Prove your skills,
not just your CV
Stop competing on keywords and credentials. Show employers what you can actually do and get noticed for your real abilities.
Show how you think.
Start with what you would do, explain why, and use an example from your own experience.
A better way to show what you can do
Finally, a way to stand out that values your actual abilities
Skills over credentials
Your work speaks first. Employers see what you can do before they see where you went to school or where you've worked.
Stand out from the crowd
When everyone's CV looks the same, your thoughtful response is what sets you apart. Genuine effort gets noticed.
Time well spent
Stop shouting into the void. Your effort goes directly to the hiring manager, not into a black hole of automated screening.
Level playing field
No advantage for fancy formatting or keyword stuffing. Everyone gets the same chance to show their abilities.
Show genuine interest
Employers see your answer alongside effort signals. Give them something useful to consider beyond your CV.
Fast-track to interviews
When your response impresses, you jump straight to the top of the list. Quality work gets quality attention.
How it works for you
A straightforward process that respects your time and showcases your abilities
Click the link
Find the role on the company's job listing and click the FirstLook application link.
Complete the assessment
Answer the employer's question. Written or code - whatever format fits the role.
Upload your CV
After your response, upload your CV. The employer sees your work first, then decides whether to view your background.
Get noticed
If your response impresses, the employer reveals your CV and reaches out. Quality responses get quality attention.
Tips for a great response
How to make your application stand out and show employers what you're capable of.
Read the question carefully
Take a moment to understand exactly what's being asked. A thoughtful response to the actual question beats a generic answer.
Be specific and authentic
Use real examples from your experience. Specific details are more compelling than vague generalisations.
Take your time
There's no prize for finishing quickly. Employers value thoughtful responses over rushed ones.
Write in your own voice
Use your own experience and follow the employer's instructions on AI. If AI is allowed, explain how you used it.
Review before submitting
Take a few minutes to read through your response. Catch typos and make sure your points are clear.
Example Response
Product Designer role
"Describe a product you've designed from concept to launch. What was your biggest challenge and how did you solve it?"
At my previous company, I led the redesign of our mobile checkout flow, which had a 67% abandonment rate.
The biggest challenge was convincing stakeholders that removing fields would increase conversions. I ran A/B tests with a simplified 3-step checkout against the existing 7-step flow.
Results: Abandonment dropped to 34% and mobile revenue increased 28% in the first month. The key was showing data, not just design opinions.
Questions from candidates
Everything you need to know about applying through FirstLook
Is FirstLook free for candidates?
Yes, always. You'll never pay to apply for a job through FirstLook. Employers pay for the platform, not candidates.
What information do employers see?
Initially, employers only see your assessment response and effort signals. They can't see your CV, name, or contact details until they choose to reveal them.
What are effort signals?
FirstLook shows employers how an answer was written, including time spent, typing versus pasting, edits and tab switches. These are signals for the employer to weigh alongside your answer. Nothing is rejected automatically.
Can I save my progress and come back?
For written and code assessments, your progress is automatically saved in your browser. You can close and return to continue where you left off.
How long should my response be?
Follow the time guidance provided. A good answer doesn't need to be long. A focused, thoughtful response is better than a lengthy rambling one.
What if I make a mistake?
You can edit and revise your written response as many times as you need before submitting. Only your final answer is sent to the employer.
Will employers contact me directly?
If an employer wants to move forward, they'll reveal your CV which includes your email address. They'll then reach out directly to schedule next steps.
How is my data protected?
We take privacy seriously. Your data is stored securely in UK data centres and handled in compliance with GDPR. You can request deletion of your data at any time.
Ready to let your work speak for itself?
Look for the FirstLook application link on job postings from forward-thinking employers.
Learn how it works