Recruiters often spend less than ten seconds on a first look at each CV. In that time, yours needs to show that you're a strong match for the role. Whether you're a graduate, changing careers or aiming for a promotion, learning how to write a CV that is clear, targeted and results-focused is one of the most valuable job-search skills you can have. This guide walks you through every section.

CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?

In the UK, Ireland, much of Europe, Africa and Asia, "CV" usually means the standard document you send for most jobs, typically one to two pages. In the United States and Canada, the same document is called a "resume", and "CV" refers to a longer academic record. The advice in this guide applies to both.

Before You Write a CV: Research the Role

The biggest CV mistake is sending the same document to every job. Before writing:

  1. Read the job description carefully and highlight required skills, tools and experience.
  2. Note repeated words and phrases. These are likely keywords that recruiters and software look for.
  3. Research the company's values and tone.
  4. Choose which of your achievements best prove you can do this job.

The Best CV Format

For most people, a reverse-chronological format is best: your most recent role first. It's what recruiters expect and what applicant tracking systems (ATS) read most easily.

Formatting rules:

  • Length: one page for early-career candidates, up to two pages for experienced professionals.
  • Font: a clean font such as Calibri, Arial or Helvetica, sized 10–12 for body text.
  • Layout: clear headings, consistent spacing and plenty of white space.
  • File type: PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
  • File name: "FirstName-LastName-CV.pdf".

Avoid tables, text boxes, graphics and columns in the main content if you're applying through online portals, because some ATS software can't read them.

Section 1: Contact Details

Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, city and country, and a LinkedIn profile link. A portfolio or GitHub link is useful for creative and technical roles. You don't need your full home address, date of birth, marital status or a photo in most countries.

Section 2: Professional Summary

This is three or four lines at the top that answer: "Why should we interview you?" Include your role or specialism, years of experience, key skills and a standout achievement.

Example:

Digital marketing specialist with 4 years' experience growing e-commerce brands. Skilled in SEO, paid social and email automation. Increased organic revenue by 68% in 12 months for a fashion retailer. Looking to bring data-driven growth to a fast-moving consumer brand.

Tailor this summary for each application.

Section 3: Work Experience

List each role with job title, employer, location and dates. Under each, add three to six bullet points that focus on achievements, not duties.

Use this formula: action verb + what you did + result (with numbers where possible).

  • Weak: "Responsible for social media."
  • Strong: "Grew Instagram following from 2,000 to 18,000 in 10 months by launching a weekly Reels series."

Strong action verbs include led, launched, increased, reduced, improved, delivered, negotiated, built, trained and automated.

Section 4: Education

List your degree or qualifications, institution and graduation year. Recent graduates can add relevant modules, projects, a dissertation topic or grades. Experienced professionals can keep this section short.

Section 5: Skills

Include a focused list of hard skills relevant to the job, such as software, languages, tools and technical abilities. Match wording to the job description where it's honest. Soft skills are better shown through achievements in your experience section than simply listed.

Optional Sections

  • Certifications – for example Google Analytics, AWS or PMP. See our certifications articles.
  • Projects – great for career changers and students.
  • Volunteering – shows initiative and transferable skills.
  • Languages – with your level of fluency.
  • Awards – if they're relevant and recent.

How to Write a CV With No Experience

If you're a student or first-time job seeker:

  • lead with education and relevant coursework,
  • add projects, internships, volunteering and part-time jobs,
  • highlight transferable skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving with examples,
  • include online courses and certifications,
  • write a summary focused on enthusiasm and what you bring.

Our guide on getting a job with no experience has more ideas.

How to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems

Many employers use ATS software to filter applications. To pass:

  • use standard headings like "Work Experience" and "Education",
  • include keywords from the job description naturally,
  • avoid images, icons and complex layouts,
  • spell out acronyms at least once, e.g. "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)",
  • submit a simple PDF or Word document.

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

  • Spelling and grammar errors.
  • Listing duties instead of achievements.
  • Using an unprofessional email address.
  • Including irrelevant or very old jobs in detail.
  • Lying or exaggerating. It can cost you the job later.
  • Unexplained gaps. A short line like "Career break – caring responsibilities" is fine.

CV Checklist Before You Send

  • Tailored to this job description
  • Clear, professional summary
  • Achievements with numbers
  • Relevant keywords included
  • One to two pages, consistent formatting
  • Proofread twice, ideally by someone else
  • Saved as a correctly named PDF

Final Thoughts

When you write a CV, think like the recruiter: make it easy to see that you can do the job and that you've delivered results before. Tailor it for every application, back your claims with numbers and keep the format clean. Pair it with a strong cover letter and you'll dramatically increase your interview invitations.