CV writing guide

This guide provides practical advice on creating a clear, professional, and effective CV. In a competitive job market, a well-crafted CV helps employers quickly understand your strengths, experience, and fit for the role. Use this guide to present your skills with clarity and confidence.

Types of CV

The two most used CV formats are chronological and functional (skills based). The right choice depends on your career history and the role you are applying for. Whichever format you choose, ensure it is consistent, easy to follow and aligned with the expectations of your industry.

Chronological CV

This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role to oldest, with education included after career history. Best suited if you:

• Have a consistent career path with minimal gaps
• Have experience in the same or a related industry
• Want to highlight your progression, employers, and roles

Functional CV (skills based)

This format focuses on skills and achievements rather than dates or job titles. It works well when experience has been gained across different roles or contexts, or where transferable skills are the main strength. Best suited if you are:

• Are changing career direction
• Have gaps in employment or limited experience
• Want to emphasise transferable skills
• Are highlighting experience gained through education, volunteering, or projects

CV do’s

A strong CV should be clear, current, accurate and professional. Use a clean layout with current contact details, write concisely using action focused language, and prioritise measurable achievements over descriptions. Keep content relevant, include appropriate keywords for recruitment systems, and showcase experience, including voluntary or temporary roles, where it adds value. Aim for a structure that is easy to scan, with consistent formatting and logical section headings.

• Tailor your CV to each role you apply for
• Aim for a structure that is easy to read with consistent formatting and logical section headings.
• Mention interests and language skills that demonstrate teamwork or organisational ability
• Use strong positive verbs; lead, delivered, optimized
• Ensure dates, roles and qualifications are accurate and honest
• Keep your CV to an appropriate length (typically 1–2 pages, depending on experience)
• Use a professional email address and ensure your contact details are up to date
• Proofread thoroughly to eliminate spelling and grammatical errors

CV don’ts

Common mistakes can reduce the impact of an otherwise strong CV. Keep your approach professional and focused by avoiding outdated conventions, unnecessary detail and elements that distract from your skills and experience.

• Avoid titling the document “Curriculum Vitae”
• Refrain from using jargon, unexplained acronyms, humour or self‑deprecating language
• Steer clear of decorative fonts, patterns, photographs where they are not customary, or unnecessary design elements
• Only include referee details or salary information if they are specifically requested
• Do not include personal information such as age, marital status, or nationality unless required by local regulations
• Avoid dense paragraphs; use spacing and bullet points to improve readability
• Exclude negative content, including reasons for leaving previous roles

Transferable skills

Transferable skills are valuable across roles, teams and industries. Identify the skills you use in multiple contexts, such as communication, problem‑solving, organisation or leadership. When showcasing transferable skills

• Present them in a way that aligns with the requirements of each role you apply for.
• Provide clear examples to show how these skills have delivered results, particularly when moving roles, changing sectors or returning to work after a break.
• Link skills to outcomes to demonstrate impact.

Achievement examples

The following examples demonstrate how clear, concise statements can highlight measurable achievements, such as reducing costs by 30%, improving customer retention by 15%, and delivering five campaigns. Use numbers, outcomes and context wherever possible to show the scale and impact of your work.

CV checklist

• Before submitting your CV, ensure it:Clearly presents relevant experience and skills
• Focuses on achievements rather than duties
• Is accurate, up to date, and error-free
• Uses simple, consistent formatting
• Reflects the key requirements and language of the job description
• Is saved in a professional format (PDF recommended)
• Includes links to relevant work or professional profiles where appropriate

Useful links

• National Careers Service – Guidance on CV writing and explaining employment gaps
• Harvard College Guide to Creating a Strong Resume – Harvard FAS | Mignone Center for Career Success
• CVs | Oxford University Careers Service
• Explain a gap in employment | National Careers Service