job comes up.

As a recruitment agency, we often see candidates miss out because they haven’t updated their CV in years and struggle to recall key achievements when they need to.

So, how often should you update your CV? Ideally, you should review and refresh it every six months, even if you’re not actively job hunting. That way, you won’t forget important accomplishments or new skills you’ve gained along the way.

When should you update your CV?

While a general refresh every six months is a good habit, there are specific moments when you should update your CV straight away:

After a promotion – Ensure your new job title, responsibilities, and achievements are reflected.
When you complete a major project – If you’ve worked on something impactful, add it while it’s fresh in your mind.
After learning a new skill or gaining a qualification – Whether it’s a professional certification, new software proficiency, or additional training, keeping your skills section updated can make a difference.
When your responsibilities change – If your role has evolved significantly, make sure your CV reflects your current contributions.
Before starting a job search – If you're actively looking for a new role, your CV should be fully up to date and tailored for the jobs you’re applying for.

Why keeping your CV updated matters

If your CV is out of date, you risk missing out on job opportunities—especially if recruiters can’t see your most recent skills and achievements. If a hiring manager comes across your profile and your CV isn’t up to date, they may move on to someone else rather than wait for you to revise it.

Employers want to see your most recent skills and achievements, so having an up-to-date CV ensures you’re always ready to apply when the right role appears.

How to keep your CV up to date

Set a reminder every six months to review your CV, even if you’re not actively job searching.
Keep a record of your achievements, promotions, and new skills in a document so you can update your CV easily when needed.
Tailor your CV to different job applications, making small tweaks to highlight the most relevant experience.

By regularly maintaining your CV, you’ll always be prepared for new opportunities—whether they come unexpectedly or as part of your planned career progression.

Do I need to tailor my CV for different job applications?

Yes, tailoring your CV for each job application is essential if you want to stand out in a competitive job market. A generic CV may highlight your experience, but if it doesn’t align with the specific requirements of the role, it’s unlikely to make an impact.

Hiring managers are looking for candidates who clearly match the skills, experience, and attributes outlined in the job description.

By making small but strategic adjustments to your CV, you increase your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and capturing the attention of decision-makers.

Why tailoring your CV makes a difference

A well-tailored CV demonstrates relevance. Employers want to see that you understand the role and have the right experience for the job. By aligning your CV with the job description, you:

Showcase the most relevant skills

Employers quickly scan CVs to find key qualifications. If they can’t see them straight away, they may move on.

Improve your ATS compatibility

Many companies use software to screen CVs based on keywords from the job description. Tailoring your CV ensures it gets picked up.

Make a stronger first impression

A CV that reflects the role’s specific needs instantly looks more appealing than a one-size-fits-all application.

Should my LinkedIn profile be identical to my CV?

Your LinkedIn profile and CV should be closely aligned, but they don’t need to be identical. While your CV is a tailored document designed for specific job applications, your LinkedIn profile is a broader representation of your professional background that allows hiring managers and employers to find you.

Both should tell the same career story, but the way they present information differs.

What should match between your CV and LinkedIn profile?

To maintain credibility and consistency, certain elements should be the same across both your CV and LinkedIn profile:

Job titles and employment history – Ensure dates and company names match exactly to avoid confusion.
Key skills and expertise – Highlighting the same core skills ensures recruiters recognise your strengths.
Major achievements – If you’ve listed a key accomplishment on your CV, it should also be referenced on LinkedIn.
Professional tone – Both should reflect a clear and confident professional identity.

If a recruiter notices inconsistencies between your CV and LinkedIn profile, it can raise red flags. Keeping them aligned builds trust and reinforces your experience.

What can be different?

While consistency is important, your LinkedIn profile serves a different purpose from your CV. Here’s where they can (and should) differ:

Your LinkedIn profile can be more detailed

A CV should be concise and tailored for each application, whereas LinkedIn allows you to provide more depth. You can:

Expand on key projects, achievements, and career milestones.
Include additional experiences such as volunteering or side projects.
Showcase certifications and endorsements that might not fit on a two-page CV.

