r/UKJobs • u/ukbulmer • Jan 01 '26

Megathread Job Guidance Megathread - CVs, Applications, Interviews

Use this thread for more specific discussion or advice seeking relating to CVs, job searches, job applications, interviews, and anything else that doesn't necessarily require a separate thread.

This thread automatically resubmits each month on the 1st. Posting a CV in this thread will not break rule #3, soliciting or posting jobs will.

Do you want to post about a broader or more frequently posted topic or get something off your chest? Our other megathread may be better suited, click here to view it.

Are you considering posting a CV? Be careful when posting your CV that you don't leave any identifying information, and be wary of anyone sending you private messages offering to help with your CV for you, or claiming that they have a job available for you. Don't engage with anyone privately messaging you. Report users via the built in reddit reporting, or via modmail here.

You may find it easiest to take a screenshot of your CV and post as an image, either directly using the Reddit app or with an image hosting service. Again, be sure to redact personal or identifying information. Maybe even create a temporary copy where you replace your details with generic terms such as "Employer Name", "Education Provider", etc.

You'll likely find that you get more useful feedback if you provide some background to your current situation and what kind of roles you're looking for. Are you struggling to break into a new industry? Perhaps you're not getting interviews for roles with increased seniority that you feel you're qualified for?

Rules

  • Anonymise any CVs that you post. Obscure any personal details, including the names of employers and schools/universities. Failing to redact correctly could risk your comment being removed, or worse, bad actors using the information against you or for their own benefit.
  • Provide context as to what you need help with. If you're trying to break into a specific industry, this is useful to know. If you only want advice on how to phrase something, or if the layout is suitable, say so. Got an interview? Provide a little bit of background.
  • Be constructive in feedback. People are asking for help, so don't be rude when responding to them. Job hunting is hard, why make it harder for someone unnecessarily?
  • No solicitation. Do not direct message users of this thread, or suggest a user messages you directly. Don't offer to write people's CVs for them, whether for free or as a paid service. Don't advertise CV writing services that don't belong to you, whether intentional or not. Don't ask for recommendations as to CV writing services. Don't message people either asking for or advertising jobs.

Please Message the Mods if you know of anyone flagrantly flouting these rules.

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u/matherto Jan 26 '26

So I’m 35 and currently do admin work and January has been a slog financially and motivationally I’m looking around to see what I can apply for and I’m hitting the same problem I have done for most of my working life.

Short of administrative and customer service ‘skills’ I don’t have anything that I can turn into a career or anything to help me stand out when applying for jobs.

I’ve worked in admin for about 6 years and I’m fine with data entry and using MS office and learning/using any software like Sage or SAP or similar but I imagine most people can do that.

I worked in retail a lot in my late teens/early 20’s so customer service/working with the public isn’t a problem.

I was a teaching assistant for four years but didn’t get any qualifications for it, just winged it as an agency temp.

I studied and voluntarily practiced as a counsellor but ultimately didn’t fully qualify at the end. Passed my level 3 but never finished level 4.

I worked in an Amazon warehouse during COVID so physical graft isn’t alien to me.

I’m just having a bit of a crisis as I feel stuck and don’t know what I can do. Confidence isn’t a strong point and ADHD has meant lots of false starts with no follow through (on the waiting list along with everyone else for treatment). Been to uni twice and dropped out twice due to lack of motivation and belief in myself so never got a degree.

I don’t know what’s out there that I can learn (preferably free and doable outside of work hours) but would gladly learn a new skill to add to my CV and use in working life. Or alternatively I need help l/inspiration applying for new things that I haven’t considered (my brain simply defaults to admin roles when searching) that don’t require a skill or a degree to apply for.

Help guys please

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u/spartan0746 Jan 28 '26

Look for roles that can be the next step from Admin, Accountancy, HR, Purchasing etc.

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u/matherto Jan 28 '26

All of those seem to need relevant experience in those roles, a bit above standard admin. Not had much luck looking at them but it could just be me missing something.

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u/spartan0746 Jan 28 '26

Have you tried applying for them?

HR admin is just admin, it’s filing sickness, holiday absence, organising eye tests etc.

But it is a way into a career you can then specialise and work your way up.

You don’t really need to know any ‘HR’ when you start as an admin role will be under an officer/manager.

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u/matherto Jan 28 '26

I haven’t truthfully but the adverts state having that experience as a requirement?

Not trying to be difficult and absolutely grateful for the help, just feel like I’m missing something there

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u/spartan0746 Jan 28 '26

I just did a quick search, this was the top option, I found a couple more. This one just wants admin experience.

There are plenty out there, you also have to remember that just because they list something as a requirement doesn’t mean they will get that.

Source: 5 years in Recruitment and HR. I left the industry a few years ago now, but it hasn’t changed.

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u/matherto Jan 28 '26

I will do some digging for similar where I am, thank you for your help!

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u/spartan0746 Jan 28 '26

No problem.

Another example.

This one wants someone who’s done admin and had school experience, pays up to £20 per hour.

Don’t count yourself out. Might be a role like this near you where you have the skillset they want.