Your CV is the first thing a hiring manager sees. In the UK job market, where the average role now attracts 280 applications, a well-written CV is the difference between getting an interview and getting filtered out.
This guide walks through every section of a CV, explains what to include (and what to leave out), and shows you how to format it so both humans and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read it. No jargon, no filler - just practical advice you can apply in the next 30 minutes.
What is a CV?
CV stands for curriculum vitae, which is Latin for "course of life". In the UK, a CV is a one- or two-page document that summarises your work experience, education, skills and qualifications. Employers use it to decide whether to invite you for an interview.
In the UK, CV and resume mean the same thing. If a job advert asks for a resume, send your CV. The only exception is academic CVs, which can be longer and include publications, research and conference presentations.
CV vs Resume - is there a difference?
In the US, a resume is a short document (one page) and a CV is a longer academic document. In the UK, CV and resume are interchangeable - both refer to the same one-to-two page document you send with job applications. If you are applying for UK roles, write a CV.
Types of CV
There are three main CV formats. The one you choose depends on your experience level and whether you are staying in the same field or changing direction.
Reverse chronological
Lists your most recent role first and works backwards. This is the format UK recruiters expect and the one ATS software handles best. Use this unless you have a specific reason not to.
Skills-based (functional)
Organises your CV around skill categories rather than job titles. Can work for career changers or people with significant gaps, but many recruiters find it harder to follow. Use with caution - some employers view it as an attempt to hide something.
Academic CV
A longer document (often 3+ pages) used for research, lecturing and postdoctoral positions. Includes publications, conferences, grants, teaching experience and research interests. Standard CVs are not appropriate for academic applications.
For the rest of this guide, we focus on the reverse chronological format because it is what the vast majority of UK employers prefer.
What Should a CV Include?
Every CV should include these sections, in roughly this order:
Name, phone number, email address, city (no full address needed), LinkedIn URL
Two to four sentences summarising who you are, what you do and what you are looking for
Your roles listed in reverse chronological order with bullet points describing what you did and achieved
Degrees, A-levels, GCSEs or equivalent qualifications with grades and dates
A concise list of technical and professional skills relevant to the role
Optional sections you can add depending on your background: certifications, languages, volunteer work, publications, projects and references. Only include sections that strengthen your application - a shorter, focused CV beats a long, padded one.
Contact Details That Work
Your contact details sit at the top of your CV. Get them wrong and a recruiter literally cannot reach you. Get them right and you also signal professionalism before they read a single word.
- Full name (as you want to be addressed)
- Phone number (one mobile number is enough)
- Professional email (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- City or region (London, UK is enough)
- LinkedIn URL (customise it - linkedin.com/in/yourname)
- Portfolio or GitHub link (if relevant to the role)
- Full home address (privacy risk, not needed)
- Date of birth or age
- Nationality or visa status (discuss at interview)
- Marital status or number of children
- An unprofessional email (partyking@hotmail.com)
Tip: Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV. Recruiters will check. If your LinkedIn says you left a role in March but your CV says June, it raises questions.
How to Write a Personal Statement
Your personal statement (also called a professional summary or profile) sits at the top of your CV, directly below your contact details. It is the first thing a recruiter reads, so it needs to grab their attention immediately.
Keep it to two to four sentences. Cover three things: who you are (job title and years of experience), what you are good at (key skills or specialisms), and what you are looking for (the type of role or company).
"ACA-qualified accountant with 6 years of experience in audit and financial reporting across Big 4 and mid-tier practice. Skilled in IFRS, UK GAAP and client relationship management. Looking for a senior role in a growing commercial finance team."
"I am a hardworking and motivated individual who is looking for a challenging role where I can use my skills and experience to make a positive contribution to your company."
The strong example works because it is specific - it names a qualification, a number of years, concrete skills and a clear goal. The weak example could be written by anyone for any job. Avoid generic phrases like "hardworking team player" or "passionate individual". Instead, use facts and figures that prove your value.
How to List Work Experience on a CV
Your work experience section is the most important part of your CV. List your roles in reverse chronological order (most recent first) and include the following for each position:
- Job title
- Company name
- Start and end dates (month and year)
- Three to five bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements
Write bullet points that show impact, not just duties
The biggest mistake people make is listing what they were responsible for instead of what they actually achieved. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, include a number or metric where possible, and explain the result.
"Reduced month-end close time from 12 to 7 working days by automating journal entries and reconciliation workflows."
"Responsible for month-end close and reconciliations."
Strong action verbs to start your bullet points
Leadership
Led, Managed, Directed, Coordinated, Oversaw
Achievement
Delivered, Increased, Reduced, Improved, Grew
Technical
Built, Designed, Developed, Implemented, Automated
Communication
Presented, Drafted, Advised, Collaborated, Trained
How to Handle Career Gaps
Gaps in your CV are more common than you think - parental leave, redundancy, illness, travel, caring for a relative, or simply taking time to figure out your next move. The worst thing you can do is leave a gap unexplained, because recruiters will fill in the blank themselves.
How to present a career break
Add a one-line entry with dates: "Career Break - Sep 2022 to Mar 2023". No further explanation is needed on the CV itself.
