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Free CV template: expert advice to make you a standout applicant
7 min read | Hays Experts | Article | Job searching | CV & Cover letters
A CV is your chance to make a good first impression with prospective employers and recruiters. Even if your experience makes you an excellent fit for a role you’ve applied for, a hiring manager could overlook your application if your CV isn’t up to scratch – potentially causing you to miss out on your dream job before you’ve even had the chance to sell yourself in an interview.
With many job vacancies receiving over 100 applications, you only have a short window to impress a hiring manager, so it’s vital to make your CV clear and impactful. Below, you’ll find our top tips and a handy CV template to put you in the best position possible when applying for roles, helping you to stand out from other candidates and get one step closer to securing your next job opportunity.
Make sure your CV is impressive rather than off-putting with our top tips. These dos and don’ts could be the difference between getting an interview request for your dream job or ending up in the rejected pile.
Copy and paste the template below into a Word document. Then, fill in the brackets with your personal details as instructed. We've also included some top tips to help you stay on track.
[First name] [Last name] CV Email: [email address] Phone Number: [phone number]
TOP TIP: Make sure you list an email address that you frequently check, otherwise you could miss out on interview requests.
Personal Statement
A results-driven professional with a strong background in [your field/industry]. I possess skills in [key skills], with a proven track record of success in [relevant achievements]. My experience includes [outline key responsibilities]. I am now seeking to leverage my experience and skills in a new role where I can contribute to the success of a forward-thinking organisation.
TOP TIP: Your personal statement should be a short paragraph that summarises your key technical and competency skills, and your experience to date. You can tailor this slightly depending on the job you’re applying for to showcase what you think would be most relevant or impressive for each role.
Professional Experience
[Month, Year] – [Month, Year OR Present] [Company name], [Location] [Job title]
[Month, Year] – [Month, Year] [Company name], [Location] [Job title]
[Repeat above as necessary]
TOP TIP: Including quantifiable data can help make your CV more impactful and showcase the tangible results your actions have led to.
Certifications
[Month, Year]: [Certification name]
TOP TIP: Depending on how relevant you deem your certifications, professional memberships and education to be should determine which section you list first. The dates within each section should then be listed in reverse-chronological order.
Professional Memberships
[Month, Year]: [Professional membership]
Education
[Year] – [Year] [University name] [Degree type] in [Degree title]: [Degree class]
[Year] – [Year] [School/College name], [Location] A Levels [OR equivalent]: [Subject 1 (Grade)], [Subject 2 (Grade)], [Subject 3 (Grade)]
[Year] – [Year] [School name], [Location] [Number] GCSEs [OR equivalent] between grades [Grade range], including Maths [(Grade)] and English [(Grade)]
OR
[Year] – [Year] [School name], [Location] GCSEs [OR equivalent]: [Subject 1 (Grade)], [Subject 2 (Grade)], [Subject 3 (Grade)], [Subject 4 (Grade)], [Subject 5 (Grade)], [Subject 6 (Grade)], [Subject 7 (Grade)], [Subject 8 (Grade)]
TOP TIP: If you’re a school-leaver or a recent graduate, it’s advisable to list each GCSE subject and individual grade. If you’re further into your career, you may instead choose to group them together for conciseness.
Systems Skills
Languages
TOP TIP: If you only have basic proficiency of a language, it’s likely not worth mentioning.
Hobbies
[Brief description of relevant hobby/hobbies]
TOP TIP: Only include hobbies if they are relevant to the job you are applying for or showcase in-demand soft skills (such as adaptability or problem solving).
References are available on request.
To write a CV, you should start with your name and contact information (email address and phone number) at the top, followed by a short personal statement that highlights your key experience. You should then list any certifications, professional memberships and your education history. The bulk of your CV should be made up of your work experience, with your jobs listed in reverse chronological order. If relevant, you may also include things like systems skills or languages.
Two pages is a good rule of thumb for your CV’s length. However, the ideal length may vary depending on your experience level. For example, if you’re a recent graduate, then one page may suffice, but if you’re a contractor with decades of experience, then fitting everything on to just two pages may mean you’re not going into enough detail.
It's generally advised to send a CV as a PDF to ensure the formatting remains consistent across different devices, unless specified otherwise.
Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri are good choices for a CV, as they are all professional and easy to read.
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for ‘course of life.’
Looking to put your CV to good use by applying for exciting job opportunities? Check out our live vacancies – you may just find your dream role!
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