Online CV Software & Employment Resources

Q: Is it OK to use a CV template?

It’s more than OK to use a <a href="https://cvgenius.com/cv-templates">CV template</a>. A CV template saves you lots of time by providing you with a pre-formatted <a href="https://cvgenius.com/blog/cv-help/cv-layout">CV layout</a> that you simply download to your computer and fill in with your own details. Be sure to learn <a href="https://cvgenius.com/blog/cv-help/how-to-write-a-cv">how to write a CV</a> before editing your download though, otherwise your finalised CV might be lacking. Online CV templates should be compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) — software that scans CVs and cover letters for keywords. Graphical elements, uncommon file formats, and rare fonts can prevent the ATS from reading your CV properly. So we've made sure you have a library of ATS-friendly CV templates at your disposal as you hunt for the job of your dreams.

Q: What does CV stand for?

CV stands for curriculum vitæ, a Latin word meaning ‘course of your life’. In other words, a CV summarises your career into one document. Your CV needs to cover your education, work experience, <a href="https://cvgenius.com/blog/cv-help/skills-for-cv">skills</a>, and hobbies and interests. Each of these details allows employers to easily look through your CV and see your professional progress. Hopefully, the sum of these details showcases why you're the perfect candidate for the job you're advertising.

Q: What makes a good CV?

Here’s what makes a good CV: <ul> <li>Your contact details should be presented clearly, including your name in a large font, your mobile phone number, and your email address. Your postal address, date of birth, nationality, sex, and marital status are unnecessary.</li> <li>A strong CV personal statement that highlights your most relevant achievements, skills, and qualifications for the job.</li> <li>A list of skills that includes skills mentioned in the job advert so that employers can see you meet the requirements for the position.</li> <li>A comprehensive work experience section that outlines your achievements at your current and most recent jobs. Focus on achievements rather than duties because achievements impress employers more. Add hard numbers to your bullet points to show recruiters what you’re capable of.</li> <li>Your educational achievements including any degrees you hold, your A-Levels, and GCSEs or equivalents (for example, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, and vocational qualifications).</li> <li>Some insight into your hobbies and interests to give employers a sense of what kind of person you are like to work with.</li> </ul>

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Online CV Resources for UK Job Hunters

CV Genius provides high-quality CV and cover letter resources, including examples and templates, to help you get interviews and bring your job search to an end.

CV Templates

Whether you’re looking for a traditional or creative design, you’ll find the CV template you’re looking for here — all free to download.

CV Examples

Need some inspiration as you write your CV? Check out some free downloadable CV examples to see what CVs for your industry should look like.

CV Layout

Find out more about the ideal CV layout, including margins and font. How you structure your CV is just as important as what you write — proper formatting helps employers find your information quickly.

How to Write a CV

If you’re new to the job market, learn how to write a CV for your first job. If you’re updating your CV, brush up on the basics, and learn how new technology affects CV writing.

The CV Genius Blog

Looking for more CV resources specific to your personal background? Learn about a range of topics, from CV writing to cover letter formatting and more.

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CV Genius has many good CV and cover letter resources, created especially for UK job hunters. Skilled CPRW holders — licenced CV experts — have assembled their most effective advice for you in one place to apply on your own CVs and cover letters.

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Writing your CV? Try the internet’s top-rated CV maker, which makes the application process quick and simple. Just pick your favourite template, answer a few questions, and select from pre-written bullet points to create a CV in Word or PDF format in under 12 minutes.

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Your talented team of CPRW-licenced career counsellors and CV writers has years of experience helping hundreds of job hunters just like you find fulfilling new jobs and new opportunities.

CV and Cover Letter Resources for Job Hunters

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve just left school or have decades of experience to call on. Anyone can make use of the hundreds of free-to-use templates, career resources, and builder software on CVGenius.com.

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Why is CV Genius the top-rated free CV maker available online?

Customers rate the CV Genius builder No. 1 out of all builders available online. It’s the top-rated free CV maker online because it allows you to:

Pick your favourite CV template from a selection of modern and traditional designs
Create a full-length CV no matter your skill set, experience level, or background
Download, edit, and print your CV in Word or PDF format

Is it OK to use a CV template?

It’s more than OK to use a CV template. A CV template saves you lots of time by providing you with a pre-formatted CV layout that you simply download to your computer and fill in with your own details. Be sure to learn how to write a CV before editing your download though, otherwise your finalised CV might be lacking.

Online CV templates should be compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) — software that scans CVs and cover letters for keywords. Graphical elements, uncommon file formats, and rare fonts can prevent the ATS from reading your CV properly. So we’ve made sure you have a library of ATS-friendly CV templates at your disposal as you hunt for the job of your dreams.

What does CV stand for?

CV stands for curriculum vitæ, a Latin word meaning ‘course of your life’. In other words, a CV summarises your career into one document.

Your CV needs to cover your education, work experience, skills, and hobbies and interests. Each of these details allows employers to easily look through your CV and see your professional progress. Hopefully, the sum of these details showcases why you’re the perfect candidate for the job you’re advertising.

Which CV builder template should I use?

The CV builder templates made available to you on CV Genius are designed to be suitable for any job, no matter what your background is. You should use a traditional CV design for jobs in law firms, banks, and civil service roles because these employers tend to be more conservative.

For creative roles, like graphic design, event planning, and fashion, feel free to select a more creative CV template.

What makes a good CV?

Here’s what makes a good CV:

Your contact details should be presented clearly, including your name in a large font, your mobile phone number, and your email address. Your postal address, date of birth, nationality, sex, and marital status are unnecessary.
A strong CV personal statement that highlights your most relevant achievements, skills, and qualifications for the job.
A list of skills that includes skills mentioned in the job advert so that employers can see you meet the requirements for the position.
A comprehensive work experience section that outlines your achievements at your current and most recent jobs. Focus on achievements rather than duties because achievements impress employers more. Add hard numbers to your bullet points to show recruiters what you’re capable of.
Your educational achievements including any degrees you hold, your A-Levels, and GCSEs or equivalents (for example, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, and vocational qualifications).
Some insight into your hobbies and interests to give employers a sense of what kind of person you are like to work with.

Do I need a matching cover letter for my CV?

Yes, you do need a matching cover letter for your CV. Format your cover letter the same as you formatted your CV. That means:

Using the same font and font size on your cover letter and CV
Highlighting your name in the same way (font size, colour)
Applying the same formatting (margins, lines, line spacing)

If writing your cover letter from scratch sounds like too much hard work, use a ready-to-use cover letter template. Any CV template you find on this website has a matching cover letter template you can use to save time and create a visually cohesive application.

Should I use a different CV for every job?

Yes, you should use a different CV for every job. Adjusting your CV for each job shows employers you understand what they’re looking for in candidates.

At a minimum, use the company’s name in your cover letter and CV personal statement, include keywords from the job advert in your CV, and write something in your cover letter about why you especially want to work for this company or that shows you know something about the company’s goals or history.

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Online CV Software & Employment Resources

The smartest way to write your CV.