How to Write a Great CV

Your CV is often the first impression you make on an employer. It should clearly show your experience, skills and achievements, and quickly demonstrate the value you can bring to a business.

A strong CV is clear, relevant and focused on what makes you the right person for the role.

What to Leave Out

Space is limited, so avoid including:

• Irrelevant early or casual jobs
• Outdated education or training
• Hobbies unless directly relevant to the role
• References (these can be provided later)

Keep the focus on the experience and skills that matter most.

 

Keep It Relevant

Focus on quality, not length.

Only include information that supports your suitability for the role. Remove anything that does not add value and keep your content concise.


Keep It Clear and Professional

Your CV should be simple and easy to read.

Avoid:

• Decorative fonts
• Images or graphics
• Unnecessary colours or complex design

Use a consistent format throughout. A clean Microsoft Word document works best, as most recruiters upload CVs into recruitment systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended CV Structure

Contact Information
Include your name, phone number and professional email address.

Professional Summary
A short introduction (50–150 words) highlighting your experience and the value you bring.

Skills Summary
A bullet list of your most relevant skills, systems and competencies.

Key Achievements
Show measurable results where possible, for example:
• Increased delivery efficiency by 20%
• Managed projects valued at £5m+

Work Experience
List roles in reverse chronological order, including:
• Employer
• Job title
• Dates (including months)

Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities.

Education and Qualifications
Include the qualification, institution and year achieved.

A well-structured CV helps employers quickly understand your strengths and potential — so take the time to get it right.

Click below to download our example CV