Your LinkedIn summary is less formal than a CV personal statement

Your LinkedIn About section gives you the chance to tell your story in a more conversational and engaging way. Instead of a short, formal CV profile, you can:

Share what motivates you and your career aspirations.
Explain your unique strengths in more detail.
Include a call to action (e.g., open to work, happy to connect with industry professionals).

LinkedIn allows engagement and networking

Unlike a CV, LinkedIn isn’t just a static document—it’s a networking tool. You can:

Engage with industry content, share posts, and write articles to position yourself as a thought leader.
Join professional groups to expand your network.
Connect with hiring managers directly.

Your CV and LinkedIn profile should work together—not duplicate each other. Your CV is short, tailored, and focused on a specific role, while your LinkedIn profile is broader, offering a full professional picture and networking opportunities.

A well-optimised LinkedIn profile increases your chances of being found by recruiters, while a strong, tailored CV ensures you’re considered for the right roles.

Do I still need to include a skills section on my CV?

Yes, a skills section is still important on a CV. It provides a quick overview of your key abilities, making it easier for recruiters to see whether you’re a good match for a role.

Your skills section should be concise and well-structured, listing the most relevant technical (hard) skills and transferable (soft) skills for the job you’re applying for.

Hard skills

Hard skills are job-specific abilities, such as software proficiency, data analysis, programming languages, or industry certifications.

Soft skills

Soft skills are personal qualities like teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. While valuable, these are often better demonstrated within your work experience section rather than just listed.

To make your CV as effective as possible, ensure your skills align with the job description and are formatted clearly. A well-structured skills section will help your CV stand out and make a strong impression on both recruiters and hiring managers.

Should I include hobbies and interests on my CV?

Including hobbies and interests on your CV can add value, but only when they are relevant and meaningful to the role you’re applying for. They can help showcase transferable skills, demonstrate your personality, and make your CV more engaging—particularly if you have limited work experience.

When to include them:

If they highlight relevant skills (e.g., blogging for a marketing role, coding for a tech job).
When applying for creative or people-focused roles where personality and cultural fit matter.
If they demonstrate commitment, leadership, or teamwork (e.g., competitive sports, volunteering, or running a community project).

When to leave them out:

If they are generic or unrelated (e.g., watching films, socialising).
If they take up space better used for work experience or key skills.

When included, hobbies should be concise, relevant, and add value to your application. Otherwise, they can be left out to keep your CV focused and professional.

Is it necessary to list references on my CV?

As recruiters, we often get asked whether references should be included on a CV. The simple answer is no—there’s no need to list references at the application stage. Employers only request them later in the hiring process, once a candidate is being seriously considered for a role.

Including references upfront takes up valuable space that could be used to highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. Hiring managers are more interested in what you bring to the role—not who can vouch for you at this early stage.

When are references needed?

Once an employer reaches the final hiring stages, they will typically ask for two or three professional references, usually from recent managers or supervisors. If you’re working with a recruitment agency like Digital Waffle, we will guide you through this process and ensure references are provided at the right time.

How can I streamline my CV if I have a lot of experience?

If you have years of experience, it’s important to keep your CV concise and relevant. A long, overly detailed CV can make it harder for employers to see your key strengths. Ideally, your CV should be no more than two pages, focusing on your most recent and relevant roles.

How far back should my work experience go?

The general rule is to focus on the last 10–15 years. These roles best reflect your current skills and expertise. Older roles can be summarised in a brief section rather than listed in full detail.

Example: “Previous experience includes roles in [industry/sector], covering [key responsibilities]. Full details available on request.”

