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Date Published: 20/01/2026
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Why Your CV Matters
Your CV is often the first impression an employer gets of you - so think of it as your personal showcase. It's a place to highlight the skills you're proud of, the experiences that have shaped you, and your enthusiasm for the role you're applying for.
The National Careers Service reminds jobseekers that a CV is your chance to promote yourself clearly and confidently and should be easy to read, well organised and tailored to the role.
And remember: you don't have to get it perfect all in one go. CV writing is an iterative process, and the more you practise, the more your confidence will grow.
What Makes a Great CV?
1. Keep things clear and tidy
Employers skim-read CVs, sometimes in seconds. That means you want a layout that feels friendly on the eye:
- Use simple, readable fonts like Arial or Calibri
- Keep formatting consistent throughout
- Use clear headings and bullet points to guide the reader
- Leave enough white space so your CV doesn't feel cluttered
Simple is always better than crowded or over-designed.
2. Include the essential sections
A typical CV includes:
- Name and contact details
- Personal profile (your short summary)
- Key skills (optional but helpful)
- Work experience
- Education and training
- Achievements, volunteering or additional skills
The National Careers Service recommends a structure that is easy to follow and tailored to your personal experience level.
More importantly, don't include sensitive information such as your age, marital status or nationality - these are not required for UK CVs.
The Personal Profile: Your 30-Second Introduction
Your personal profile (sometimes called a personal statement or summary) sits right at the top of your CV - and it's often the first thing an employer reads. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself clearly, confidently and positively.
A great profile is:
- Short (3-5 sentences)
- Positive
- Tailored to the role
- Evidence-informed (no generic cliches)
According to the National Careers Service, your introduction should help the employer quickly understand why you're the right fit.
Tailoring Your CV: The Secret to Landing Interviews
One of the most powerful steps you can take is tailoring your CV for each job you apply for. It doesn't mean rewriting the whole thing - just reshaping your experience so the employer sees your relevance straight away.
The National Careers Service emphasises tailoring your CV based on job descriptions to improve your chances of success.
Here's an easy way to do it:
- Read the job advert carefully Highlight the key words the employer uses.
- Match their language If they mention "stakeholder engagement" or "attention to detail", use those same phrases - if they truly reflect your experience.
- Reorder your achievements Put the most relevant ones first.
- Update your personal profile Ensure it reflects the exact kind of candidate they're looking for.
Tailoring becomes much easier with practice, and it makes a huge difference in how many interviews you secure.
Turning Duties into Achievements
A common CV challenge is knowing how to express what you did in your job. Employers care less about the tasks you performed and more about the difference you made.
Transferable Skills - Your Hidden Strengths
If you're switching career paths, don't underestimate the value of your transferable skills. Skills like communication, organisation, problem-solving, teamwork and digital literacy are prized in almost every role.
The Employment Essentials programme includes a session specifically on identifying your transferable skills and using them confidently in applications.
Addressing Gaps with Confidence
Career gaps are normal. Whether due to caring responsibilities, health, study, travel or redundancy, gaps do not diminish your abilities.
The National Careers Service offer supportive advice on explaining gaps positively and professionally.
CV Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Keep your layout simple
- Tailor each application
- Use positive, active language
- Highlight achievements
- Proofread carefully
Don't:
- Include a photo, nationality, age or marital status
- Overstuff your CV with long paragraphs
- Undersell yourself - confidence matters
