CV examples and samples

by Michael Cheary

Building a standout CV can feel overwhelming… 

With so many formats to choose from and countless pieces of advice floating around, where do you even start? The good news is that crafting an effective CV doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a recent graduate, returning from a career break, or switching industries entirely, having the right template and approach can make all the difference in landing that interview.

To help you consider all the available options, here are some CV examples and samples that might inspire you:

Basic CV example

The traditional (or basic) CV remains the most popular format for good reason. This straightforward approach includes a personal statement, education history, qualifications, and work experience listed in reverse-chronological order.

What makes traditional CVs effective is their familiar structure. Hiring managers can quickly scan through your most recent role first, then work backwards through your career progression. This format works particularly well if you have a steady employment history and you’re applying for roles within the same industry.

Keep your content clear and concise. Remove any positions that don’t add value to your application – anything beyond two pages risks losing the employer’s attention. Remember, hiring managers spend an average of just seven seconds reviewing each CV, so every word counts.

Key features of basic CVs:

• Personal statement at the top
• Work experience in reverse-chronological order 
• Education and qualifications section
• Clean, professional layout
• Maximum two pages

How long should a CV be?

Graduate CV example

Recent graduates face a unique challenge: demonstrating value without extensive work experience. The solution? Restructure your CV to highlight your academic achievements and potential.

Your degree classification and A-level results are important, but don’t stop there. Detail the modules you’ve studied, particularly those relevant to your target role. Completed a dissertation on digital marketing strategies? That’s valuable if you’re applying for marketing positions. Studied international relations with a focus on European politics? Perfect for roles in policy or consultancy.

Use your course content to support your personal statement and cover letter. Three years of dedicated study provides plenty of material to demonstrate your knowledge, commitment, and analytical skills. You should also include any group projects, presentations, or research work that showcases transferable skills.

Graduate CV essentials:

• Detailed education section (modules, projects, dissertation topics)
• Any internships or part-time work
• Societies, volunteering, or leadership roles
• Technical skills gained through study
• Strong personal statement linking education to career goals

Graduate CV & interview advice

Graduate skills – what are employers looking for?

Career break CV example

Employment gaps happen. Whether you’ve been caring for family, travelling, pursuing further education, or dealing with health issues, the key is addressing your career break confidently rather than trying to hide it.

Attempting to disguise gaps in your employment history never works – you will always be found out. Instead, include a brief explanation in your CV or cover letter. You don’t need extensive detail; a simple line stating ‘Career break to care for a family member’ or ‘Took time out for personal development and travel’ is sufficient.

Focus on any skills you’ve maintained or developed during your break. Organised community events? That’s project management. Managed household finances? That’s budgeting and planning. Volunteered for a local charity? That’s teamwork and dedication.

Career break CV strategies:

• Be honest about employment gaps
• Highlight any volunteer work or projects during the break
• Emphasise skills that remain relevant
• Show enthusiasm for returning to work
• Consider a brief covering letter explanation

How to explain a gap in your CV

Career change CV example

Switching careers requires a strategic approach to your CV. Rather than leading with your work history, restructure your application to emphasise transferable skills that apply to your target industry.

Create a prominent skills section near the top of your CV, just after your personal statement. List abilities that cross industry boundaries: project management, team leadership, client communication, problem-solving, or data analysis. Then support each skill with concrete examples from your previous roles.

For example, if you’re moving from retail management to HR, highlight your experience in staff training, performance management, and conflict resolution. These skills are highly relevant, even though the industry context differs.

And, always back up your skills claims with specific examples. Simply stating you’re a ‘good team player’ won’t impress anyone. Instead, describe how you ‘collaborated with a cross-functional team of eight to deliver a product launch six weeks ahead of schedule.’

Career change CV focus areas:

• Prominent transferable skills section
• Personal statement explaining career motivation
• Examples linking previous experience to new field
• Any relevant training or certifications
• Network connections or informational interviews

Changing careers: What you need to know

What are transferable skills?

Skills-based CV example

Skills-based CVs work brilliantly for school leavers, career starters, or anyone with limited work experience. Instead of focusing on employment history, you structure the entire CV around your abilities and attributes.

Start with a skills section immediately after your personal statement. Organise your abilities into categories: technical skills, communication skills, leadership experience, or problem-solving capabilities. This approach allows you to showcase your potential even without extensive work history.

Use the job description as your guide. If the role requires ‘excellent communication skills,’ include examples of presentations you’ve given, customer service experience, or even social media management for a local club. Every experience counts when you’re starting your career.

Skills-based CV components:

• Comprehensive skills section with examples
• Education and any certifications
• Part-time work, internships, or volunteer roles
• Personal projects or achievements
• Clear connection between skills and job requirements

Five CV skills employers look for in every jobseeker

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Creative CV example

Certain industries welcome – or even expect – more creative applications. Graphic designers, marketing professionals, and creative agencies often appreciate CVs that demonstrate your skills practically.

Graphic designers might create visually striking CVs that showcase their design abilities. Marketing candidates could develop campaigns around their own personal brand. However, this approach requires careful consideration of your target employer and industry norms.

Before creating something unconventional, research the company culture thoroughly. A creative CV might impress a startup marketing agency but could seem unprofessional for a traditional financial services firm. When in doubt, stick to professional formatting.

Creative CV considerations:

• Research company culture first
• Ensure creativity enhances rather than distracts from content
• Keep important information easily accessible
• Consider including a portfolio or work samples
• Test your design across different devices and formats

CV layout examples

CV tips to help you stand out

• Keep it concise: Hiring managers scan CVs quickly. Make every word count and stick to two pages maximum.
• Tailor each application: Customise your CV for every role. Highlight the most relevant experience and skills for each position.
• Use strong action verbs: Start bullet points with powerful verbs like ‘managed,’ ‘developed,’ ‘implemented,’ or ‘achieved.’
• Quantify achievements: Include numbers wherever possible. ‘Increased sales by 15%’ is more impressive than ‘responsible for sales growth.’
• Proofread carefully: Spelling mistakes and typos create a poor first impression. Ask someone else to review your CV before sending.
• Update regularly: Keep your CV current with recent achievements, new skills, and completed projects.

Six ways to make your CV stand out from the crowd

Top CV mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)

Final thoughts

Your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers. With recruiters spending mere seconds on initial reviews, your application needs to grab attention immediately while clearly demonstrating your suitability for the role.

The examples and templates in this guide provide great starting points, but remember to tailor each application. Research the company, understand their values, and mirror their language where appropriate. 

Most importantly, don’t let CV writing paralysis stop you from applying for roles. A good CV that gets submitted is infinitely better than a perfect CV that never reaches an employer. Start with our CV templates, adapt them to your situation, and begin your job search with confidence.

For expert insights into creating applications that land interviews, consider reading The 7 Second CV: How to Land the Interview by James Reed.

Ready to start your job search? Browse our current vacancies or explore more CV help and tips to perfect your application.