How to Write a CV in 2026: Tips, Templates & Examples

What’s more exciting than landing a new job—one that helps you grow and brings real satisfaction? Your dream career starts here, with a CV that opens the right doors.

In this article, I’ll guide you on how to write a CV that not only highlights your strengths but also captures the attention of potential employers, paving the way for your next big opportunity.

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Using LiveCareer UK CV builder is a clever shortcut to get a head start on your CV.

What is a CV?

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a job application document that outlines your qualifications for a specific job. It typically includes your academic and professional background, relevant skills, and work achievements. A curriculum vitae is a standard format in the UK.

In a cooling labour market, a strong CV can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting interview invitations. It’s a powerful tool in your job search, opening doors to opportunities in your industry and beyond.

How to write a CV for a job in the UK

1. Gather all the information you’ll need for your CV

First, I advise you to carefully read the job advertisement and take notes on the job requirements, position, and company. You’ll use this information to determine what to write in each section of your CV.

Make notes about the following things:

• Why is your desired position critical to the company?
• What qualifications do you need for the role?
• What relevant experience, including academic and volunteer work, do you possess?

To compile this information, look into:

• Information about your previous employers
• Details about your education, such as years of study
• Certificates and diplomas confirming the completion of additional training

Expert advice: Research the company’s website and social media to learn more about its objectives and culture. Aim to answer the question: “What problem could the company be facing and trying to solve?”.

2. Choose a UK-standard CV style that suits you best

Now, consider which of the three most common CV formats is best for your professional background:

• Chronological CV focuses on your experience and shows the most recent positions first to highlight career progression. It’s the format recruiters are most familiar with, which is an advantage.
• Functional (skill-based) CV highlights specific qualifications and limits the information about work experience to a list of positions.
• Combination CV merges the reverse-chronological and functional formats to highlight key skills and work experience.

Let me show you a quick comparison of these three formats + who they’re best for:

3. Put contact information at the top of your CV

Begin writing your CV by adding a header at the top of the document. The position will depend on the template you are using. Use the header area for your name, job title, and other personal details.

How to make a CV header from scratch:

• Enter your first and last name using a bigger font size, such as 16–26 pt.
• Add your professional title or field of study in the following line.
• List your phone number and email address. Double-check if they’re correct, as a typo can make it impossible to get in touch with you.
• Mention professional social media accounts, such as LinkedIn or a portfolio website.
• Optionally, add your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram profiles if you use them for business purposes and if they’re relevant to the role.

4. Introduce yourself to recruiters using a personal statement

Writing a personal statement is the best way to introduce yourself on a CV, but only when you tailor it to the role you want.

How to write a CV personal statement:

• Start with your job title and years of experience. 
• Add information about your professional skills and knowledge, and specify how they can benefit the employer. 
• Mention a relevant achievement from your employment history or other activities. 
• Keep the personal statement 3–4 sentences long.

UK CV personal statement: Example

If you’re writing a CV without work experience, chin up! I recommend mentioning your academic background, volunteer work, or transferable skills. Demonstrate your understanding of the job and your ability to handle it effectively.

UK CV with no experience: sample CV profile

If you want to make your job easier, leave this part of your UK CV blank and move on to other sections. Fill it in after completing the rest of your CV. You can then combine bits of information from different parts of your application.

Stuck finding the right words for your personal statement? You’re not alone: it’s one of thetrickiest parts of a CV! Save time by starting with a pre-written personal statement crafted by career experts, then easily adjust it to fit your unique strengths in the LiveCareer UK CV Builder and quickly grab your recruiter’s attention.

Create your CV now

This takes the pressure off writing your introduction from scratch, so you can focus on perfecting the rest of your CV.

5. Describe relevant experience in your CV

Understanding how to write a CV work history effectively is invaluable. It is a misconception that you just need a simple list of your previous jobs and responsibilities. 

To maximise the impact of this section, include specific details about your experience, such as achievements and the skills you gained. Emphasise the impact of your work and how it helped to improve the company's bottom line.

