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Knowing how to write a good CV is your ticket to success in the UK’s competitive job market. It is often the first impression you make on potential employers, and a professional CV can be the difference between landing an interview and your application getting rejected.
A curriculum vitae is like your personalised marketing tool to capture employers’ interest and showcase your skills and experiences. It highlights your qualifications, sets you apart from other candidates, and shows why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with limited work experience, we’re here to help you create a polished, that stands out.
What’s in this article?
A sample of a good CV for the UK
Must-have sections for a CV
Beginner-friendly tips for creating a successful CV format
How to write a good CV with no experience.
Example of an excellent CV for your next job application.
Enhance your job application with CVMaker, the go-to platform for jobseekers, offering professional CV templates that can be tailored to your career goals.
What makes a good CV?
A good CV should be:
Easy to read
Error-free
Up-to-date
And present a clear picture of your professional capabilities and potential.
Pro tip
No matter how extensive your entire work experience or the amount of information you have to share, always tailor your CV to its core purpose: securing an interview, not the job itself. Focus on taking one step at a time, and save detailed or additional information for later stages in the application process.
Tips for writing good and successful CVs:
Focus on being concise and clear.
Prioritise relevance, not quantity.
Present a snapshot of your professional journey that speaks directly to employers’ needs.
Highlight the skills, achievements, and experience that align with the job description.
Use the right keywords to target what the employer is looking for.
If you're unsure how to start writing your CV, check out our article on the CV writing process, covering the difference between a master CV and a job-specific CV.
Example of a good CV
Download this free Designer CV sample in PDF.
For more examples of professional CVs, refer to the following:
Good accountant CV example.
Good engineer CV example.
Good nurse CV example.
What to include in a CV?
If you’re wondering what a good CV should look like, start by building a clear structure with the right sections to ensure recruiters have all the relevant information at a glance. Employers should be able to quickly identify key details without sifting through unnecessary content. Here, a modern CV can be a great example of how to write a well-structured document tailored to your career goals and strengths.
Must-have sections when writing a good CV in the UK:
Contact details
Personal profile
Work experience
Skills
Education.
Additional CV sections to consider:
Good hobbies and interests for your CV
Professional training
Professional affiliations and memberships
Conferences
Publications.
If you’re new to the job market, explore our article on how to write a good CV for a first job.
1. Personal details
Your CV should always begin with your personal details, ensuring hiring managers can easily contact you. This section belongs at the top of your document, and it's crucial to ensure that all details are accurate and up to date.
What to include in this CV section to make it good for the UK:
Full name
Location address (town/city and country)
Phone number
Email address.
Pro tip
It's worth noting that in the UK, including a photo is unnecessary and not expected.
Optional information (if applicable):
Link to your portfolio/website
Driving licence and type.
To be excluded:
Exact home address
Date of birth
Place of birth
Gender
Marital status
2. A good CV personal profile
A personal profile serves as an introductory statement summarising your professional background, education, goals, and key soft skills tailored to your desired job and industry. It should be clear and relevant to make a strong impression on employers, giving them a quick overview of your identity and career objectives.
Good personal statement examples for a CV
Retail CV personal profile example
Retail assistant with over 5 years of experience delivering high-quality customer service in busy high-street and department store environments. Skilled in stock control, visual merchandising, point-of-sale operations, and assisting customers with product selection to ensure a positive shopping experience. Proven ability to meet store KPIs, support loss prevention efforts, and maintain organised, customer-friendly displays.
Refer to the retail CV example or retail cover letter for more details on how to write a good CV for retail positions.
Sales CV personal profile example
Performance-driven sales professional with 10+ years of experience driving revenue through B2B and B2C sales across competitive sectors. Expertise in lead generation, pipeline management, contract negotiation, and closing high-value deals. Adept at identifying client needs, tailoring value-based solutions, and cultivating long-term relationships to maximise retention and repeat business.
Explore how to write good CVs for sales roles with our sales CV example and sales cover letter.
Admin CV personal profile example
Administrative professional with 4+ years of experience supporting executives and office teams across diverse sectors. Proficient in managing calendars, coordinating meetings, handling correspondence, and maintaining confidential records. Known for strong multitasking abilities, a proactive mindset, and excellent communication skills. Committed to delivering efficient administrative support that keeps operations running smoothly.