Completed an online course? Volunteered? Freelanced? Travelled? Mention it briefly. It shows initiative and fills the space.
"Took a planned career break to complete a PRINCE2 qualification and reassess career direction" is better than leaving a mystery gap.
Stretching employment dates to cover a gap is easily caught during reference checks. It is a sackable offence at most companies.
Remember: a gap is only a problem if you cannot explain it. A confident, honest one-liner is all you need. Save the full story for the interview.
How to Write Your Education Section
How much detail you include in your education section depends on where you are in your career.
School leavers and graduates
Put education near the top of your CV. Include your degree subject, university, grade and dates. For A-levels and GCSEs, list subjects and grades. Mention any relevant modules, dissertations or awards.
Experienced professionals (3+ years)
Keep education brief - degree title, university and dates are enough. Move it below your work experience. You can drop GCSEs entirely once you have a degree and several years of work experience.
Career changers
Highlight any recent courses, certifications or training relevant to your new field. This shows you are actively building skills in the direction you want to go.
What Skills to Put on a CV
Your skills section should be a concise snapshot of what you bring to the role. Split them into two categories:
Hard skills (technical)
Specific, measurable abilities you have learned through training or practice.
Examples: Python, Excel, IFRS, Photoshop, PRINCE2, SQL, AutoCAD, Salesforce
Soft skills (transferable)
Interpersonal and organisational abilities that apply across roles.
Examples: Team leadership, stakeholder management, problem solving, time management
Tip: Read the job description and mirror the exact language used. If the advert says "stakeholder management", use that phrase on your CV - not "working with people". This helps your CV pass ATS keyword filters and shows the recruiter you understand the role.
Should You Include Hobbies on a CV?
It depends. Generic hobbies like "reading, socialising, going to the gym" add nothing. But specific, interesting hobbies can make you memorable and demonstrate relevant qualities.
- Running marathons - shows discipline and commitment
- Captain of a sports team - demonstrates leadership
- Contributing to open-source projects - proves technical skills
- Volunteering at a food bank - shows community awareness
- Learning a language - relevant for international roles
- Socialising - everyone does this
- Reading - too vague to mean anything
- Watching Netflix - not a hobby, just a pastime
- Going to the gym - unless fitness is relevant to the role
- Anything controversial - political activism, religious groups
If you are a graduate or school leaver with limited work experience, a strong hobbies section can compensate. If you are an experienced professional, skip it unless something genuinely stands out. The space is better used for another achievement bullet point.
How to Format a CV
A well-formatted CV is easy to scan in under 10 seconds. Recruiters do not read CVs word by word - they skim headings, job titles and bullet points. Make their job easy.
Use a clean, professional font like Inter, Calibri or Arial. Size 10-11pt for body text, 14-16pt for your name.
Keep margins between 1.5cm and 2.5cm on all sides. Tighter margins give you more space but make the page feel cramped.
One page for graduates and early career. Two pages maximum for experienced professionals. Never go over two pages.
Save as PDF unless the job advert specifically asks for Word. PDFs preserve your formatting across devices.
Use your name and the word CV: "James-Whitfield-CV.pdf". Never submit "CV.pdf" or "Document1.pdf".
Use the same date format throughout (e.g. "Jan 2022 - Present"). Align all dates to the right. Keep bullet point styles consistent.
What about ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?
Most large employers use ATS software to filter CVs before a human sees them. To pass ATS screening: use a simple, single-column or two-column layout, avoid tables and text boxes, do not put important information in headers or footers, and use standard section headings like "Work Experience" and "Education". All templates on Modern CV are designed to be ATS-friendly.
How Long Should a CV Be?
The short answer: one page if you have less than five years of experience, two pages if you have more. Never go beyond two pages for a standard UK job application.
One page works best for:
- School leavers and students
- Graduates with limited experience
- Career changers entering a new field
- Anyone with under 5 years of experience
Two pages works best for:
- Senior professionals with 5+ years
- Managers and directors
- Roles requiring detailed technical skills
- People with multiple relevant certifications
If your CV is creeping onto a third page, you are including too much. Cut older roles to one or two lines, remove irrelevant experience, and tighten your bullet points. Every line should earn its place.
How to Tailor Your CV to a Job Description
Sending the same CV to every job is one of the most common reasons applications fail. Tailoring does not mean rewriting your CV from scratch for each role - it means making small, targeted adjustments.
Highlight the key requirements, skills and qualifications mentioned. Note the exact phrases used.
Adjust the opening line to reflect the job title and the most important requirement. If the role asks for "stakeholder management", mention it in your summary.
Put the most relevant experience and achievements first under each role. Lead with the bullet point that best matches what the employer is looking for.
If the job description says "data-driven decision making", use that exact phrase - not "using data to make choices". ATS systems match keywords literally.
If a skill or role is not relevant to the position, cut it or reduce it to one line. Focus the space on what matters for this specific job.
What Recruiters Actually Look For
Most recruiters spend less than 10 seconds on an initial CV scan. Understanding what they look at - and in what order - helps you put the right information in the right place.
The recruiter scan order
Does this person do what we need?
