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CvBix has grown beyond a template editor, and it is easy to miss what is already there. This guide follows the order in which most people need the tools: before you write, while you write and after the CV is done. Where AI is involved, treat its output as a draft that only you can verify.
Before you write: check the CV you already have
If you have an old PDF, DOCX or TXT file, start with the “Free CV checker”. The file is read in your browser, and the page shows your text in reading order, which is roughly how an applicant tracking system may see it. It also runs plain checks, such as selectable text, an email address, a phone number, standard headings and length. It is a quick sanity check, not a score that predicts anything.
Before you write: bring your old CV in
When the checker shows your text reads sensibly, you can create a CvBix CV from that file instead of retyping, using “Create a CvBix CV from this file” on the checker page or “Import into CvBix (new CV)” in the “Import and check” tab of AI tools. The text is sent to the AI import step, and the result is added as a new CV in “My CVs”. Read every field afterwards. Imports can misplace dates or merge lines, and a short review now is faster than finding a mistake after you have applied.
While you write: experience, even if it is thin
Open Career tools in the editor when you are stuck. “Discover experience” helps you turn coursework, family business work, clubs or volunteering into honestly labelled project or volunteering entries; it does not present them as paid jobs. “Describe what I do” turns everyday language into CV lines and asks about missing details. Answer those questions with real facts, or leave the line out.
While you write: extra sections and CV language
Add projects, certificates, awards or volunteering as extra sections, then reorder or delete them as needed. If you apply in another language, set “CV language (headings and AI writing)” in the CV tools menu separately from the site language. In AI tools, the “Translate” tab saves the result with “Create translated copy” as a new CV in “My CVs”, so your original stays untouched. Have a fluent speaker read the translation before you send it.
While you write: tailoring to a job advert
Open the “Tailor to a job” tab in AI tools when you have a specific advert. It lists requirements as met, not mentioned or not met, and suggests before-and-after wording. The point is to see gaps, not to claim skills you lack. Only adopt a suggestion if it is true for you. “Simplify the job ad” and “CV and cover letter check” in Career tools can also help before you apply.
While you write: control and Expert mode
The “CV completeness” bar in the editor shows how complete the CV is and names the most important missing item as the next step. If a template’s look needs fine tuning, Expert mode lets you select words and change font, size, bold, italic, underline and colour. Use it sparingly; consistent, plain formatting usually reads better and is safer for automated systems.
After writing: the check before PDF and Word export
When you click “Download PDF”, CvBix first shows “Check before PDF”, which looks for problems: missing name or contact details, empty entries, placeholder text, more than two pages, an almost empty last page and text that runs off the edge. You can choose “Go back and fix” or “Save PDF anyway”. If an employer asks for an editable file, use “Download as Word (.docx)” in the CV tools menu under “Export and backup”; it is a simple layout with real headings.
After writing: save, back up and compare
“My CVs” in the CV tools menu lets you keep several versions, for example one per job type. You can duplicate, rename and delete them, and the limit is eight, stored in your browser. Use “Download backup (.json)” and “Download as text (.txt)” under “Export and backup” now and then, because browser data can be cleared. “Shareable anonymous copy” in Career tools creates a version without photo or contact details for sharing with a mentor.
Interviews, samples and templates
Career tools also includes interview preparation: “Prepare my CV for interviews”, a short self-introduction (“Tell me about yourself”) and “Interview practice”, a timed round with feedback on each answer. Feedback is a prompt for thought, not a verdict. For ideas, browse the example CV library by profession, and the free Word templates if you prefer to edit in Word or Google Docs. The “Work experience calculator” adds up your months, counting overlapping jobs once.
Related examples and guides
Frequently asked questions
Is the AI output ready to send?
No. Treat every suggestion as a draft. Check names, dates, numbers and claims against your real history, and delete anything you cannot support in an interview.
Do I have to use all of these tools?
Not at all. Most people need only the editor, the pre-PDF check and perhaps one writing tool. Use the others when a specific problem appears.
Where are my CVs stored?
CVs in “My CVs” are kept in your browser, so back them up with “Download backup (.json)”. Clearing site data can remove them.