Let me explain what to do step by step:

• Start with the most recent position and continue with older ones in reverse-chronological order.
• Include your professional title, the employer's name, the city where the company is, and the dates of employment.
• Write up to six bullet points about your accomplishments and duties, starting each one with an action verb, such as “developed” or “coordinated.”
• Describe measurable achievements for each position. I recommend using a PAR formula and accomplishment statements for the best impact.
• Tailor your job description by incorporating keywords from the job advertisement and highlighting key skills.
• Keep the work history limited to the last 10 years, unless you have highly relevant experience beyond that. 

What makes this example work so well? Several factors, including measurable achievements that demonstrate the applicant’s expertise, recognition of awards received, and the use of action words to highlight the candidate’s initiative.

6. Outline your educational background

If you know how to make the CV education section well, it can become a real asset, especially if you’re light on work experience.

• If you’ve got a few years of work history up your sleeve, you can stick to the basics: the highest level of education you’ve obtained (such as a university degree), the name of the school or university, and the years attended.
• If you recently graduated or left school, include details like A-levels, scholarships, extracurricular activities, coursework, projects, research, publications, or your thesis to highlight your skills and knowledge for the job.

7. Choose the right mix of skills to make your CV effective

Employers seek skilled workers, and that’s a fact. However, the skills they require vary depending on the role. You can confirm what skills are expected of you by reviewing the job posting.

Here’s how to make a UK CV’s skills section:

• Return to the job advert and look for keywords referring to duties, skills, qualifications, and qualities. 
• Jot down all the skills required for this position. 
• Make a list of all the hard, soft, and technical skills you’ve mastered. 
• Compare the two lists and pick 6–10 that match. Your skill section should include both soft skills and hard skills (such as computer knowledge and technical skills) for good measure.

However, a simple list may not be convincing enough. That’s why it’s crucial to add descriptions that prove you utilised these qualities in the past, just like in the example below:

Expert advice: What if the job posting doesn’t mention the required skills? Check the National Career Service job profiles. They include detailed descriptions of various professions and list the most common skills for the role.

8. Pick additional CV sections to strengthen your application

What else should you write in a CV? It’s time for the extra sections: they help make your CV more personal while demonstrating relevant skills and experience.

The most common additional sections are:

• Certifications
• Conferences
• Professional associations
• Language skills
• Volunteer work 
• Publications
• Personal interests

Choose 2–3 sections from the list above that you believe will bring you benefits. Describe relevant accomplishments just like you would mention in the work history part. Use action verbs to highlight your initiatives. The example below shows how:

9. Make a CV template by yourself or use a pre-formatted one

In business, first impressions matter. Make the most of it by creating a curriculum vitae that looks perfect. 

If you want a quick and simple solution, try an online CV builder or find free CV templates that are already pre-formatted. However, you can also design your curriculum vitae yourself using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a similar application.

Here’s how to create a CV layout:

• Apply 1-inch margins on all sides of your UK CV.
• Consider whether you prefer one column or two columns on the page.
• Select one of the top CV fonts, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Helvetica.
• Set the font size to 10–12 for paragraphs and 13–14 for headings.
• Use 1–1.5 line spacing and add empty spaces between sections.
• Put your name at the top of the document, making it large and easy to spot.
• Make your CV one page long if you have less than ten years of experience.

If you’re thinking about adding colours, resources like the London School of Economics Careers CV manual advise caution. Subtle additions are fine. For example, highlight your name, headings, or bullet points, and stick to just one colour.

Quick tips for writing a good CV

The checklist below will help you create a CV all by yourself—just follow the steps and tick them off one by one.

How to write a CV (example)

How to write a CV: template

Use the template below and adjust it to your needs when writing your CV.

Need more information? Check our helpful guides on all kinds of career-related topics:

• 10 Job Skills Employers Are Looking For
• CV Meaning, Definition & Example
• How to Upload Your CV to LinkedIn?
• How to Utilize ChatGPT to Create a Good CV?
• Including Achievements on a CV: Instructions
• Modern CV Templates & How to Use Them
• Simple & Basic CV Templates (List of Examples)
• The Right CV Length (And What Not to Exceed)
• Which Free AI CV Makers Are Recommended in the UK?
• Writing a Perfect CV: a Step-by-Step Instruction

Writing a CV for the UK job market can feel challenging, but remember – you don’t need to be an expert CV writer to create a standout application. The LiveCareer UK CV Builder offers pre-written examples for every industry and role in the UK, all ready to add to your CV with a single click.

