How to write a CV
Your CV is usually the first thing an employer sees, so getting it right matters. A strong CV is clear, well structured, and tailored to the job you're applying for. It shouldn't try to cover everything you've ever done. Instead, it should highlight the experience, skills, and achievements most relevant to the role.
Start with your personal details and a brief personal statement, two or three sentences summarising who you are and what you're looking for. Follow this with your work experience, starting with your most recent role. For each position, focus on what you achieved rather than just listing duties. Use specific numbers where possible, for example "managed a team of 12" or "increased sales by 15%".
Keep your CV to two pages maximum. Use a clean, simple layout with clear headings. Avoid graphics, columns, or unusual fonts as these can cause problems with applicant tracking systems. Finally, always proofread. Spelling mistakes and typos are one of the most common reasons CVs get rejected.
How to write a personal statement
A personal statement sits at the top of your CV and gives the reader a quick snapshot of who you are. Think of it as your elevator pitch. It should be two to four sentences long and cover three things: your current situation, your key strengths, and what you're looking for.
Avoid vague phrases like "hardworking team player" or "passionate professional". Instead, be specific. Mention your area of expertise, your years of experience, and the type of role you're targeting. For example: "Marketing executive with five years' experience in B2B SaaS. Skilled in content strategy, paid media, and campaign analytics. Looking for a senior role in a growing tech company."
Tailor your personal statement for each application. The more closely it matches what the employer is looking for, the more likely they are to keep reading.
CV tips and common mistakes
Even a strong CV can be let down by avoidable mistakes. Here are some of the most common ones and how to fix them.
Sending the same CV to every job is the biggest mistake most people make. Employers can tell when an application is generic. Take ten minutes to adjust your CV for each role, moving the most relevant experience and skills to the top and mirroring the language used in the job description.
Other common issues include gaps in employment history with no explanation, listing responsibilities instead of achievements, including outdated information like GCSEs when you have a degree, and using an unprofessional email address. Keep it simple, keep it relevant, and always have someone else read it before you send it.
How to write a cover letter
A cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you want the job and why you're a good fit for it. Where your CV lists what you've done, your cover letter tells the story behind it.
Keep it to one page. Open with the specific role you're applying for and where you found it. In the main body, explain what attracted you to the company and the position, and give one or two examples of how your experience matches what they're looking for. Close by expressing your interest in discussing the role further.
Don't repeat your CV word for word. The cover letter should add context and personality. And always address it to a named person if you can. "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine as a fallback, but a named contact shows you've done your research.
Cover letter mistakes to avoid
The most common cover letter mistake is making it about you rather than the employer. Yes, you need to talk about your experience, but frame it in terms of what you can do for them. Focus on their needs, not just your career history.
Other mistakes include writing more than one page, using the same cover letter for every application, starting every sentence with "I", and not mentioning the company by name. A good test is to read your cover letter back and ask: could this be sent to any company? If the answer is yes, it needs more work.
CV and cover letter templates
Templates can be a helpful starting point, especially if you're not sure how to structure your CV or cover letter. But use them as a guide, not a finished product. Employers receive hundreds of applications and can spot a template that hasn't been personalised.
For your CV, use a clean single-column layout with standard headings: Personal Statement, Work Experience, Education, Skills. For your cover letter, follow a simple structure: opening paragraph (what you're applying for), middle paragraphs (why you're a good fit), and a closing paragraph (next steps).
We'll be adding downloadable templates here soon. In the meantime, focus on getting the content right. A well-written CV on a plain layout will always beat a poorly written one on a fancy template.
