How to Write a CV in 2026
A CV is your first impression with an employer. Most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds on an initial scan. This guide covers everything you need to write a CV that gets read — and gets you interviews.
What to include in your CV
Every CV should have: contact details (name, email, phone, LinkedIn, location), a personal statement (2–4 sentences), work experience in reverse chronological order, education, and a skills section. Add additional sections (languages, certifications, volunteer work) only if they're directly relevant to the role.
How long should a CV be?
UK standard: 2 pages for most professionals. US standard: 1 page if you have less than 10 years of experience. More than 10 years: 2 pages maximum. Academic CVs are longer — they are a different document entirely. The rule: include everything relevant, nothing padding.
CV format: which to choose?
Chronological CV: lists work experience newest-first. The standard format in the UK. Most ATS-friendly. Use unless you have gaps or are changing careers. Functional CV: leads with skills, buries employment dates. Hard for ATS to parse, viewed with suspicion by recruiters. Only use if you have major employment gaps. Combination: skills summary followed by chronological experience. Works well for career changers.
Your personal statement
A personal statement sits below your name. 2–4 sentences. It answers: who you are professionally, what you bring, and what you're looking for. Do not start with 'I am a...' — start with your value. 'Senior marketing manager with 8 years in B2B SaaS...' not 'I am a senior marketing manager who has...'
Work experience: what to write
For each role: employer name, job title, dates (month and year), and 3–6 bullet points. Each bullet should lead with a strong verb and include a result where possible. 'Managed a team' → 'Led a team of 12 across 3 countries, reducing delivery time by 30%.' Quantify where you can. Recruiters remember numbers.
ATS: how to make your CV machine-readable
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan your CV before a human sees it. To pass: use a standard font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), avoid tables and columns that break parsing, include keywords from the job description verbatim, save as PDF unless instructed otherwise. Fancy design elements — graphics, icons, colour-heavy sidebars — often confuse ATS. Use them only if the role is creative and the company is small.
UK vs US: key differences
UK CV includes: date of birth (optional), nationality (if relevant to right-to-work), 2 pages expected. US resume: never includes age, nationality, or photo; 1 page is standard. UK never says 'resume' — it's always 'CV'. US rarely uses the term 'CV' (reserved for academic jobs). If you're applying internationally, check the target country's conventions.
Build your CV now — it's free
Choose from 8 professional templates. Fill in your details. Download your PDF. No account required.
Start building →Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV be in the UK?
Two pages is the standard for most UK professionals. One page is acceptable for students and recent graduates. Never exceed two pages unless you are applying for an academic or research position.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
In the UK, do not include a photo — it can trigger unconscious bias and is not standard practice. In continental Europe, a professional headshot is often expected. In the US, never include a photo.
What is the best CV format for ATS?
A clean, single-column chronological format with a standard font (Arial, Calibri) and no images, tables, or text boxes. Save as PDF. Avoid headers and footers with important contact information, as ATS often ignores them.
What should I put in my personal statement if I have no experience?
Focus on transferable skills, education highlights, and what you're looking to achieve. 'Recent marketing graduate with experience in social media management through university projects and volunteering. Looking for an entry-level role in digital marketing.'
Do I need a cover letter?
If the application asks for one, yes — always. If it's optional, write one anyway. A targeted cover letter addressing the specific job increases your chances noticeably. Never send a generic cover letter.