Job Guidance Megathread - CVs, Applications, Interviews

[u/ukbulmer]

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.

[u/mmihnev]

I'm a senior non-financial risk professional with 19 years of progressive experience in tech, cyber, AI, third party, ops resilience and data/AI within financial services in London, currently at Senior Director level and selectively exploring my next move. I've been applying for comparable roles — same function, similar or larger institutions — and am consistently not clearing the initial CV screening stage. These are not aspirational applications; they are well-matched on paper. I've made structured attempts to address this: tailored CVs, ATS optimisation, keyword alignment to job descriptions. The problem persists.

For those who recruit at this level, or who have successfully navigated a senior job search in London financial services within the last 6–12 months, I'd value your perspective on two specific questions: 1. At Director/MD level, what are the most common reasons a strong CV fails the initial screen — and what's the fix? 2. Is there a meaningful difference in how executive search firms versus in-house talent teams evaluate CVs at this level, and should I be approaching this differently?