You can get immediate feedback on your CV with CareerSet, our AI tool which scores your CV out of 100 and gives you a tailored report to improve it. You can re-upload your CV to boost your score. If you are applying for a particular job, you can also upload the job description for advice on tailoring your CV.
You can also request written feedback via Handshake or discuss your CV in an appointment or at the careers drop-in. Check our Talk to Us page for more information about how we can help.
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
Read our advice on writing a CV with little or no 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.
The personal information in all these examples is made up of completely fictitious data.
Chronological CVs
Skills-based CVs
One-page CVs
Academic CVs
Media industry CVs
You can also find a selection of CV examples from TARGETjobs and Prospects.
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. Want to know more? Watch this quick overview of CareerSet. CareerSet also lets you upload a job description and will tell you how well your CV is tailored for the job.
If you have recently had a job rejection, watch our guide on what to do if you keep getting rejected.
If you have particular concerns about your CV or questions that CareerSet can't help with, we can help. You can request written feedback via Handshake or speak to us about your CV in the daily careers drop-in or in an appointment. Check our Talk to us page for more information.
To request written CV feedback:
- Upload your CV to your Handshake Documents (no need to make it 'visible'; read Handshake's guide on uploading a document)
- Message the Careers Information Team requesting a review and tell us as much information as possible, such as:
- your latest CareerSet score
- the job you are applying for, with a link
- the application deadline, if important
- any particular concerns or questions you have about your CV.
We give feedback within five working days. Due to student demand we can't give repeat feedback on the same document and we don't proofread for grammar and spelling. Use Grammarly, or the tools available in Word or Google Docs to help with this.
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