Need help? Here's how we can support you with your CV.
Step 1: Use the information on this page to create your CV.
Step 2: Upload your CV to CareerSet for immediate feedback.
- Make sure you read the whole of the feedback report, not just the bullet point highlights
- Edit your CV and reupload - repeat as many times as you like
- If you’re applying for a specific job and want help tailoring your CV, you can upload the job description and CareerSet will compare your CV to the job description
- Watch our quick overview of CareerSet
Step 3: If you can’t get your CareerSet score above 70% or you have a specific question that CareerSet can’t help you with, upload your CV to your documents on Handshake and message us requesting a review.
Please note, we do not offer a repeat CV 'checking' service, so when you have applied the feedback, you should return to CareerSet to help further refine your CV.
Read the Talk to Us page for more information about our support.
Postgraduate students should also visit the Graduate Research School's Applications and interviews page.
Virtual careers sessions
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a document that gives an overview of your education, work experience and skills. You use it when applying for jobs and other work experience opportunities. A CV should always be tailored to the job you are applying for.
There’s no magic formula for the perfect CV, but there are some sections that you should include:
What other sections could you include?
Use the CV checklist in CareerSet to ensure you've covered all aspects of your CV.
Feel like you have nothing to put on your CV? Read our advice on creating a CV when you have little or no experience.
There are different styles of CV, but the most common is a chronological or conventional CV. Find examples further down the page.
Low grades
Non-UK qualifications
Course changes
2018 -19 Study towards BSc Geography, University of Leeds
Developed analytical and numerical skills though coursework and seminars. Theory was applied to practical situations during field studies.
Achieved average grades of 63% over the two terms, but decided to withdraw from the course to concentrate on my growing interest in psychology.
Lack of work experience
Many short-term/unrelated jobs
2019 – 2020 Various temporary positions including administrative assistant and data entry clerk. Demonstrated attention to detail, strong keyboard skills, organisation and the flexibility to adapt to different team environments. More details on request.
Disability, health issues or other sensitive information
Look at these examples to get an idea of the different approaches to creating a CV. All the examples scored over 80% on CareerSet.
Chronological CVs
Skills-based CVs
One-page CVs
Academic CVs
Media industry CVs
Use CareerSet to get immediate feedback on your CV. CareerSet will score your CV and give you tailored advice on how to make it better. You can reupload your CV as many times as you like.
CareerSet also lets you upload a job description and will tell you how well your CV is tailored for the job.
Watch our quick overview of CareerSet.
If you have recently had a job rejection, watch our guide on what to do if you keep getting rejected.
If you are struggling to get your CV above 70% on CareerSet or you have a specific question, we can give you feedback. Upload your CV to your documents on Handshake and send the Careers Information Team a message to request a CV review. Please include your CareerSet score and what you're using the CV for (eg type of role/job, etc). We'll look at your CV within 5 working days.
Read the guide on uploading documents on Handshake if you don't know how to do this (note: you do not have to make your documents visible on your profile for us to find them).
Please note:
CV advice for mature students and career changers
Read our tips on CVs for mature students and people changing careers
Writing a CV with no experience
Advice on creating a CV when you have little or no experience
Career support for international students
Read more about working in the UK or in your home country