How to write a CV

How to Write a CV (UK Guide): Simple Steps, Examples and Templates

A CV is a short document that helps an employer decide whether to interview you.

You do not need a “perfect” CV. You need a clear one that makes it easy for a recruiter to see:

• what kind of work you can do
• what skills you have
• what you have achieved (even if you have little experience)
• why you are a good fit for the role

If you want templates you can copy and edit, use our free CV templates.

Quick CV checklist (use this first)

• Keep it to 1 page if you have little experience, or 2 pages if you have more.
• Use clear headings and bullet points.
• Show results and achievements, not just duties.
• Tailor it to the job advert (same job keywords, where they fit your experience).
• Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
• Proofread carefully.

What is a CV?

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a summary of your work history, skills, training and achievements.

In the UK, most CVs focus on your most recent 10 to 15 years of experience (or less if you are early in your career). Your goal is to make it easy for an employer to say: “Yes, interview this person.”

What to include in a CV

Most CVs work best with these sections:

• Contact details
• Profile (3 to 5 lines)
• Key skills
• Work experience
• Education
• Optional: training, certificates, volunteering, licences, languages

Best CV format (simple and readable)

A CV does not need fancy design. Clear beats clever.

• Use a simple font and consistent spacing.
• Use bold for job titles and employers.
• Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements.
• Avoid tables, columns, icons and graphics (they can cause problems on some application systems).

CV contact details

Include:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Town/city (you do not need your full address)
• Optional: LinkedIn profile (only if it looks professional and up to date)

Do not include your date of birth, a photo, or personal details such as marital status.

CV profile (example and template)

Your profile is a short summary of who you are and what you are aiming for.

A good profile answers:

• What role are you applying for?
• What skills do you bring?
• What experience or strengths support this?

Profile template

[Role or direction] with [1–2 strengths] and experience in [relevant area]. Looking for a [role name] where I can use [skills] to [result or value].

Profile example (entry-level)

Reliable and friendly customer service worker with strong communication and teamwork skills. Experienced in handling payments, keeping work areas organised and supporting busy shifts. Looking for a retail assistant role where I can help customers and work as part of a team.

Key skills section (keep it specific)

Choose 6 to 10 skills that match the job advert.

Examples:

• Customer service
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Cash handling
• Stock control
• Microsoft Office
• Accurate data entry
• Problem solving

If you are not confident with computers, improving your digital skills can make CV writing and job applications much easier. See our guide to computer courses.

Work experience section (how to write it)

For each job, include:

• Job title
• Employer name
• Dates (month/year to month/year)
• 3 to 6 bullet points that show what you did and what you achieved

Better CV bullet points (show outcomes)

Instead of:

• Served customers

Use:

• Served customers during busy shifts, handled payments accurately and helped resolve basic complaints calmly.

Instead of:

• Worked in a warehouse

Use:

• Picked and packed orders accurately, followed health and safety rules, and supported stock checks to keep the warehouse organised.

Education section (keep it simple)

List your most relevant qualifications. If you have many, include the highest level and the ones employers ask for most often.

If you did not pass GCSE English or maths, you can still move forward. Many jobs and courses accept Functional Skills Level 2 as an alternative:

• Functional Skills English Level 2
• Functional Skills Maths Level 2

How to write a CV with little or no experience

If you are starting out, your CV can still be strong. Focus on evidence of responsibility and transferable skills.

Good things to include:

• school or college projects (treat them like experience)
• volunteering
• work experience placements
• caring responsibilities
• sports teams, clubs, Duke of Edinburgh, cadets

Tip: move “Projects” or “Volunteering” higher up the page if it is more relevant than paid work.

How to write a CV for a career change

If you are changing career, the goal is to make your experience feel relevant.

Use this approach:

1. Change your profile so it matches your new direction.
2. Choose skills that fit the new role (even if you used them in a different job).
3. Rewrite bullet points to highlight the relevant parts of your work.
4. Add training that supports your new direction.

If you are retraining, these funded routes may help:

• Free funded courses in England (hub)
• Free Level 2 courses
• Free Level 3 courses
• Free Courses for Jobs (Level 3)
• Skills Bootcamps

How to handle employment gaps on your CV

Many people have gaps. Employers usually care most about whether you are honest and ready to work.

Options that work well:

• Use years instead of months if it reduces confusion (example: 2022–2024).
• Add a short line to explain the gap (example: “2023: caring responsibilities”).
• Show anything positive you did in the gap (example: volunteering, a course, job searching).

Keep it simple. You do not need to share personal details.

How to tailor your CV to each job (without rewriting it from scratch)

You do not need a brand new CV every time. Make small changes that match the role.

• Update your profile to match the job title and key skills.
• Swap your skills list to match the advert.
• Reorder your bullet points so the most relevant ones come first.
• Add keywords from the advert that genuinely match your experience.

CV mistakes that cost interviews

• Spelling mistakes and messy formatting
• Long paragraphs instead of bullet points
• Too much irrelevant history
• Vague claims with no evidence (example: “hardworking” with no examples)
• Wrong file name (use “Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf”)
• No tailoring at all

How to submit your CV

• Follow the instructions in the job advert.
• Save as PDF unless the employer requests Word.
• Check your email address and phone number are correct.
• Attach the CV and open it once to make sure it looks right.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

• Use our CV templates to get started quickly.
• If you are applying for apprenticeships, read how to apply for an apprenticeship.
• If you are retraining, start with free funded courses.

If you feel stuck, start small. Open a template, write a simple profile, and add your most recent experience. You can improve it step by step.