Write a CV that makes your experience easy to understand

Begin with the role you want

Read the role description and note the skills and responsibilities that matter most. Your CV should help the reader find relevant evidence quickly. Use a short opening summary to explain your experience and the work you are looking for. Replace broad claims such as hardworking team player with a specific skill or example that you can discuss.

Use a straightforward structure

Include your name, contact details, relevant experience, education and useful skills. Put the strongest relevant information near the beginning. If you are early in your career, coursework, projects, volunteering and part-time work can all supply evidence. Use clear headings and consistent dates so the reader can follow your experience.

Show your contribution

For each role or project, explain what you did and why it mattered. For example, a customer-service candidate might describe resolving enquiries, keeping records accurate and handing over outstanding issues. Numbers can help when they are accurate and you can explain them. Do not invent results, qualifications or responsibilities to match an advert.

Make it easy to read on screen

Use a readable font, short paragraphs or bullet points and a simple layout. Check that the document still makes sense when viewed on a phone. Avoid hiding important information in graphics or using an image of text as the CV. Follow the employer’s requested format; for Findu you can send a PDF or Word document up to 10 MB.

Check the details before sending

Confirm your contact details work, dates are consistent and spelling is correct. Open the final saved file to check the formatting. Name it clearly so it can be recognised later. For an initial enquiry, leave out bank details, identity documents and personal information that is not needed to discuss your experience.

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Further help

The National Careers Service CV guide explains common CV sections and offers more guidance. If an adjustment would help you take part in recruitment, tell us what support you need.