Frequently Asked Questions: CV Optimization
Everything you need to know about optimizing your CV, cover letters, ATS compatibility, and how ConVincer.io works.
Do I really need to tailor my CV for every job?
Yes, recruiters and ATS look for the words of the specific job. Upload your CV with the job ad and ConVincer.io tailors it for you.
What's an ATS and why should I care?
It's software that filters and ranks applications before a human sees them. Every optimization comes with a plain ATS document that fills in portal fields cleanly.
How many keywords should my CV have?
No magic number. Just use the words from the job ad, naturally. ConVincer.io works them into your existing achievements.
What's the best CV format for ATS?
One column, standard headings, no tables or text boxes. Our single-column designs (without sidebar) and the included ATS document do exactly that.
Can AI really make my CV better?
Yes, by sharpening and restructuring what you give it, never by making things up. It can still slip up, so read every line of the result.
What's free and what do I pay for?
The preview shows all 36 designs with a watermark. Paying gets you clean PDFs and the full review.
Does ConVincer.io write cover letters too?
Yes, if you add a job ad. You get a first draft and tweak it in the browser before downloading.
Which languages work?
Upload in any language and pick one of 7 for the result. It translates the meaning, not word for word.
How is ConVincer.io different from a CV builder?
A builder hands you an empty template. ConVincer.io takes your existing CV, optimizes it, translates it and puts it into 36 designs, and you can fine-tune everything in the editor.
What about gaps in my CV?
ConVincer.io won't hide them or invent filler. Tell it what you did in that time (courses, freelancing, caring for family) in the text field or the editor, and with a subscription the assistant helps you explain the gap convincingly.
Will my CV sound generic or robotic?
The opposite: vague buzzwords get replaced by real achievements from your own experience. The review also points out anything that still sounds generic.
Do I stay in control, or does the tool decide everything?
You decide. The editor changes any section of your CV or letter in the browser, and with a subscription the assistant makes changes on request. You accept or reject every suggestion.
What do I get with an account?
A central profile that you tailor to any target job, plus a job search based on it. With a subscription you add one-click optimization from the job listings, the profile gallery in every design and unlimited assistant changes. Single optimizations work without an account too.
What do the review and the simulation show?
The review tells you what was weak and what changed. The simulation estimates your chance of an interview compared to other applicants.
How long should a resume be?
One page up to 10 years of experience, two after that, and two pages are normal in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. ConVincer.io cuts the filler, not the substance, and fits everything neatly onto the pages.
What goes on a resume with no experience?
Education, projects, volunteering and internships. ConVincer.io helps you word them professionally.
How do I list skills properly?
ConVincer.io sorts your skills by relevance to the job, groups them and drops what doesn't fit. You can change them any time in the editor, and the assistant and autocomplete help with the wording.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Southern Europe people expect one, in the US, UK, Canada and Australia they don't. In the editor you can add or swap the photo for each CV.
How far back should my CV go?
Usually 10 to 15 years, older jobs only if they're relevant. ConVincer.io puts the most relevant points first in each role.
Chronological or functional CV?
ConVincer.io always builds a chronological CV, because that's what recruiters and ATS expect, while functional CVs often look like you're hiding something.
Which files and links work?
PDF, DOCX, ODT or TXT up to 10 MB, or just paste the text. For the job, paste the text or simply the link to the ad.
What should I leave off my CV?
That depends on the job and your situation. The review flags what doesn't belong in your CV, and the assistant helps you cut or reword it.
How do I write a good summary?
Two to four specific sentences at the top. ConVincer.io writes a tailored one for you, and in the editor autocomplete and the assistant help you polish it.
Single design, bundle or pass: what fits?
One design if you've found your look, the bundle to compare all 36 designs, the pass if you're applying to several jobs: 30 days, unlimited optimizations, all designs.
How do I send my CV by email?
Short subject line, CV as a PDF (never Word), two sentences in the body. ConVincer.io gives you clean PDFs that are ready for email and portals.
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