CV Writing Tips
A strong CV can open the door to more interviews and better job opportunities. Whether you’re applying for your first role or looking to take the next step in your career, the way you present your experience matters. A well-written CV should clearly show who you are, what you can do, and why you’re right for the job.
These CV writing tips will help you structure your information, highlight your strengths, and avoid common mistakes. While every CV should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for, there are core principles that apply across the board: keep it clear, keep it relevant, and keep it professional. With the right approach, your CV can make a strong first impression and encourage employers to invite you to interview.
What is a CV?
A CV, short for curriculum vitae, is a document that outlines your work history, education, skills, and achievements. It is usually the first thing an employer sees when you apply for a job, so it plays a key role in securing an interview.
In the UK, a CV is typically one to two pages long and tailored to each role. It should provide a clear summary of your experience and demonstrate how your background matches the job requirements. Employers use CVs to quickly assess whether a candidate has the right skills, qualifications, and experience for the position.
Your CV is not just a list of past jobs. It’s a marketing document that presents your strengths in a way that makes sense to hiring managers. A clear, well-structured CV makes it easier for employers to see your potential.
What Makes a Good CV in the UK?
A good CV in the UK is clear, concise, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Employers often review many applications, so your CV needs to highlight the most relevant information quickly and effectively.
Relevance is key. Focus on skills and experience that match the job description. If you’re applying for different types of roles, adjust your CV for each one so the most important information appears first. This might mean changing the order of sections or emphasising certain achievements.
Clarity also matters. Use plain, straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon. Keep formatting consistent, use bullet points to break up text, and make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Asking someone to read over your CV before sending it can help you spot errors and improve the overall quality.
Ultimately, a good CV makes it easy for an employer to understand what you offer and why you’re a strong candidate.
How to Choose the Right CV Format
Choosing the right CV format depends on your experience, career goals, and the role you’re applying for. The format you select should highlight your strengths and present your information in the most logical order.
There are three main CV formats used in the UK: reverse-chronological, skills-based, and hybrid. Each has its own advantages depending on your background and the type of job you’re targeting.
Reverse-Chronological CVs
The reverse-chronological CV is the most common format in the UK. It lists your work experience starting with your most recent role and works backwards. This format is ideal if you have a consistent employment history and want to show career progression.
Employers are familiar with this structure and often prefer it because it clearly shows where you’ve worked and how your responsibilities have developed over time. If your recent roles are relevant to the job you’re applying for, this format helps ensure they are seen first.
It’s also a strong choice if you’re applying within the same industry and want to demonstrate steady growth and increasing responsibility.
Skills-Based CVs
A skills-based CV, sometimes called a functional CV, focuses on your abilities rather than your work history. Instead of listing jobs in date order, you group your experience under key skills relevant to the role.
This format can work well if you have gaps in your employment history, are changing careers, or have gained experience through volunteering, education, or short-term roles. By highlighting transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and teamwork, you can show employers how your abilities match their needs.
However, you should still include a brief work history section so employers can see your employment timeline.
Hybrid CVs
A hybrid CV combines elements of both reverse-chronological and skills-based formats. It usually begins with a strong skills section that highlights your key strengths, followed by a detailed work history listed in reverse order.
This format works well if you have solid experience but also want to draw attention to specific skills that are particularly relevant to the role. It allows you to tailor your application while still providing a clear employment timeline.
A hybrid CV is a flexible option and can be especially effective if you’re applying for roles that require a mix of technical skills and practical experience.
How to Structure a CV
A clear structure makes your CV easier to read and more professional. Employers should be able to find key information quickly without searching through long paragraphs.
A typical UK CV includes contact details, a personal statement, work experience, education, skills, and optional additional sections. Present each section clearly with consistent headings and formatting.
Contact Details
Your contact details should appear at the top of your CV. Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address. Double-check that these are correct, as a simple mistake could mean missing an interview invitation.
You may also include your LinkedIn profile if it is up to date and relevant to your application. In most cases, you do not need to include personal details such as your date of birth or marital status.
Keep this section simple and clear so employers can easily contact you.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV that summarises who you are and what you’re looking for. It should highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals.
Keep it concise and tailored to the role. Mention your most relevant achievements or strengths and explain how you can add value to the employer. Avoid vague phrases and focus on specific qualities that match the job description.
A strong personal statement can encourage employers to read the rest of your CV more closely.
Work Experience
Your work experience section should outline your employment history, starting with your most recent role if you’re using a reverse-chronological format. For each job, include your job title, employer name, and dates of employment.
Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on what you achieved rather than just listing tasks. Where possible, include measurable results, such as improving efficiency or increasing sales.
If you have a long work history, you can briefly summarise older or less relevant roles while providing more detail on recent or relevant positions.
Education
List your education in reverse order, starting with your most recent qualification. Include the name of the institution, the qualification achieved, and the dates attended.
If you’re early in your career, you can provide more detail about relevant coursework or achievements. If you have significant work experience, this section can be shorter.
If you’ve recently completed a course that is particularly relevant to the role, you may choose to place your education section before your work experience to highlight its importance.
Skills
Your skills section should highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the job. Focus on abilities that are mentioned in the job description and that you can demonstrate with examples.
Examples might include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, IT skills, or industry-specific qualifications. Avoid listing too many generic skills without context.
Make sure the skills you include reflect your actual experience and can be discussed confidently in an interview.
Optional Sections
Depending on your experience, you may want to include additional sections such as certifications, professional memberships, volunteering, or hobbies.
Only include information that adds value to your application. For example, volunteering can demonstrate teamwork and initiative, while professional memberships may show commitment to your field.
