Find the Best CV Examples
Creating a CV can seem overwhelming, but our example CVs are specifically designed to ease the process. View some of our many examples, then use our CV builder and create your own successful CV.
What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?
CVs and resumes are both documents designed to help you find work. But there are some key differences:
- The term 'resume' is more commonly used in the US. A 'CV' is more commonly used in the UK.
- CVs are longer than resumes - up to two sides of A4, whereas resumes are only one side.
- A CV offers a reasonably detailed outline of your education and employment history. Resumes are more concise and less exhaustive.
- CVs provide a linear history of past jobs and qualifications, while a resume focuses on your key skills.
What does CV mean in English?
CV is short for ‘curriculum vitae’:
- Curriculum vitae is Latin. It roughly translates to ‘the course of my life’.
- As a rule, people refer to a curriculum vitae as a ‘CV’. This is shorter and easier to pronounce!
- Always send your CV and job application along with a well-written cover letter.
Our example CVs are designed to help you build successful applications. Get started today, using our CV builder.
CV Examples for Every Job and Industry
Writing a CV online from scratch can feel somewhat daunting, but it needn’t be. Before you get going, we recommend getting to grips with how to write a CV.
Nine Tips Create a Successful CV
Our CV examples are an excellent way to start building a successful CV. First, log in to our builder and choose a CV template. Then use the following tips to help you create a polished, professional looking CV:
Research the company
Before applying for any position, always research the company you’re applying to. When writing your CV, try aligning your own aspirations and goals with theirs. This will give your application far greater impact and make you stand out.
Use our online CV builder
To create a CV online with minimal fuss, our CV builder brings together expertise, templates, sample text, and helpful tips. This makes it fast and simple to build a successful CV online.
Get a second opinion
Before sending out any application, always get a second opinion. When you spend a lot of time trying to get your CV perfect, it's easy to miss mistakes. Get the person looking at your CV to check it for spelling and grammar errors, and give them the job description to refer to.
Take a break
Once you think you CV is ready, take a break. Even if you think it's good to go, it’s always a good idea to let it rest for a while. Take a coffee break, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Edit for clarity, use plenty of white space and bullets, and aim to keep your CV to two sides of A4.
Include keywords and abbreviations
It’s important to include keywords in a CV because Applicant Tracking Systems often check job applications. When you send your CV online, these systems can filter out up to 50% of applications before anyone even opens the CV or cover letter.
By using keywords and abbreviations, you can double your chances of getting through and having your CV checked by a pair of human eyes!
Print out any CV examples you use
It may sound daft – especially when using a pre-formatted CV online as a template – but print your curriculum vitae before sending it. Make sure it looks OK on paper, and that no important information gets cut off.
Back up your achievements
If you make any grand claims on your CV, it’s important to back them up. For instance, if you've said that you’re an excellent salesperson, prove it – include some figures from a previous job. Quantifying your achievements shows the impact of your work and makes an impactful CV.
Spellcheck your CV
Spellcheck your CV! One of the most common reasons people get ruled out for jobs is because their CV has mistakes. Don't just rely on the computer spellchecker - this won’t always catch everything, like company names.
Only include relevant social media on your CV
If you’re including social media on your CV, make sure the profiles reflect you well. They should be relevant and professional, like your LinkedIn profile. Be aware that even if you don't include your social media on your CV, it's only a Google search away. Make sure anything you don't want prospective employers to see is kept private.
How to Structure a CV
It’s important to get your CV structure right. If you’ve seen our CV examples, you’ll notice they all follow a similar format.
Contact details
Contact information should be in plain sight at the top of your CV. Hiring managers see many job applications. If they can’t find your contact details - they won't look for them.
At the very top of your CV, include the following:
- Name.
- Telephone number.
- Postal address.
- Email address.
Don't include your date of birth. Due to anti-discrimination laws, it’s actually better not to tell employers during the recruiting process.
Personal profile
Think of your personal profile (sometimes referred to as a personal statement) as a mini cover letter (see our cover letter templates for more). Your personal profile should be a few sentences that explain why you’re right for the job, as this could be the only part of your CV that an employer reads.
Weave these elements into a short, cohesive paragraph that compels the recruiter to keep reading. Use proactive language and avoid the passive voice. Also, avoid airing any shortcomings or doubts you have about applying for the job.
Employment history
In the employment history section, include your past positions. Keep the details short at first. Start with:
- Your job title.
- The organisation you worked for.
- The dates you worked for them.
Underneath, bullet your key responsibilities and achievements that are also relevant to the role. Don't include detailed descriptions of every job they’ve ever had. Instead, focus on the most relevant roles and be prepared to talk about any gaps.
Qualifications
In this section, list your qualifications, beginning with the most recent first. For each, list:
- The name of your qualification.
- The grade you received.
- The school or institution where you received it.
- Your dates of study.
Skills and abilities
This section is a ‘quick glance’ for the hiring manager. It’s an excellent place to highlight miscellaneous skills like cash handling or software you know how to use. Include skills and abilities that are also keywords to make sure your CV gets through any applicant tracking systems.
Hobbies and interests
The hobbies and interests section helps paint a rounded picture of you as a person. While it's unlikely to make or break your CV, try to use this optional section to further demonstrate you'd be good for the job.
For instance, mentioning how you like running marathons or doing charity work will look better than 'Netflix binger'! If there’s no space for this section in your CV - don’t worry. It’s more of a ‘nice to have’ option.
References
The references section is optional. Many jobseekers write 'Available upon request’. Only supply names and contact details if an employer has specifically requested them as part of the application process.
Create a Successful Application With Our CV Examples
With our tips and online CV examples, you now have everything you need to create a successful CV online. With our helpful advice and large library of CV examples, you can now create a CV that will take your career to the next level!
Our CV builder includes templates, sample text, best practice tips, and advice on how to create a successful CV. It's the fastest, simplest way to build a CV.