UK CV format: choose your layout and file type

Section order by situation, from complete CVs

The same few headings, in a different order for each situation. Each list is the order of a complete CV on this site; open it in the editor to start from that structure.

Compare CV structures

Choose by evidence rather than decoration. Each structure below has a complete example you can open.

• Chronological: recent jobs lead. Easy to follow a relevant work history; a gap or change of direction may need a brief explanation. See the chronological example.
• Skills-led: group supported examples first, followed by a dated history. Useful across settings; finding dates takes more effort. See the skills-based example.
• Academic: separate research, publications, teaching and service. Useful for academic applications; too detailed for a standard job unless requested. See the academic example.

Make the headings stand out

Use your name as the document title, followed by contact details. Divide the CV with descriptive headings such as Profile, Employment, Education and Skills. Make headings visually distinct in one consistent way. Keep body text at a readable size; the National Careers Service suggests a clear font at size 11 or larger.

Use one typeface or a restrained pairing and consistent spacing. Align dates predictably. Bullets help readers scan achievements, but each should still communicate a complete idea. Avoid decorative rating bars for skills because they do not explain what a rating means.

The simple template uses plain monochrome headings; the professional template separates selected achievements from the dated history. Both keep text in one reading column. Our document margins leave room around the text; widen them if print feels crowded, and shorten the content before reducing type.

• Name at the top, larger than section headings.
• Consistent heading levels and date format.
• Comfortable margins and space between sections.
• Short bullets with visible outcomes.

Cut to fit, don’t shrink

Keep the CV as short as your relevant evidence allows. Follow a stated page limit; otherwise remove repetition before squeezing the layout. An academic application may need more room for research and teaching. Do not shrink the text until it is difficult to read.

Remove repeated claims, irrelevant older detail and lists of obvious tools first. Give the latest relevant role the most space. A school-leaver CV may fit one page; a research CV may need additional pages for publications and teaching. Check for a single stranded line spilling onto a new page.

• Shorten older roles before recent evidence.
• Remove weak interests before useful achievements.
• Combine repetitive bullets.
• Keep citations readable in an academic CV.

Make it survive Word and online forms

A simple single-column flow is easy to edit and usually survives movement between word processors. If you use columns, text boxes, icons or tables, test the exported document carefully because content can move, disappear or be read in an unexpected order. Write contact details as text rather than relying only on icons.

Use standard headings and meaningful link text. Colour should have sufficient contrast and should not be the only way information is communicated. A design can still have character through typography, spacing and a restrained accent.

Check the file you will send

Follow the vacancy instructions for PDF, DOCX or an application form. Save the source document separately, then export the tailored version. Use a professional filename such as Maya-Thompson-CV rather than Document1 or Final-CV-NEW.

Open the exported file on its own and inspect every page. Check page breaks, bullet alignment, live links, special characters and whether contact details remain selectable text. If possible, view it at normal zoom on another device. The file that opens correctly in your editor is not necessarily the file the employer receives.

Use the Word downloads for an editable file or the Google Docs steps for your own Drive account. The CV checker checks text; it cannot establish final page layout.

• Confirm the requested file type.
• Reopen the exact attachment before sending.
• Check spelling, dates and links after the last edit.
• Keep an editable master and a separate tailored copy.