Your CV, for your situation practical guides
Coming back after a break, starting again after redundancy, stepping up or moving on? Each guide shows how to handle it on your CV, with example wording and what to say at interview.
- Honest, practical advice
- Example wording to adapt
- What to say at interview
CV guides for common situations
Every career has turns in it. These guides cover the ones people worry about most, so your CV tells the story clearly and you know what to say when it comes up.
- Returning to work CV Coming back after time out caring for children or a relative? Here is how to set out your CV so an employer sees what you can do now, with example wording to adapt and what to say at interview. Read the guide
- CV after redundancy Redundancy is about a role, not about you, and employers know that. Here is how to update your CV quickly, word the ending simply and talk about it with confidence. Read the guide
- CV for over 50s Decades of experience is a strength. Here is how to shape it into a focused, modern CV, with example wording to adapt and calm answers to the questions you may be asked. Read the guide
- CV for moving into management Going for your first team leader or manager job? You have probably led more than your job title says. Here is how to show it on your CV and talk about it at interview. Read the guide
- CV with no degree Plenty of people build great careers without going to university. Here is how to make your experience, skills and qualifications the first thing an employer sees. Read the guide
- CV for leaving the armed forces Your service has given you skills that employers value, but a civilian reader needs them in their own language. Here is how to translate your experience, with example wording to adapt. Read the guide
Also covered on our blog
These situations already have a full article, so we have not repeated them here.
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A gap in your CV
Illness, caring, travel, study or time looking for work: one honest line, and what to say at interview.
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Changing careers
How to show transferable skills and write a profile for the job you want next.
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Your first CV after university
What counts as experience, and how to write about projects, placements and part-time work.
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Your first CV, with no experience
For school leavers and first jobs: what to put on a CV when you have not worked yet.
CV guides: your questions
Should I explain my situation on my CV?
Briefly, if it affects your dates or the story your CV tells. One honest line on the CV is usually enough, a sentence or two in your cover letter if it helps, and the fuller story at interview, where you can talk it through.
Which CV format works best if my career is not straightforward?
Usually the standard UK format: a short profile, then your experience with the most recent job first, then education and skills. A CV that lists skills and hides dates tends to make recruiters wonder what is missing. A strong profile and a key skills section at the top do the same job without that worry. Our guide to the UK CV format explains the order.
Do I have to put my age, health or family situation on my CV?
No. A UK CV does not need your date of birth, age, marital status, children, health or a photo. Say only what helps explain your work history, in your own words.
Ready to update your CV?
Pick a free design, add your experience and download it as a PDF, plus a Word copy.