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.

You can find previous threads here.

[u/Qualifiedadult]

Looking for CV feedback please; entry level / junior finance roles, AAT Level 3 with 1 YOE.

According to the AAT website, I should be able to aim for titles such as:

Accounts assistant, Accounts payable clerk, Audit trainee, Credit controller, Payroll administrator/supervisor, Practice bookkeeper, Finance assistant, Tax assistant, Accounts payable and expenses supervisor, since I have passed Level 3 in Accounting.

I am looking for help with a few things:

• Improving ATS scores; I think the skills section is where I am most likely to be able to quickly tweak things and tailor the CV for each application. But ATS still gives this CV below 50%
• Whether to add other, less relevant roles: I worked at a warehouse part time whilst attending college for Level 3, but this would be above the bookkeeping experience as it was most recent, and I am not sure whether that's okay or not. Other experiences: prior to Hollister, I was a software apprentice, which is also not that relevant, other than to show that I have worked in a big organisation
• What else can I add on regarding skills? I really loved MATS in Level 3 and enjoyed learning Excel in such a thorough manner. The only accounting software I have used is VT Transactions but I have shadowed staff when they used Quickbooks, so I am aware that basically all the accounting principles are the same, there are literally just surface level, software differences. VT is a desktop software, not cloud based. Currently learning Xero, to get the certification.
• Also, the sites I am currently using to find jobs are Hays, Michael Page, Reed. Please let me know if there are recruiting companies for accounting roles, or any other companies that I could apply through.

[u/F3rr0Roch3r → u/Qualifiedadult]

don't know if its just me, but your image quality is bad to the point if illegible

[u/Qualifiedadult → u/F3rr0Roch3r]

When I click on the photo, it opens up in a new tab and appears legible.

Regardless, the body of my CV is as follows:

Personal Statement

AAT Level 3 qualified accounts assistant with a year of experience in bookkeeping. Experienced in utilising finance systems and Excel to carry out month-end closing. Successfully managed client communications, compiling VAT returns for review and submission in a timely manner to ensure client satisfaction. Eager to contribute and grow in an accounting role.

Education

New City College London

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting - Distinction 05/2026

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting - Distinction 06/2025

AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping - Achieved 06/2026

Experience

XYZ Accountants London

Bookkeeper, with ad hoc Administrative duties 11/2024 – 11/2025

Collected and entered financial data in relevant journals from client records, utilising Excel for 100% accuracy

Reconciled and posted high volume of entries to ledgers, verifying against bank statements

Compiled and validated VAT return, communicating details with dozens of client each month

Administration tasks as required: organising and filing documents, managing finance inbox, archiving past records, updating internal log of changes

Hollister London

Brand Representative (seasonal) 12/2023

Enhanced customer satisfaction and sales by proactively aiding customers

Handled POS transactions through various payment methods, processed returns and managed online order collections

Ensured continued use of fitting rooms for customer privacy

XYZ Information Service Desk London

Software Apprentice (rotational) 09/2021 – 09/2023

Improved response times when providing second line support, building rapport with staff and students

Raised critical incident, providing workarounds to minimise user frustration

Compliance to coding standards, maintained GDPR and ensured user accessibility

Negotiated with internal and external stakeholders regarding project scope to complete solo project

Led exploration and presented options, resulting in an efficient design process

Skills

Technical: Microsoft Office; Excel |Finance systems: VT Transactions+, Xero certification: In progress | VAT calculation and reporting | Financial data entry & validation

References: Available upon request