A CV is a document that tells employers about your skills, experience and achievements. Many employers will ask for a CV when you apply for a job.
Your CV should include:
- Your contact details
- Key skills and strengths
- Work experience, volunteering or placements
- Education, training and qualifications
For the best results, tailor your CV to each job you apply for. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience the employer is looking for. Then show how your own experience matches their requirements.
Some employers may ask you to complete an application form instead of sending a CV. Use the information from your CV to help you answer the questions and provide examples of your skills and experience.
What to include in your CV: Step-by-step guide
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1
Make it easy for employers to get in touch with you. Include:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Postal address (optional)
Use a professional email address, ideally based on your name. Avoid nicknames or informal usernames.
You can also include links to professional online profiles, such as LinkedIn, especially if they showcase your skills, experience or achievements.
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2
Your personal profile is a short introduction at the top of your CV. Use it to highlight your key skills, strengths and career goals in a few sentences.
You can also include a relevant achievement, especially if it shows experience or skills that match the job you're applying for.
Some strengths employers often look for include:
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Ability to work independently
- Organisation and planning
- Enthusiasm
- Reliability
- Good timekeeping
- Trustworthiness
- Following instructions
- Working well under pressure
- Motivation
Top tip: Tailor your personal profile to each application. Read the job description and emphasise the skills and strengths the employer is looking for.
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3
A key skills section helps employers quickly see what you can offer. Include the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.
Look at the job description and identify the skills the employer is looking for. Then highlight the skills you have that match their requirements.
You could include:
- Technical or specialist skills such as IT, digital skills, project management or finance
- Transferable skills such as communication, customer service, teamwork and problem-solving
Top tip: Focus on your strongest and most relevant skills rather than listing everything you can do. This makes it easier for employers to see why you're a good fit for the role.
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4
Your work history shows employers the experience you have gained. List your jobs with the most recent first. Most people include their last 5 to 10 years of employment, or the roles most relevant to the job they are applying for.
For each role, include:
- Job title
- Employer name and location
- Start and end dates
- A brief summary of your main duties and responsibilities
- Key achievements or successes
If you have little or no work experience, you can also include volunteering, work experience placements, internships or other relevant activities.
Top tip: Focus on achievements as well as duties. This helps employers understand the impact you made in the role.
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List your qualifications with the most recent or highest level first. Include the qualifications that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
For each qualification, include:
- Qualification title
- Grade (if applicable)
- Year achieved
- School, college, university or training provider
You can include qualifications from school, further education, higher education and training courses.
Top tip: Employers may ask to see certificates or other proof of your qualifications, so make sure the information you provide is accurate.
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Don't forget to include any other training that demonstrates your skills and commitment to learning, such as:
- Short courses, such as Food Hygiene or Health and Safety
- Professional licences and certificates
- Workplace training
- Online learning
- Evening classes
Adding relevant training can help strengthen your CV and show employers you're keen to develop your skills.
Top tip: Free online courses are a great way to build new skills, boost your confidence and enhance your CV. Take a look at our Course Search or visit our Training and Skills section to find learning opportunities that could support your career goals.
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Volunteering and unpaid work experience can strengthen your CV, especially if you have little or no paid work experience.
Include:
- The name of the organisation, charity or employer
- Start and end dates
- Your main tasks and responsibilities
Top tip: Skills gained through volunteering, caring responsibilities or managing a household can also be valuable to employers.
You can also explore our Volunteering and Work Experience pages for more opportunities and advice.
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You can use this section to add any other relevant information about you including:
- Sports you play or clubs you support
- Hobbies and Interests, but only include if they are relevant
- Community activities you are involved with
- Achievements and awards
- Memberships of professional organisations
- Driving licence
The disclosure of any disability or additional learning need in this section will be your own personal choice.
Our tip: its best to keep this section short and relevant to the job you are applying for.
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Most employers will ask for at least two references. You do not usually need to include referee details on your CV. Instead, add:
References available on request.
Before using someone as a referee, make sure they are happy to provide a reference for you.
Possible referees include:
- A current or previous employer
- A teacher, tutor or lecturer
- A support worker or employment coach
- Someone from an organisation where you volunteered or completed work experience
- Someone who can provide a character reference (not a family member)
Top tip: Tailor your CV for each job application by highlighting the skills and experience that match the job advert and person specification.
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Before you send your CV, take a few minutes to check it carefully.
- Proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes and ask someone else to review it.
- Keep it clear and concise. Most CVs should be no longer than two pages.
- Use a simple, professional layout that's easy to read.
- Tailor your CV to each job by including keywords and skills from the job advert.
- Review your social media profiles, as employers may look at them during the recruitment process.
A strong CV and a professional online presence can help you make a great first impression. For more advice, visit our Using Social Media to Find Jobs page.