It’s an easy way to build a CV that meets UK hiring standards and stands out to employers, without the usual stress.

Thank you for reading this guide on CV writing. Now you know how to write a good CV in the UK. Good luck!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• National Careers Service, Explore careers
• L. Darlington, A guide to CVs, cover letters and application forms

Frequently asked questions about how to write a CV

What is a good CV format?

The reverse-chronological CV format is the best one, according to career experts. It focuses on work experience and lists jobs from the most recent to the oldest, highlighting career accomplishments. The chronological CV is best for experienced candidates, but it’s easy to adapt for all applicants.

What does a good CV look like in 2025?

A good CV is easy to follow, concise, and visually appealing. It has the necessary CV sections, such as a header with contact information, personal statement, work experience, education and skills, and a few additional sections—all packed in a good CV layout.

Here’s how to ensure your CV looks professional in 2025:

• Use standard CV fonts such as Calibri, Verdana, or Times New Roman.
• Set the font size to 10–12 for paragraphs and 13–14 for headings.
• Apply 1-inch wide margins on all sides.
• Arrange information in distinct sections and separate them with white space.
• Use bullet points to list out information.
• Limit the length of the CV to one or two pages maximum.

What are the five main parts of a CV?

The five main parts of a CV include the header with your name and contact details, a personal statement, work experience, education, and skills. In the reverse-chronological format, the work experience section is the most extensive part of a CV.

How do I write a CV for a job application?

You can make your CV using a dedicated CV builder where hiring professionals will guide you, or you can create a document in a word-processing application. If you want to create a perfect CV from scratch, follow the steps below:

1. Make a professional CV layout.
2. Choose the CV format that works best for you.
3. Fill in the CV header with your name and contact details.
4. Write an impressive personal statement.
5. Describe your employment history.
6. Mention your educational background.
7. List your skills in a separate section.
8. Pick additional CV sections to provide more information.
9. Proofread your CV before sending it out.

What are common CV mistakes I should avoid? 

Here are some mistakes to avoid when writing a CV:

• Sending generic CVs. Avoid one-size-fits-all CVS; they seem lazy and irrelevant. Include relevant details and cut outdated experiences. A targeted CV performs better.
• Sharing personal details like birth date, age, marital status, or nationality. Keep contact info professional with a sensible email and avoid unrelated info.
• Using clichés, jargon, and buzzwords like “hard-working team player” or “results-driven go-getter,” unless supported by evidence. These vague labels to avoid.
• Having an excessively long CV. Keep it concise, no longer than two pages, to prevent busy recruiters from being turned off. 
• Neglecting formatting and readability. A poorly formatted CV is hard to read and likely ignored. Avoid flashy fonts and distracting graphics that confuse ATS and readers. 
• Leaving typos or errors. They suggest you didn’t proofread, which may affect your professionalism. Use spell-check tools and review every line. 
• Lying. Recruiters verify details, and falsifying information like inflating job titles or grades can ruin credibility, cost the job, or lead to termination.

Even with great experience, a CV can fail if it doesn’t follow basic rules. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so it’s vital not only to know what works, but also what doesn’t. 

How can a 16-year-old make a CV?

To make an effective teenager CV, consider your achievements at school and from other extracurricular activities relevant to the job you want. Use them to demonstrate your skills and knowledge that you can translate to success at work.

Here’s how you can write a CV for a 16-year-old:

1. Choose a professional CV template or create a good CV layout from scratch.
2. Make a CV header with your name and contact information.
3. Write a personal statement saying what you want to achieve for the employer.
4. Add information about your education, including extracurricular activities, scholarships, awards, and the coursework you excel at.
5. Give examples of educational accomplishments that show you’ve got the skills needed for the job.
6. Make a CV skill section matching the job ad's skills.
7. Select additional sections, such as volunteer work, language skills, and personal projects, to provide more relevant information.
8. Proofread your CV to make sure everything is correct.