Tips for streamlining your CV

Prioritise recent roles – Include detailed achievements from the last 10–15 years.
Summarise older experience – No need to list every role in detail.
Focus on impact – Highlight key achievements, not just responsibilities.
Cut unnecessary details – Remove outdated skills, early education, and minor qualifications.
Keep formatting clear – Use bullet points, consistent headings, and structured sections.

A well-structured, concise CV makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly see your value—helping you stand out to employers.

How do I showcase promotions or advancements within the same company?

If you’ve been promoted or progressed within the same company, it’s important to highlight this clearly on your CV. Employers value career growth, and showing how you’ve taken on more responsibility demonstrates your ability to develop and succeed.

How to list promotions on a CV

The best way to present career progression is to stack roles under one company heading. This keeps your CV concise while making your growth within the organisation clear.

Example:

Company Name – London, UK

January 2015 – Present

Senior Marketing Manager (2020 – Present)

Led a team of 10 to deliver a rebranding campaign, increasing engagement by 30%.
Developed and executed a digital marketing strategy, driving a 20% boost in conversions.

Marketing Manager (2018 – 2020)

Managed multi-channel marketing initiatives, improving lead generation by 25%.
Oversaw content strategy, aligning with business goals to enhance brand awareness.

Marketing Executive (2015 – 2018)

Assisted in campaign planning and execution, supporting product launches and promotions.

This format ensures that your career progression stands out, while keeping the CV structured and easy to read. Focus on achievements in each role to demonstrate your impact at every stage of your career.

What are the most common CV mistakes to avoid?

A well-structured, error-free CV is essential for making a strong impression on employers and recruiters. Even highly qualified candidates can be overlooked if their CV contains common mistakes. Below are the key errors to avoid and how to fix them:

1. Poor formatting

A cluttered or inconsistent CV can be difficult to read, making it harder for recruiters to find key information. Employers should be able to scan your CV quickly and identify relevant details.

How to fix it: Use clear headings, bullet points, and a simple, professional layout to ensure readability. Keep the design clean and easy to navigate.

2. Spelling and grammar errors

Typos and grammatical mistakes make a CV look unprofessional and can create a negative first impression.

How to fix it: Proofread your CV carefully, use spellcheck tools, and ask someone else to review it before sending applications.

3. Lack of keywords

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs based on keywords that match the job description. If your CV does not contain the right terms, it may not reach a recruiter or hiring manager.

How to fix it: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job advert into your skills and experience sections, ensuring they fit naturally within the text.

4. Making your CV too long or too short

A CV that is too long can become unfocused, while one that is too short may not provide enough detail to showcase your skills and experience.

How to fix it: Keep your CV concise and relevant, ideally no longer than two pages. Focus on recent and impactful experience, summarising older roles where necessary.

5. A generic or unfocused personal statement

A personal statement that is too broad or vague does not add value and can make your CV feel impersonal.

How to fix it: Tailor your personal statement to each role, briefly summarising your experience, key skills, and what you bring to the role.

6. Listing responsibilities instead of achievements

Simply stating job duties does not show what you contributed to a company. Employers are more interested in how you added value.

How to fix it: Focus on key achievements and measurable results. Instead of saying "Managed a sales team," say "Led a sales team of 10, increasing revenue by 25% over 12 months."

How do I address employment gaps in my CV?

Employment gaps are more common than many job seekers think, and when addressed correctly, they don’t have to impact your chances of securing a role.

Employers value transparency and proactiveness, so it’s important to present any gaps professionally and positively.

Rather than leaving an unexplained gap, briefly acknowledge the reason and, where possible, highlight any skills or experience gained during that time.

Whether you were upskilling, freelancing, volunteering, or taking time off for personal reasons, demonstrating how you used your time productively can make a difference.

If the gap is older or short-term, it may not need specific mention—focus on your most relevant and recent experience instead. What matters most is what you can bring to the role now.

Can employers fact-check my CV?

