CV layout examples

by Amber Rolfe

Writing a CV is tough, but finding the right layout can be even harder…

No matter how impressive the content is, presenting your CV in a way that positively emphasises your skills and experience isn’t always easy.

The good news is, how you choose to present your CV is entirely up to you. So whether you want to demonstrate your design skills, or concentrate on the numbers – adapting your layout accordingly (and creatively) could be the best way to stand out.

We’ve already covered a list of CV layout dos and don’ts, but here are some of the most effective CV layout examples (and when to use each one):

What makes a great CV layout?

Before we dive into specific layouts, here’s what every successful CV needs:

• Clear structure – Your information should flow logically from one section to the next
• Easy scanning – Recruiters spend just seven seconds on initial CV reviews, so make those seconds count
• Professional appearance – Clean, consistent formatting that looks polished is essential for any CV layout
• Relevant focus – The layout should highlight your strongest selling points first

Remember, the best CV layout is one that makes your key information impossible to miss whilst keeping everything readable and professional.

Free CV template

CV layout examples

Let’s take a look at some tried-and-tested CV layouts (and who should use them) to help you find the perfect fit for your experience, style, and target role:

Traditional CV layout

The traditional CV layout remains popular for good reason – it works. This chronological approach lists your work experience in reverse order (most recent first) and follows a predictable structure that recruiters expect.

Best for:

• Professionals with consistent work history
• Those applying to conservative industries like finance or law
• Anyone with steady career progression in the same field

Key features:

• Contact details at the top
• Professional summary or personal statement
• Work experience in reverse chronological order
• Education section
• Skills and additional information

This layout works particularly well if you’ve got a solid work history without major gaps. It’s also your safest bet if you’re unsure which layout to choose – as most employers are comfortable with this format.

Download free traditional CV template

Skills-based CV layout

Sometimes called a functional CV, this layout prioritises your skills and achievements over your employment timeline. Instead of leading with work history, you group your experience by relevant skill categories.

Best for:

• Recent graduates with limited work experience
• Career changers moving between industries
• People with employment gaps
• Those with diverse experience that doesn’t follow a linear path

Key features:

• Skills sections grouped by theme (e.g., ‘Leadership Skills’, ‘Technical Skills’)
• Specific examples under each skill category
• Brief employment history section
• Strong focus on achievements and measurable results

This approach lets you highlight transferable skills and demonstrate your value even if your work history isn’t perfectly aligned with your target role. It’s particularly effective for showcasing relevant experience from volunteering, freelancing, or part-time work.

Download free skills-based CV template

Download free career change CV template

Graduate CV layout

Starting your career? The graduate CV layout acknowledges that you might not have extensive work experience whilst highlighting what you do bring to the table.

Best for:

• Recent university graduates
• Anyone entering their first professional role
• Those transitioning from education to work

Key features:

• Education section appears early and includes relevant coursework
• Strong emphasis on academic achievements, projects, and dissertations
• Detailed coverage of internships, work placements, and part-time jobs
• Extracurricular activities and volunteering experience
• Relevant skills developed through studies

Don’t worry if your work experience section looks thin – employers hiring graduates understand this. Focus on demonstrating your potential through academic achievements, relevant projects, and any practical experience you’ve gained.

Download free graduate CV template

Download free school leaver CV template

Technical CV layout

For roles in IT, engineering, or other technical fields, you need a layout that can showcase both your technical expertise and your practical experience with complex systems and projects.

Best for:

• Software Developers and Engineers
• IT professionals
• Technical specialists and consultants
• Research and development roles

Key features:

• Detailed technical skills section with specific technologies, programming languages, or tools
• Project-based experience highlighting technical challenges and solutions
• Certifications and technical qualifications prominently displayed
• Quantified achievements (improved system performance by X%, reduced costs by £X)
• Portfolio or GitHub links if relevant

This layout allows you to demonstrate both the breadth and depth of your technical knowledge whilst showing how you’ve applied these skills in real-world situations.

Tech interview questions

Academic CV layout

Academic CVs differ significantly from standard formats because they need to capture your research contributions, publications, and scholarly achievements in detail.