Keep optional sections concise and relevant. If space is limited, prioritise the information that best supports your application.
View Our CV Templates
For more support with CV structure, why not take a look at our templates? We have downloadable CV templates for some of the most common roles in the UK across a variety of sectors and industries. Find out more today.
How to Make a CV With No Experience
If you have little or no formal work experience, focus on your transferable skills and other achievements. Employers understand that everyone starts somewhere, so the key is to demonstrate potential and willingness to learn.
Highlight your education, including relevant coursework, projects, or group work. If you’ve taken part in volunteering, work placements, or extracurricular activities, include these as they can demonstrate responsibility and teamwork.
You can also emphasise soft skills such as communication, organisation, and reliability. A skills-based or hybrid CV format may help you present your strengths clearly.
Most importantly, tailor your CV to the role and show genuine interest in the opportunity. Even without formal experience, a clear and enthusiastic application can make a positive impression.
How to Tailor a CV to Specific Roles
Tailoring your CV means adjusting it to match the specific job you’re applying for. Rather than sending the same version to every employer, create a base CV and then adapt it for each application.
Start by carefully reading the job description. Identify the key skills and requirements, and ensure these are clearly reflected in your CV. You might adjust your personal statement, reorder sections, or emphasise certain achievements.
For example, if you’re applying for different types of roles, you could create separate versions of your CV for each job category. Highlight the most relevant experience for each one while keeping your core information consistent.
Tailoring your CV shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested in the position.
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Even small mistakes can reduce your chances of being invited to interview. One of the most common issues is spelling and grammar errors. Always proofread your CV carefully and ask someone else to review it if possible.
Another mistake is including too much irrelevant information. Keep your CV focused on experience and skills that match the role. Avoid long paragraphs and make use of bullet points to improve readability.
Inconsistent formatting, unusual fonts, or different text sizes can also be off-putting. Keep the design simple and professional. Make sure all headings are consistent and the font style and size are uniform throughout.
Finally, ensure your CV is up to date and includes your most recent experience. Accurate, clear information helps you present yourself in the best possible light.
CV Formatting Tips
Formatting plays an important role in how your CV is received. A clear layout makes it easier for employers to scan your information quickly.
Use consistent headings, bullet points, and spacing. Choose a professional, easy-to-read font and keep the font size consistent throughout the document, using slightly larger sizes for headings if needed.
How to Make a CV Stand Out
To make your CV stand out, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Instead of stating what you were expected to do, show what you actually accomplished.
Use clear examples and, where possible, include numbers to demonstrate impact. For example, mention if you improved processes, supported a busy team, or met specific targets.
A tailored personal statement and a clear structure can also help your CV stand out. When employers can quickly see how your experience matches their needs, you increase your chances of progressing to the next stage.
How to Make a CV ATS-Friendly
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they are reviewed by a hiring manager. To make your CV ATS-friendly, use clear section headings such as “Work Experience” and “Education”.
Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally into your CV. Avoid overly complex formatting, graphics, or unusual fonts, as these can confuse automated systems.
Save your CV in a commonly accepted format, such as PDF or Word, unless the employer specifies otherwise. A simple, well-structured CV improves your chances of passing automated screening.
How to Make a CV Online
There are many online tools and templates available to help you create a CV. These can provide a clear structure and ensure your formatting is consistent.
When using an online builder, customise the content so it reflects your own experience and the job you’re applying for. Avoid copying generic phrases.
Always review your CV carefully before downloading and sending it to employers. Make sure all details are correct and that the final version is easy to read.
How to Make a CV on a Phone
If you’re creating or updating your CV on a phone, keep formatting simple. Use clear headings and short bullet points to maintain readability.
Many job sites and apps allow you to upload and edit your CV directly. Double-check for formatting issues that can occur when switching between devices.
Before submitting, review your CV on a larger screen if possible to ensure everything appears correctly. Taking a few extra minutes to check can prevent small mistakes.
CV Checklist
A final review can help ensure you present yourself professionally and confidently. Use this checklist to make sure your CV is the best it can be before you send it to a potential employer:
□ Is it tailored to the role?
□ Is it no longer than two pages?
□ Is your work history up to date?
□ Are your achievements quantified?
□ Are there any spelling/grammar errors?
□ Does it match the job description keywords?
□ Is the layout and formatting consistent?
□ Is your contact information accurate?
□ Is the document saved in the correct format?
Common CV FAQs
What Does CV Stand For?
CV stands for “curriculum vitae,” a Latin term meaning “course of life.” It refers to a document that outlines your work history, education, and skills.
How Long Should a CV Be?
In the UK, a CV is usually one to two pages long. It should be concise while still including all relevant experience and qualifications.
What Skills Do I Need to Put on a CV?
Include skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. These might include technical abilities, communication, teamwork, organisation, or industry-specific qualifications.
Is a Resume the Same as a CV?
In the UK, the term CV is commonly used. In some countries, such as the United States, “resume” is more common. They are similar documents but may differ in length and detail depending on location.
How Do I Put Education on a CV If I’m Currently Studying?
If you’re currently studying, list the qualification with the expected completion date. Make it clear that it is ongoing and include relevant modules if appropriate.
What Font Size Should a CV Be?
A font size between 10 and 12 points is generally recommended for the main text. Headings can be slightly larger, but keep formatting consistent.
Is It Illegal to Lie on a CV?
Providing false information on a CV can have serious consequences, including losing a job offer or being dismissed if the dishonesty is discovered later.
Should You Put Your Address on a CV?
You can include your town or city, but a full address is not always necessary. Many candidates choose to include only their general location for privacy reasons.
