Help with my CV

If you’re thinking about applying for jobs – you’ll want your CV to be up to scratch. But what does a good CV really look like?

We can help you make sure yours is in tip-top condition to ensure you’ll stand out from the crowd!

Get your CV checked instantly with our CV Checker

Want to perfect your CV? Our CV Checker is a smart online platform that gives you feedback 24 hours a day!

Just upload your CV and receive expert advice in seconds! The CV Checker identifies areas for improvement and provides explanations and examples on how you can strengthen them. Aim for a score of 70, then you can book an appointment with one of our Careers Advisors, through MyCareer, to help you further strengthen your CV.

The platform can also check your CV against a specific job description, it can even check cover letters! Want to find out more? Read the “Everything you need to know about our CV Checker” blog post for further guidance. 

Unlimited access is available for Leeds students with an active university email address! To get started, sign up for CV checker! Graduates can access the platform too with a personal email address and by entering an access code provided by the careers team. Email the Careers centre for the code.

How to write a CV 

There are many ways to write a CV – but the key thing is to make sure it’s suited to where you’re sending it.  

Have a base template of your CV, but tailor it to wherever you’re applying. A few tweaks can make all the difference! 

No idea where to start? See the templates below – every CV should include your basic contact details, your most recent and relevant work experience, and your most recent education.  

Some more tips for writing a CV: 

  • Use active language and avoid vague terms like “I believe” - have some confidence! Try: implemented, achieved, negotiated, succeeded in, promoted, organised, evaluated, established 

  • Always check your spelling and grammar – if it’s possible, have someone proofread it, we all miss our own mistakes!  

  • Use the ‘STAR’ method to write succinct examples, the ‘action’ part is the most important. 

  • Take your time, don’t leave your CV to the last minute – you're more likely to let mistakes slip through. 

  • Ask for help! Use our CV Checker (details above) or ask an expert – use our application support appointments to help you apply for a job. 

 Please note that we can only check CVs that have been tailored for specific opportunities through our appointments.  If you would like some general CV feedback, please use the CV Checker. 

What about cover letters? 

Need help writing a cover letter? The content of your covering letter is as important as your CV. It should illustrate exactly why you’re an ideal candidate – clearly highlighting how you meet the essential criteria of the person specification, as well as give the employer more detail about you.  

Structure is important. It should ideally be limited to one side of A4 and laid out in a business style. Your CV and covering letter should look like a professional package so you should use similar font and formatting. Information should be set out in short paragraphs to make it easy to read. 

Your cover letter is not a repeat of your CV - the recruiter doesn’t want to read the same details twice! The aim is to draw their attention to the detail by providing them with interesting highlights - so give specific examples of the key skills or experience areas highlighted in your CV. 

If you need help with a specific application – including writing cover letters, application forms and tailoring your CV to the role, you can book an application support appointment via MyCareer. Our online CV Checker also reviews cover letters as well as CVs. Upload yours, along with the job description, to get instant feedback.

CV writing resources