For more details on how to write a good CV for an admin job, refer to the administrator CV example and the administrator cover letter.
Law student CV personal profile example
Motivated student currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Law at King’s College London, with a strong interest in commercial and human rights law. Experienced in conducting legal research, writing structured arguments, and working collaboratively through academic projects. Actively involved in student legal societies and looking to gain hands-on experience in a legal setting to support future career development.
For more information on how to write a good CV as a student or for the law industry, refer to the student CV example and the lawyer CV example.
Nanny CV personal profile example
Nurturing and responsible nanny with over 5 years of experience providing attentive care and educational support to children from infancy to early teens. Adept at creating engaging routines, promoting emotional well-being, and maintaining a safe environment. Certified in paediatric first aid and CPR, with a reputation for building trusted relationships with families. Skilled in managing multiple children, supporting developmental milestones, and maintaining household structure.
Learn how to write a good nanny CV, referring to the nanny CV example or the nanny cover letter example.
3. Skills on a CV
Crafting the ideal CV involves customising it to align with your career perspective, and the same principle applies to your skills section. The skills you put on a CV should be specific and relevant to the types of jobs you are targeting.
If you’re not sure which skills are good for your CV, carefully read through job descriptions and look for the words or skills that are mentioned frequently. These repeated terms often highlight the skills employers value most.
| Good skills and keywords to include throughout your CV | |
|---|---|
| Nanny | Patience, childcare experience, time management, emergency response, routine planning, communication with parents, creativity in play and learning, conflict resolution. |
| Student | Organisation, time management, strong communication, teamwork, adaptability, research skills, critical thinking, digital literacy, public speaking, willingness to learn. |
| Finance | Analytical thinking, attention to detail, risk assessment, risk management, budgeting, financial forecasting, data interpretation, compliance knowledge, strategic planning. |
| Marketing | Creativity, data analysis, social media expertise, project management, content creation, SEO/SEM, brand storytelling, market research, campaign tracking, CRM software skills. |
| Bookkeeper | Attention to detail, data entry accuracy, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, tax and VAT knowledge, confidentiality, task prioritisation, record keeping. |
Pro tip
Avoid common CV mistakes such as overloading your CV with too many skills, including skills that aren’t relevant to the role, and failing to differentiate between specialised and broad skills.
4. Work experience on a CV
When it comes to work experience on a CV, it's important to consider that individuals have different levels of experience: some have extensive backgrounds, while others are starting their careers.
To write a good work experience section on a CV for the UK, follow these tips:
Highlight key responsibilities, notable achievements, and relevant expertise from the past 10 years.
Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant roles, as this can make your CV unnecessarily lengthy and less impactful.
Use strong action verbs to help convey your achievements clearly and concisely.
Ensure your information is both direct and easy to read.
Pro tip
Include short-term or past experience in an ‘additional experience’ section and elaborate on it during an interview.
5. Education on a CV
The education section on a CV is especially important if you have little to no experience. It highlights your qualifications and knowledge, giving employers insight into your potential. If you attended a reputable school or earned excellent grades, this can help set you apart and showcase your dedication and willingness to grow.
Pro tip
If you don’t have formal secondary or tertiary education, don’t worry, this section is also a great place to include relevant courses or workshops to strengthen your CV.
What is the best format for a successful CV?
A good CV format and layout is one that aligns with your career goals, your level of experience, and the job you are applying for. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, the reverse-chronological format is widely recommended. This approach highlights your most recent experience first, followed by earlier roles in descending order, providing a clear and structured overview of your professional journey.
Good CV format example
Starts with a strong personal statement tailored to the job.
Work experience listed from recent to oldest.
Clear section headings and white space between sections.
Consistent formatting and easy-to-read font.
Highlights key achievements with bullet points.
Bad CV format example
Work history listed from oldest to newest.
No personal profile or summary at the top.
Some sections are packed with info, while others have excessive gaps.
Dense paragraphs instead of bullet points.
No differentiation between work experience and additional experience.
That said, there isn’t a universal structure that applies to all situations. For instance, if you’re switching careers, returning from a career break, or coming off a sabbatical, you might want to downplay employment gaps and focus on showcasing your skills.
