This is what a good CV looks like in the UK in 2025:
And if you’d like to see real-life examples of what a CV should look like, here are a couple more examples to review:
Chronological CV (CV with Experience) Example
A chronological CV is the standard format used in the UK for job seekers with work experience. Here’s what this type of CV looks like:
Skills-based CV (No Experience CV) Example
A skills-based CV focuses on your skills, so it’s ideal if you have less experience. Look at this example to see what a strong skills-based CV looks like:
In addition to looking at these two types of CV formats, look at examples of how your CV should look for specific jobs. Here are some examples to get you started, including CVs for:
- administrators
- civil servants
- supervisors
- accountants
- finance professionals
- designers
- customer service workers
- teachers
- engineers
- medical professionals
- interns
- IT professionals
Don’t see your role in the list above? No problem. You can find CV examples for virtually every industry online.
What a good CV looks like: checklist
What makes a CV look good can be seen in the examples above, but here’s a CV formatting checklist so you don’t miss anything important:
- one or two dark colours on your CV help hiring managers notice them
- your margins should be between 1.27 and 2.5 cm (½”–1″)
- use 1–1.5 spacing between lines
- pick a professional font for your CV
- most hiring managers expect a two-page CV for experienced applicants (but one-page CVs are fine for students and graduates)
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure what your CV should look like? Here are answers to three common questions related to how a good CV looks:
1. What makes a CV more attractive?
In addition to a well-organised layout, CV design elements like CV icons, colourful accents, and a unique header make CVs more attractive.
The best way to make your application more attractive is to use a CV template designed by a professional.
2. Does my CV need to look fancy?
No, your CV doesn’t need to look fancy — it just needs to look professional. Employers appreciate a beautifully designed CV, but they care most about the skills, experience, and accomplishments you write about in your CV.
A quick Google search will give you access to many basic CV templates that’ll help you get a job. And if you don’t have time to fill in a template, use an online CV maker that builds your CV in minutes.
3. How do I make my CV stand out in the UK?
To make your CV stand out in the UK, include hard numbers that show you’ve achieved results in previous roles.
Other steps you can take to make your CV stand out in a crowded pool of applicants include:
- using a creative CV design
- submitting it in person
- sending it in a unique way (for instance, attach your CV to a pizza delivery)
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