How to write a CV

by Amber Rolfe

Looking to learn how to make a good CV? You’ve come to the right place…

Whether you're figuring out how to write a CV for the first time or need to learn how to write a better CV as someone further on in your career, we’ve got you covered. From advice on what to include in a CV, to tips on avoiding common pitfalls - we’ll help you create a CV that actually gets read, not recycled.

Whether you're a recent graduate or school leaver, switching careers, or coming back after a career break, here’s how to create a CV for job applications:

What is a CV?

A CV (also known as a Curriculum Vitae or résumé) is a detailed snapshot of your work experience, education, skills, and more.

In the UK and many other countries, a CV is an essential part of job applications, giving employers a clear idea of what you bring to the table.

What is a CV?

Free CV template

What should I include on my CV?

A good CV is simple, clear, and easy to scan - but that doesn’t mean it should be light on substance. Each section is your chance to showcase what makes you a standout candidate. 

Here’s everything a perfect CV should include:

Personal details

Start with your name, in a larger font, at the top of the page. 

Then, add your professional email address, a phone number, and your city or county (no need for your full address, birthday, or a photo). 

If you’re wondering how to draft a CV header, it’s all about clarity and making it easy for employers to contact you.

Personal statement

Picture your personal statement as your 20-second 'Why me?' speech. In 3–4 punchy sentences, outline your most relevant experience, the core skills you bring, and what you’re aiming for in your next role. 

Example personal statement: 'Motivated retail assistant with two years’ experience increasing sales through excellent customer service. Skilled at creating displays and managing inventory. Looking to progress into a supervisory role.'

And, always avoid buzzwords unless you’ve got the receipts. 'Driven marketing professional who doubled social engagement in six months' beats 'results-driven team player' every time.

Work experience

This section should include all of your relevant work experience, listed with the most recent first. 

For each, list your job title, employer name, dates of employment, and 4–6 bullet points describing your achievements. Go beyond listing responsibilities, and focus on impact and relevancy. 

Example:

• Led a team of four, reducing stockroom errors by 30%.
• Introduced a new tracking system that improved admin accuracy.
• Managed customer issues with a 95% satisfaction rate.

If you don’t have much experience yet, check our Graduate CV template and skills-based CV template for help on how to write a CV when you’re just starting out.

Top tip: Use action verbs like managed, designed, delivered, or supported to back up your contributions.

Education

For each qualification you have, include the institution, subject, dates, and (where relevant) grades or modules. 

It’s best to put more detail into recent, relevant qualifications, and, if you’re early in your career - education can sit above work experience.

Ask yourself: how can I make my education section stand out? This could be from scholarships, projects, or extra-curricular roles where you gained useful skills. And remember,  the specific parts of education that you include in your CV will depend on your individual situation. 

Skills

Your CV should feature a well-chosen mix of technical ('I can code in Python') and soft ('I can calm any angry customer') skills. 

Tailor this list to match the requirements in the job advert, and make sure the rest of your CV backs it up with examples.

Possible skills to include on a CV:

• IT programmes or software proficiency
• Foreign languages (specify your level)
• Experience with equipment or tools
• Communication or leadership strengths

Five CV skills employers look for in every jobseeker

Skills based CV template

Additional sections

Here’s how you add personality and depth without overloading your CV:

• Achievements & awards: Include scholarships, competitions, or promotions.
• Hobbies and interests: Only useful if they highlight transferable skills, commitment, or leadership - or they’re highly relevant to the role you’re applying for.
• Languages: State your proficiency honestly.
• Volunteering: Detail specific contributions or responsibilities that link to your target job.

Any extra information, such as reasons for a career change or reasons for gaps in career history should also be included as required.

Choosing the right words for your CV

The way you write matters as much as what you include. 

If you find yourself asking yourself 'how do I write a CV that actually stands out?’ - the answer is specificity and evidence. 

So whenever you mention a skill or achievement, add numbers or results where you can, and avoid clichéd phrases like 'team player' and 'hard worker' if you can’t back them up. Instead, use active verbs and concrete results - such as 'completed monthly reports' or 'reduced expenses by 15%.'

Example:

Don’t say: 'Excellent communicator'

Do say: 'Presented monthly updates to senior management, leading to clearer project direction and faster decisions.'

What words should I use on my CV?

CV formatting and presentation tips

Your CV is the first thing an employer will see when hiring for a vacancy, and how it looks at first glance will be the reason they decide to read it in more detail. Even if your skills match the role perfectly, a messy and confusing CV probably won’t even get a second look.

To ensure you’re painting yourself (and your skills) in the best light, you should always:

• Keep it short and succinct – two sides of A4 will almost always suffice.
• Choose a clear, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica to ensure that your CV can be easily read (leave Comic Sans and Word Art back in the 1990s where they belong)
• Lay it out in a logical order, with sufficient spacing and clear section headings (e.g. Work experience, Education)
• Order your experience and education in reverse chronological order to highlight your most recent experience and achievements
• Check your grammar and spelling thoroughly
• Use bullet points for lists to make it easier to scan
• Check consistency across dates, company names, and spacing

CV layout examples

CV layout: dos and don’ts

How long should a CV be?

Tailoring your CV for every application

Tailoring your CV is absolutely vital if you want to stand out to recruiters. Here’s how to do it: 

• Scan the job description for the company’s must-have skills and mirror their language
• Tweak your personal statement so it addresses the specific requirements
• Highlight relevant experience or achievements near the top, and move less relevant roles down

Tailoring your CV: What you need to know

Common CV mistakes to avoid

Even with the best intentions, a few classic mistakes can sabotage your application:

• Unprofessional email addresses (seriously, make a new one if needed)
• Spelling and grammar mistakes
• Typos, inconsistent formatting, or erratic dates
• Making your CV too long or too vague

For more common CV pitfalls - and our advice on how to avoid them - read the Top CV mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead).

How to write a CV with no experience

Writing a CV when you have limited work experience can feel challenging, but it’s all about showcasing the skills, achievements, and potential you bring to the table. Even without extensive work history, you can create a great CV by focusing on the following:

• Highlight transferable skills: Draw attention to skills you've gained through education, volunteer work, internships, or personal projects. Skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are highly valued by employers.
• Focus on accomplishments: Instead of listing tasks, emphasise specific outcomes or achievements. For example, if you led a school project, mention how it improved collaboration or achieved a specific goal.
• Tailor your CV: Customise your CV for each position by aligning your skills and experiences with the job description. Use keywords from the posting to show you're a strong match.
• Include relevant extras: If you’ve participated in training, workshops, or online courses, include these under a “Skills” or “Certifications” section to demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement.
• Keep it professional yet concise: Stick to a clean format and ensure your CV is easy to read. At this stage, a one-page CV is often ideal.

Remember, your CV is a reflection of your potential and enthusiasm. By focusing on what you bring to the role, even with limited experience, you can make a strong impression.

Final thoughts

Once you’ve put together your CV – don’t assume it’s finished.

Every job is different and tailoring your CV accordingly is vital to standing out. Edit it in line with the job description whenever you make an application, and you’ll be able to ensure it matches the specifications every time.

By taking the time to write a CV that highlights what makes you the right fit, you’ll be able to stand out to employers - not to mention land a job you’ll love. 

For practical next steps, download a free CV template or explore our full library of CV resources for more tips and examples.

Ready to put your CV to the test? View all available jobs now