CV Improvement Guides

Key principles (UK-style CVs)

• 2 pages is standard (1 page for students/early careers).
• No date of birth, photo, marital status or full address – city/postcode is enough.
• Tailor to each vacancy using the job description and person specification. National Careers Service+1
• Focus on impact (achievements), not just duties – use numbers wherever possible.

Authoritative guides

• National Careers Service – “How to write a CV” – clear section-by-section guidance.
• Prospects – CVs and cover letters hub – strong examples (chronological, skills-based, academic CVs). Prospects+1
• Reed CV help & tips – very practical layout and wording tips. Reed+1

Examples of strong formats

Recommend jobseekers choose one of three common formats:

• Chronological CV – for steady work history; sections: Profile → Key Skills → Experience → Education → Additional.
• Skills-based CV – for gaps, career changers or limited UK experience; sections: Profile → Skills headings (e.g. Customer service, Teamwork & leadership) with evidence bullets → Experience → Education.
• Academic / research CV (for HE, research roles) – add sections like Publications, Conferences, Research projects (see Prospects examples). Prospects

Practical actions for jobseekers

• Run their CV through:
• Ask someone else to answer: “Would I interview this person for this job?” and adjust.

• Run their CV through:
• NCS CV advice + checklist. National Careers Service
• A spell-checker and a UK English setting.
• Ask someone else to answer: “Would I interview this person for this job?” and adjust.