CV FAQs: 10 Common Questions Answered

Whether you're applying for your first job or looking for your next career move, having a strong CV is essential. Below, we've answered some of the most common questions job seekers ask to help you create a CV that stands out to employers.

How do I write a CV in 2026?

A modern CV should be clear, concise and tailored to the role you're applying for. Employers typically spend an average of 7 seconds scanning each application, so it's important to make the key information easy to find.

A good CV should include:

• Your name and contact details
• A short personal statement
• Your employment history (starting with your most recent role)
• Education and qualifications
• Relevant skills
• Professional memberships or certifications (where applicable)

Keep your formatting clean, use headings to separate each section and focus on achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities.

 

What CV mistakes stop you getting interviews?

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Spelling and grammar errors
• Sending the same CV for every application
• Including irrelevant work experience
• Making your CV too long
• Using an unprofessional email address
• Not highlighting achievements or measurable results
• Poor formatting that's difficult to read
• Missing important keywords from the job description

Always proofread your CV before sending it and ask someone else to review it if possible.

 

How long should a CV be?

For most professionals in the UK, two pages is the ideal length.

If you're a graduate or have very little experience, one page can be sufficient. If you're applying for senior leadership or highly specialised positions, three pages may be acceptable, but only if every section adds value.

Remember, quality is far more important than quantity.

 

Should you include a photo on your CV?

In the UK, the answer is generally no.

Including a photo isn't standard practice and doesn't improve your chances of securing an interview. Most employers are interested in your skills, experience and suitability for the role rather than your appearance.

Instead, use the space to showcase your experience and achievements.

 

How do you write a personal statement for your CV?

Your personal statement should be a short introduction of around 50–100 words summarising who you are, what you can offer and what type of opportunity you're looking for.

A strong personal statement should include:

• Your profession or current position
• Your years of experience
• Your key skills or areas of expertise
• A notable achievement where appropriate
• The type of role you're seeking

Avoid generic phrases such as "hardworking team player" and focus on what makes you valuable to an employer.

 

What should you put on your CV if you have no experience?

Everyone starts somewhere, so don't worry if you don't have a long employment history.

Instead, focus on:

• Education and qualifications
• Volunteering experience
• Work placements
• Internships
• Transferable skills
• School, college or university projects
• Part-time jobs
• Extracurricular activities and achievements

Demonstrating enthusiasm, reliability and transferable skills can be just as valuable as previous employment.

 

How do you explain employment gaps on your CV?

Employment gaps are more common than many people realise and are nothing to be embarrassed about.

If you've taken time away from work due to caring responsibilities, travelling, studying, redundancy or personal reasons, simply be honest and keep the explanation brief.

If you developed new skills during that time through volunteering, training or freelance work, be sure to include them. Employers generally value transparency more than trying to hide gaps.

 

How do you tailor your CV for every job?

Tailoring your CV doesn't mean rewriting it from scratch every time.

Instead:

• Read the job description carefully.
• Include relevant keywords naturally throughout your CV.
• Highlight the experience most relevant to the position.
• Adjust your personal statement to reflect the role.
• Move your most relevant achievements higher up the page.

A tailored CV is far more likely to catch the attention of recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

 

What is the best CV format for UK jobs?

The reverse chronological format is the most widely accepted by UK employers.

This means listing your most recent job first before working backwards through your career history.

A typical structure is:

1. Contact details
2. Personal statement
3. Employment history
4. Education
5. Skills
6. Professional qualifications or certifications
7. References (optional – "Available on request" is no longer necessary)

Keep the design simple and professional, using clear headings and consistent formatting throughout.

 

What is an ATS-friendly CV?

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help manage applications before they're reviewed by a recruiter.

To make your CV ATS-friendly:

• Use standard section headings such as "Work Experience" and "Education".
• Include keywords from the job description where relevant.
• Avoid graphics, tables and text boxes that software may struggle to read.
• Use common fonts such as Arial or Calibri.
• Save your CV as a PDF if requested, or follow the employer's preferred file format.

Creating an ATS-friendly CV helps ensure your application can be accurately read by recruitment software while remaining easy for hiring managers to review.

 

Need more CV advice?

A well-written CV can significantly improve your chances of securing interviews. If you're unsure whether your CV highlights your strengths effectively, consider asking a recruitment consultant in your specialist industry for feedback before you apply.

At Service Care Solutions, our consultants work with employers across the UK every day and understand what hiring managers are looking for. Whether you're updating your CV, preparing for interviews or searching for your next opportunity, we're here to help.