Have they been promoted? Are they moving up?
Do they stay or job-hop?
Do they have the specific requirements we listed?
Does their background fit?
The takeaway: Your most recent job title, company name and key achievements need to be immediately visible. If a recruiter has to hunt for this information, they will move on to the next CV.
This is also why reverse chronological format wins. It puts your most recent (and usually most relevant) experience at the top, exactly where recruiters are looking.
CV Mistakes to Avoid
These are the errors that get CVs rejected before the recruiter finishes reading the first page:
Proofread twice, then ask someone else to check it. A single typo can cost you an interview.
Tailor it to every role. "Hardworking team player" tells the recruiter nothing.
Start bullet points with action verbs and include numbers wherever possible.
UK employers do not expect photos on CVs. Including one can trigger unconscious bias.
Use firstname.lastname@gmail.com, not cooldude99@hotmail.com.
Edit ruthlessly. If it is not relevant to the job, cut it.
Check that dates, fonts, spacing and bullet styles are consistent throughout.
If you have career gaps, address them briefly - travel, study, caring responsibilities are all fine.
What Not to Put on a CV
Leave these off your CV entirely:
- A photo (unless applying for an acting or modelling role)
- "References available on request" (employers assume this)
- Salary expectations
- Reasons for leaving previous jobs
- Negative comments about past employers
- A second page that is mostly empty
If you are unsure whether something belongs on your CV, ask yourself: "Would this make a recruiter more likely to interview me?" If the answer is no, leave it off.
CVs and Cover Letters
Your CV and cover letter work as a pair. The CV is structured and factual - it lists what you have done. The cover letter is narrative and persuasive - it explains why you are the right person for this specific role.
Not every application requires a cover letter, but when one is requested (or when there is a free text field in an online application), writing a tailored one significantly increases your chances. Do not simply repeat your CV in paragraph form. Instead, pick two or three requirements from the job description and explain how your experience directly addresses them.
Quick cover letter rules
- Keep it to one page (three to four paragraphs)
- Address a named person if you can find one
- Open with the role you are applying for and where you saw it
- Close with a clear call to action (available for interview, contact details)
CV Examples by Career Stage
The best way to learn is by example. We have built free, ATS-friendly CV templates for every career stage and profession. Each one is pre-filled with realistic sample content so you can see how a finished CV should look:
School leaver CVs
First CVs focused on GCSEs, part-time work and potential
Student and graduate CVs
Highlight degrees, placements and internships
Software engineer CVs
Frontend, backend, DevOps and mobile templates
Accountant CVs
ACA, ACCA, CIMA and practice-based templates
Nurse CVs
NHS band-specific templates for clinical roles
Project manager CVs
PRINCE2, Agile and construction PM templates
Marketing CVs
Digital, brand, content and growth marketing
Browse all templates
See every CV template across all professions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a CV with no experience?
Focus on your education, transferable skills and any unpaid experience like volunteering, school projects or personal projects. Use your personal statement to explain what you are looking for and what you can offer. Part-time jobs, even in retail or hospitality, demonstrate reliability, teamwork and customer service.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
No. UK employers do not expect photos on CVs, and including one can introduce unconscious bias into the screening process. The only exceptions are acting, modelling and some international applications where photos are culturally expected.
What is the best CV format?
Reverse chronological is the most widely accepted format in the UK. List your most recent role first and work backwards. This format is preferred by recruiters and works well with ATS software. Functional or skills-based CVs are less common and can raise red flags with some employers.
How far back should my CV go?
Include the last 10 to 15 years of relevant experience in detail. Older roles can be summarised in one or two lines, or grouped under an "Earlier Career" heading. There is no need to list every job you have ever had.
Should I include references on my CV?
No. Employers will ask for references separately if they want them. "References available on request" is unnecessary and wastes space. Use that space for something more valuable.
Can I use colour on my CV?
Yes, but keep it subtle. A single accent colour for headings or section dividers can make your CV look polished. Avoid bright colours, coloured backgrounds or anything that makes text harder to read. All Modern CV templates use colour tastefully and are designed to print well in black and white.
How do I write a CV for a career change?
Focus on transferable skills rather than job-specific experience. Rewrite your personal statement to explain the direction you are heading, not just where you have been. Highlight any courses, certifications or volunteer work in the new field. Use a reverse chronological format but lead each bullet point with the skills that transfer - project management, stakeholder communication, data analysis - rather than industry-specific duties.
Should I use a CV template?
Yes. A well-designed template ensures consistent formatting, proper spacing and ATS compatibility so you can focus on writing strong content instead of fighting with margins and fonts. Just make sure the template you choose is clean, professional and does not rely on heavy graphics or tables that ATS software cannot parse.
Should I include my LinkedIn URL on my CV?
Yes, if your LinkedIn profile is up to date and consistent with your CV. Customise your URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname) so it looks professional. Make sure your LinkedIn headline, experience dates and job titles match what is on your CV - recruiters will check.
How often should I update my CV?
Update your CV every time you change role, complete a major project, gain a new qualification or hit a significant milestone. Do not wait until you are job hunting - keeping it current means you are always ready to apply.
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