How to write a CV

How to write a CV (UK guide): steps, examples and free 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 shows what you can do, what skills you have, and why you fit the role.

This guide walks through every step, with copy-and-paste examples, a full example CV, and where to get free help. If you want a head start, 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, using the same keywords where they fit your experience.
• Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
• Proofread it twice, then ask someone else to check it.

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 to an interview.

How to set out a CV (section order)

A CV does not need fancy design. Clear beats clever. Set out your CV in this order, from top to bottom:

1. Contact details at the very top.
2. Personal profile, 3 to 5 lines.
3. Key skills, 6 to 10 that match the job.
4. Work experience, most recent first.
5. Education and qualifications.
6. Optional extras: training, certificates, volunteering, licences, hobbies.

Formatting rules that keep your CV readable:

• Use one simple font and consistent spacing.
• Use bold for job titles and employers.
• Use bullet points for duties and achievements.
• Avoid tables, columns, icons and photos. They can break on some application systems.

CV contact details

Include:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Email address (use a professional one)
• Town or city (you do not need your full address)
• Optional: LinkedIn profile, only if it is up to date

Do not include your date of birth, a photo, or details such as marital status. UK employers do not need them.

CV personal statement (examples and template)

Your personal statement, also called a profile, is a short summary at the top of your CV. Keep it to 3 to 5 lines. A good profile answers three questions: what role you want, what skills you bring, and what backs that up.

Personal statement template

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

Example: entry level, no experience

Reliable and friendly school leaver with strong communication and teamwork skills from group projects and volunteering. Quick to learn and keen to work hard. Looking for a retail assistant role where I can help customers and support a busy team.

Example: some experience

Organised customer service assistant with 2 years in retail. Experienced in handling payments, resolving complaints and keeping work areas tidy. Looking for a supervisor role where I can lead a shift and train new staff.

Example: career change

Warehouse operative moving into administration, with strong organisation, accuracy and computer skills. Recently completed a Level 2 business administration course. Looking for an office assistant role where I can be reliable and well organised.

Key skills section (keep it specific)

Choose 6 to 10 skills that match the job advert. Mix practical skills with people skills.

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

If you are not confident with computers, building your digital skills makes job applications much easier. See our guide to computer courses.

Work experience section (how to write it)

For each job, include the job title, employer name, dates (month and year), and 3 to 6 bullet points. Each bullet should show what you did and what you achieved.

Weak bullet point

• Served customers

Strong bullet point

• Served up to 80 customers a shift, handled payments accurately and resolved complaints calmly.

Weak bullet point

• Worked in a warehouse

Strong bullet point

• Picked and packed orders with 99% accuracy, followed health and safety rules and supported weekly stock checks.

Start each bullet with an action word: served, handled, organised, built, trained, improved, managed, supported.

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.

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

Should you put hobbies and interests on a CV?

Hobbies are optional. Add them only if they show a skill an employer wants, or if you have little work experience and need to fill the page with relevant strengths.

• Worth adding: team sports (teamwork), running a club or society (organisation), coding or building things (initiative).
• Leave out: vague interests like watching TV or socialising. They add nothing.

How to write a CV with no experience

If you are starting out, your CV can still be strong. Focus on evidence of responsibility and skills you can transfer to work. This is the most common situation for first jobs, so do not let it hold you back.

Good things to include:

• School or college projects, treated like experience
• Volunteering and work experience placements
• Caring responsibilities at home
• Sports teams, clubs, Duke of Edinburgh, cadets
• Any short courses or certificates

Move your strongest section higher up the page. If a volunteering role shows more than a short paid job, put it first. For age-specific advice, see our guides to jobs for 16 year olds and jobs for 17 year olds.

How to write a CV for a career change

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

1. Change your profile so it points at your new direction.
2. Choose skills that fit the new role, even if you used them elsewhere.
3. Rewrite bullet points to highlight the relevant parts of your work.
4. Add training that supports the move.

If you are retraining, these funded routes may help:

• Free funded courses in England
• Free Level 2 courses
• Free Level 3 courses
• Skills Bootcamps

How to handle employment gaps

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

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

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

How to tailor your CV to each job

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 come first.
• Add keywords from the advert that genuinely match your experience.

Ready to apply? Search jobs on JobYay and tailor your CV to each advert before you send it.

Full CV example (copy and adapt)

Here is a complete example for an entry-level role. Replace the details with your own.

Jordan Smith
Manchester | 07123 456789 | [email protected]

Personal profile
Reliable and friendly school leaver with strong communication and teamwork skills from group projects and volunteering. Quick to learn and keen to work hard. Looking for a retail assistant role where I can help customers and support a busy team.

Key skills
Customer service | Teamwork | Time management | Cash handling | Microsoft Office | Problem solving

Work experience
Volunteer, Local Charity Shop, Manchester (2024 to present)

• Served customers and handled cash at the till accurately.
• Sorted and priced stock, keeping the shop floor tidy and organised.
• Worked as part of a team during busy weekend shifts.

Education
Manchester College (2022 to 2024)
GCSEs including English and Maths

Interests
Member of a local football team, which has built my teamwork and commitment.

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, such as “hardworking” with no example
• A poor file name. Use “Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf”
• No tailoring to the job

How to save and submit your CV

• Follow the instructions in the job advert.
• Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
• Check your email address and phone number are correct.
• Open the file once before sending to make sure it looks right.

Where to get free help with your CV

You do not have to do this alone. These options are free:

• Jobcentre Plus. Your work coach can review your CV and suggest changes. Find your local office through our Jobcentre directory.
• National Careers Service. Free careers advice and CV guidance by phone or webchat.
• JobYay templates. Start from a ready-made layout with our free CV templates, including a simple Jobcentre Plus style layout.
• Your local library or college. Many run free sessions on CVs and job applications.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a CV be in the UK?

Aim for 1 to 2 pages. If you have little experience, 1 page is fine. With more experience, 2 pages is normal. Going over 2 pages is rarely needed.

How do I write a CV with no experience?

Lead with a strong profile, then use school projects, volunteering, clubs and any short courses as evidence of skills. Treat responsibility outside paid work as real experience and put your strongest section first.

Do I need a personal statement on my CV?

Yes. A short profile of 3 to 5 lines at the top helps. Make it match the job you are applying for.

Should I put a photo on my CV?

No. UK employers do not expect a photo, and it can cause problems on some application systems. Leave it off.

Do I include references on my CV?

You do not need to list references. “References available on request” is enough, and it saves space.

Should I include GCSE grades?

Include the qualifications employers ask for, especially English and maths. If you do not have GCSE grade 4 (C), Functional Skills Level 2 is often accepted instead.

Do I need a cover letter as well?

A short cover letter helps when the advert asks for one. Use it to explain why you want the role and what you bring, in 3 or 4 short paragraphs.

Next steps

• Start fast with our free CV templates.
• Browse and apply for roles on JobYay jobs.
• 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.