CV formatting and layout checklist
Fast-track your job application process with this free CV formatting checklist.
For more tips and different CV formats, refer to the examples below:
Pro Tip
Adapt the structure as needed to align with your unique situation and the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for.
How to write a good CV with no experience in the UK
When making a good CV without prior experience, focus on showcasing transferable skills, relevant coursework, projects, volunteer work, internships, or any experiences that highlight your abilities and dedication. Also, emphasise your education and personal attributes that align closely with the job requirements.
Pro tip
If you have no experience, are a recent graduate, or are transitioning into a new career, opting for a skills-based CV may be best.
For good CV examples with no experience, refer to the following:
10 common mistakes to avoid on a CV
When aiming for a good CV, it is essential to present yourself in the best possible light. However, common mistakes can undermine your application and significantly lower your chances of landing an interview.
Spelling and grammatical errors.
Too much or too little information.
Poor formatting and layout.
Lack of specific achievements.
Using a generic CV for all applications.
Including irrelevant details.
Unprofessional email address.
Using generic statements.
Ignoring keywords from the job description.
Outdated contact information.
Key takeaways
Highlight experiences, skills, and achievements that align directly with the specific role you're applying for.
A good UK CV should have contact details, a personal profile, work experience, skills, and an education section, with optional ones to enhance the CV further.
Use a clear format, concise language, proper structure, and correct grammar to ensure a polished, ATS-friendly CV.
Emphasise both technical and transferable skills using job-specific keywords to boost ATS compatibility and appeal to hiring managers.
Stay away from irrelevant info, poor formatting, unprofessional email addresses, and outdated details to maximise your chances of landing an interview.
Get your hands on the ultimate free CV checklist in PDF, guaranteed to ensure your CV ticks all the right boxes!
Next steps?
If you're still unsure how to structure your CV or what information to include, visit our extensive range of cover letter templates and CV examples for inspiration. Learn more about the ideal cover letter length to accompany your CV. Check out our tips for sending your CV via email to take the final steps with your job application. Alternatively, you can consult an expert at CVMaker for our CV Writing Service.
FAQ
How do I navigate gaps in my CV?
There might be various reasons for gaps; perhaps you took a career break or had personal matters that required time off. Either way, hope is not lost, as we have provided key tips on how to explain unemployment gaps on a CV or how to get a new job after a redundancy.
Where can I get help with my CV?
CV Maker is an all-in-one career platform that aims to simplify the job search process for all users. With an easy-to-use builder and career advice, you can write professional career documents, including matching cover letters.
How many pages should a good CV be?
The optimal CV length is generally 1-2 pages. However, this can vary depending on your level of experience and job requirements. If you have extensive experience or a lengthy publication record, a CV may exceed two pages, especially if you are creating an academic CV. However, if you are a recent graduate or have limited experience as a school leaver, a one-page CV is suitable.
How to check if my CV is good?
Ensure the information included aligns with the job you are applying for.
Check for clear and concise language, avoiding excessive jargon.
Ensure a consistent and visually appealing layout, with appropriate use of headings, bullet points, and white space.
Double-check for spelling or grammatical errors.
Assess if your CV effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements in a compelling way.
How to lay out a good CV?
Use a clear and professional font for your CV.
Choose the best CV colour for your industry.
Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document.
Organise content with clear section headings.
Prioritise the most relevant information and place it prominently.
Utilise white space effectively for visual appeal.
Consider using a well-designed CV template for guidance and consistency.
Should I use AI to write my CV?
Using AI for your CV writing can be beneficial, as it can help streamline the process and ensure key details are highlighted effectively. However, it's essential to review and personalise the content to ensure it accurately represents your skills and experiences.
What is the first thing employers notice on a CV?
Employers first notice the overall layout and the top section of a CV, including the candidate's name, contact information, and personal profile. This initial impression influences whether they continue reading.
How far back should a CV go?
We suggest to focus on the past 10 years and only include relevant experience. Adding outdated or irrelevant jobs can make your CV too long and could impact your application. Keep it relevant and concise.
Is it acceptable to use my work email address on my CV when applying for another job?
It’s best to use a personal email address that you check regularly and that is professional. This approach helps maintain privacy and ensures that potential employers can contact you without any issues related to your current job.
