CV FAQs: 10 common jobseeker queries answered

A strong CV can mean the difference between being overlooked by a hiring manager and securing an interview for your dream job. But what makes a good CV – how long should it be, should you explain your gaps in employment, and is it advisable to write a cover letter?

With many jobseekers being unsure of the answers to these questions and more, crafting a CV that reaches its full potential can be challenging. To help you, we’ve answered your burning CV queries in one place.

At a glance: CV FAQs

• What is the ideal length for my CV?
• What should I include on my CV if I have limited experience?
• How can I condense my CV if I have extensive experience?
• Should I explain the reasons for any gaps in employment?
• Which is more important: my CV or my LinkedIn profile?
• How frequently should I update my CV?
• How far back should my qualifications go?
• How can I optimise my CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
• What should I include in my profile/personal statement?
• Should I write a cover letter?

1. What is the ideal length for my CV?

A two-page CV is a good benchmark, though the ideal length can vary based on your expertise. If you have extensive experience, fitting everything into two pages might be difficult without omitting important details. In such cases, it's acceptable to go beyond two pages, but try to avoid making it too lengthy; otherwise, a hiring manager may struggle to digest your experience. When your CV is being reviewed, keep in mind that the first page should contain the most crucial information and make the strongest impression. The second page is also important, but if you need a third, use it for less critical details, as hiring managers are likely to spend less time on this page.

2. What should I include on my CV if I have limited experience?

If you lack experience, you should include all your roles, even volunteer work or part-time jobs, to show your work ethic and transferable skills. Highlight your responsibilities, key skills and achievements, even if you don’t think they are directly related to the roles you’re applying for. While it is generally not advised to write a long profile at the start of your CV, , you may want to write a longer profile to explain your interest in the role and what transferrable skills you have.

3. How can I condense my CV if I have extensive experience?

To trim your CV, you need to be ruthless about which information to include. So, if your current CV includes details about old skills and responsibilities that aren’t relevant to the jobs you're applying for, remove them. And remember, hiring managers tend to be most interested in your experience from recent years, so you should try to focus on your current job and give less information as you go back in time. For past jobs that aren’t so relevant for the types of roles you will be applying for, just list the job title, dates and company. This way, you save space while still covering the basics and avoiding unexplained gaps.

4. Should I explain the reasons for any gaps in employment?

To address employment gaps on your CV, acknowledge and account for them honestly. Include the dates and a brief explanation in your employment history section. You don't need to go into excessive detail – just a short sentence will suffice. You may also want to mention how you used the time productively, such as through upskilling, volunteering or personal development. This approach shows recruiters and hiring managers that you remained proactive and engaged during your employment gaps.

5. Which is more important: my CV or my LinkedIn profile?

Your CV and LinkedIn profile serve different purposes in job applications. If you apply via LinkedIn Easy Apply, recruiters may check your LinkedIn first, whereas if you apply with a CV, it will be reviewed first. Regardless of which application route you take, both your CV and LinkedIn profile are likely to be checked at some stage of the hiring process, so you should make sure both are professional and complement each other. To enhance your LinkedIn profile, use a professional photo, compelling headline and up-to-date skills. It’s also beneficial to include endorsements, share relevant content and engage with your network.

6. How frequently should I update my CV?

It's a good idea to keep your CV updated, even if you're not actively job hunting, so try to get into the habit of taking a few minutes to add to it whenever you learn a new skill or complete an impressive project. Keeping your CV current means you won’t be scratching your head trying to remember your key achievements when you come to start job searching after having not even glanced at it since you began your current role. It can also make it easier to include quantifiable data, such as exact sales figures, cost-savings and other supporting metrics.

7. How far back should my qualifications go?

Whether you’re a recent school-leaver, a fresh graduate or you just don’t have that much professional experience under your belt yet, if you’re relatively new into your career it’s always best to list each of your GCSE (or equivalent) subjects and coinciding grades on your CV. If you’re further into your career, you can group the subjects and grades together – check out our free CV template if you’re unsure how to do this. On the other side of the equation, if you’re decades into your career and think your qualifications are less relevant, it’s still a good idea to include them as some hiring managers may still be interested to see them. So rather than omitting your education history altogether, it’s advisable to just put this at the end of your CV where it will be less of the focal point.

8. How can I optimise my CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has also impacted hiring processes, with a growing number of employers now opting for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to conduct preliminary screenings. To avoid your CV being rejected by AI before even being seen by human eyes, you should check which technical abilities, soft skills and industry-related terms are listed on the job advert of the role you are applying for and include these on your CV where possible. To ensure ATS tools can easily ‘read’ your CV, you should use simple formatting, opt for easily recognisable subheadings such as ‘Experience’ and ‘Education’, and choose a professional font like Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri.

9. What should I include in my profile/personal statement?

Your profile, or personal statement, should be a short paragraph near the beginning of your CV that summarises your most impressive technical and competency skills, as well as your experience to date. It’s best to keep it brief, impactful and relevant to the role you’re applying for. If you have time, it’s a good idea to tweak your profile for each job application, highlighting any skills you have that were mentioned in the advert. Take a look at our CV template to see a sample profile that you can copy, paste and personalise as needed.

10. Should I write a cover letter?

A cover letter isn’t always necessary, especially if you’re sending your CV to a recruiter who will be making job applications on your behalf. However, there are some instances where a cover letter can be beneficial, such as when a job advert specifically requests one. If you’re writing a cover letter, it’s important to tailor it to the job you’re applying for by expressing enthusiasm for the company and highlighting any skills that would make you a standout applicant. You should also keep it concise, use keywords from the job description and, if possible, address the hiring manager by name.

Now that we’ve answered your CV questions, hopefully you’re feeling more confident securing your next interview. But if you’re keen for further guidance to help you grow your career, take a look at our career advice page where you’ll find expert insights and advice on everything from CVs and interviews to wellbeing and upskilling.