24 March 2025 · 7 min read
CV Review UK — Free Tips + Expert Recruiter Review
CV review UK — your CV is often the first thing a recruiter sees. A strong one gets you shortlisted; a weak one gets you filtered out before anyone reads past the first line. So what do expert recruiters actually look for? And how can you get your CV reviewed by someone who knows? This guide covers free tips you can apply now, plus how to get professional CV review in the UK without paying hundreds.
What expert recruiters look for in a CV
Expert recruiter tip: "We scan the first third of page one in seconds. If your summary doesn't connect to the role, we move on. Lead with relevance — what you've done that matches what we need. Generic statements like 'results-driven professional' don't tell us anything." Recruiters want clarity, specificity, and proof. Quantify where you can: "Increased revenue by 23%" beats "Improved sales." Use the job description's language — but don't keyword-stuff. It's obvious when it's forced.
Common CV mistakes that get you rejected
Expert recruiter tip: "Typos and wrong company names are instant rejects. So are CVs that don't match the role — if we're hiring for a project manager, don't lead with your barista experience. And please, no lies. We check. Verification tools make it easier — and fabrications catch up with you." Other red flags: walls of text with no bullets, tiny fonts, inconsistent formatting, and CVs that read like they were written by AI (overused phrases, no personality).
Structure that works for UK recruiters
Contact details at the top. A 2–3 line summary that targets the role. Experience in reverse chronological order — role, company, dates, 3–5 bullets per job focusing on outcomes. Education and skills. Two pages max for experienced candidates; one page for graduates. Clear headings. Simple layout. PDF. No tables or text boxes that break ATS systems.
How to get your CV reviewed in the UK
Options range from free (friends, career services) to paid (CV writers charge £50–200+). The gap: someone who actually reviews CVs for a living, gives you actionable feedback, and doesn't cost a fortune. Credify includes one expert recruiter CV review with every signup — structure, wording, ATS score, and hiring-manager perspective. You get the feedback in your dashboard, plus verified credentials so recruiters can confirm your documents are real. One-time cost. No subscription.
Want expert feedback on your CV? Get it reviewed by a real recruiter — structure, wording, and impact. Plus verified credentials so recruiters trust what they see. Get your CV reviewed →
Free tips you can apply today
- Tailor your summary to each role — swap in keywords from the job description
- Lead bullets with action verbs and outcomes, not duties
- Remove dates of birth, marital status, and photos unless specifically requested
- Check spelling and grammar — twice
- Save as PDF and name the file clearly: FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf
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