Yes, employers can and do verify CV details. This can include background checks, reference checks, and online presence validation to ensure that the information provided is accurate. Here are some common employer checks:

Employment history verification – Employers may contact previous workplaces to confirm job titles, dates, and responsibilities.
Education and qualifications checks – Degrees and certifications can be verified with institutions.
Reference checks – Recruiters or hiring managers may speak to former managers or colleagues for feedback.
Online presence checks – Employers often review LinkedIn profiles and other professional platforms for consistency.

Exaggerating or falsifying information on a CV can lead to immediate disqualification from the hiring process, and in some cases, dismissal if discovered later. Honesty is always the best approach.

What is personal branding, and why does it matter for my CV?

Personal branding is how you present yourself professionally, both on your CV and across online platforms. A strong personal brand makes you more attractive to employers and recruiters by showcasing your skills, expertise, and unique value.

Building a strong personal brand involves:

A well-structured, tailored CV that highlights key achievements.
An optimised LinkedIn profile that aligns with your CV and industry.
Professional engagement through networking, content sharing, or industry discussions.

A clear and consistent personal brand helps employers understand your strengths quickly, increasing your chances of being noticed for the right opportunities.

How can I make my CV stand out to recruiters?

A strong CV needs to immediately grab attention and highlight why you are the right candidate for the role. Here’s how to make it stand out:

Use a clear, professional format – Keep it well-structured with consistent headings and bullet points.
Tailor your CV to each job – Align your skills and experience with the job description.
Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities – Quantify your impact where possible.
Use strong, active language – Avoid generic phrases like “responsible for” and instead use action verbs like “led,” “delivered,” or “increased.”
Ensure ATS compatibility – Use relevant keywords to help your CV pass initial screening.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of securing interviews.

Can I use AI to write my CV?

AI-generated CVs may seem like a time-saver, but they often lack the depth, personality, and accuracy needed to impress employers. Hiring managers can easily spot AI-generated content, and using it too much can make your CV feel generic and uninspired.

While AI can help with phrasing suggestions or structuring ideas, it cannot replace human insight. Your CV should reflect your unique skills, career achievements, and personal voice—things AI struggles to capture.

Key reasons not to rely on AI

Relying on AI to create your CV may seem convenient, but it often leads to generic, ineffective applications that fail to make an impact.

Generic content

AI-generated CVs often use overused phrases that make applications blend in rather than stand out.

Lack of personalisation

AI cannot tailor your CV effectively for each job, which is crucial to getting noticed.

Misses key achievements

AI struggles to highlight your specific contributions and measurable successes.

Can be easily detected

More employers are implementing AI-detection software, making AI-generated CVs a risk.

Instead of relying on AI, focus on writing your CV yourself with careful structuring and clear, impactful wording. If needed, use AI only as a supporting tool, but always review and personalise the final version.

How important is a cover letter?

Cover letters are no longer essential for every job application. In most cases, a strong CV and a well-optimised LinkedIn profile are what matter most to employers.

Many hiring managers don’t expect or read cover letters unless specifically requested, so focusing on perfecting your CV and online presence is usually more effective.

When should you include a cover letter?

A cover letter is only necessary if:

The job advert specifically asks for one.
You are applying for a role in a formal or competitive industry (e.g., law, academia, publishing).
You need to explain a career change, employment gap, or other unique circumstances.

What makes an effective cover letter?

If a cover letter is required, keep it concise, tailored, and engaging. It should:

Clearly state why you are interested in the role.
Highlight relevant skills and experience without repeating your CV.
Be customised for each job application.

Unless requested, prioritise your CV and LinkedIn profile—these are the key tools that employers will focus on when assessing your application.

We hope this guide has answered your biggest CV questions and given you the confidence to craft a strong, well-structured application.

Whether you needed help with formatting, tailoring, or avoiding common mistakes, following these best practices will give you the best chance of success.

Don’t leave your next career move to chance.

Ready to take the next step? Submit your CV and explore our latest job opportunities today!

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