Best for:

• University lecturers and researchers
• Those applying for PhD positions
• Research-based roles
• Academic or research institution positions

Key features:

• Detailed education section including thesis topics and supervisors
• Publications and research section
• Conference presentations and academic talks
• Grants and funding received
• Teaching experience and supervision of students
• Professional memberships and editorial positions

Academic CVs can be considerably longer than standard CVs – there’s no strict two-page rule here. The key is ensuring everything included directly supports your academic credentials and research expertise.

Degree levels explained

Education levels explained

Creative CV layout

If you work in design, marketing, or other creative industries, your CV layout can be more visually striking – but it still needs to be functional and professional.

Best for:

• Graphic Designers and creatives
• Marketing professionals
• Media and advertising roles
• Roles where visual skills are important

Key features:

• Clean, visually appealing design that reflects your style
• Portfolio links or QR codes to online work
• Creative use of colour and typography (whilst maintaining readability)
• Visual representations of skills or achievements where appropriate
• Clear hierarchy despite creative elements

Remember: creative doesn’t mean cluttered. The best creative CVs still follow good design principles – they’re just more visually interesting than traditional formats.

Other CV layouts

Looking for more layout options? Here are a few more to consider:

• Infographic CVs: Use charts, icons, and colour to present your skills and results visually – great for creative roles or when you want key info easy to scan. Just keep it readable and save as a PDF to ensure your format stays in tact.
• Portfolio CVs: Showcase your work directly on your CV with images, links, or snippets – perfect for designers, writers, and anyone with projects to flaunt.
• Video CVs: Let your personality shine with a short video summary (2–3 minutes). Ideal for roles requiring strong communication, but always send a written CV too.

Choose these formats if you want to show more than you can say – and remember, clarity beats style overload every time.

Choosing the right CV layout for your situation

Still not sure which layout to choose? Here’s a quick decision guide:

Use the traditional layout if:

• You have steady career progression
• You’re applying in conservative industries
• Your work history tells a clear story

Use the skills-based layout if:

• You’re changing careers
• You have employment gaps
• Your experience is varied or non-linear

Use the graduate layout if:

• You’re entering your first professional role after graduating
• You have strong academic credentials
• Your education is your main selling point

Use the technical layout if:

• You work in IT, engineering, or technical fields
• Specific skills and certifications matter
• You need to showcase complex projects

Use the creative layout if:

• You’re in design, marketing, or a creative industry
• You want your CV to reflect your visual style or portfolio
• The employer values originality and presentation skills

Use the academic layout if:

• You’re applying for academic, research, or teaching positions
• You need to detail publications, research, and education
• The role requires evidence of scholarly achievements

View all free CV templates

CV examples and samples

CV layout mistakes to avoid

Even with the right layout choice, these common mistakes can undermine your application:

• Overcrowding – White space is your friend; don’t try to cram everything onto fewer pages
• Inconsistent formatting – Stick to the same fonts, spacing, and bullet point styles throughout
• Poor font choices – Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Tiny text – Don’t go smaller than 10pt font, and 11-12pt is safer
• Lack of keywords – Include relevant keywords from the job description
• Generic content – Tailor your CV layout and content to each application

CV layout: dos and don’ts

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

CV layout tips

Your CV layout should do more than just look professional – it should guide the reader to your most important information. Here’s how:

• Lead with strength – Put your strongest selling points near the top
• Use headings strategically – Make it easy to find key sections
• Quantify achievements – Numbers catch the eye and prove impact
• Keep it relevant – Every line should add value for your target role

Remember, even the best layout won’t save poor content, but good content can be let down by bad presentation. Get both right, and you’ll have a CV that opens doors.

CV templates and tips

Six ways to make your CV stand out

Final thoughts

The perfect CV layout balances professional presentation with strategic content placement. 

Whether you choose a traditional chronological format or something more creative, the key is ensuring your layout serves your career goals.

Ready to put this advice into practice? Start with one of our professionally designed CV templates and customise it to showcase your unique experience and skills. 

Trust us, your future self will thank you for the extra effort.

View all CV tips and advice

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