How to Write a CV in 2025
A step-by-step guide to writing a CV that passes ATS filters and gets recruiters' attention — with do's, don'ts, and real examples for every section.
8 min read · Updated August 2025
75%
of CVs rejected by ATS before a human sees them
6 sec
average time a recruiter spends on first scan
2 pages
the UK sweet spot for most professionals
Choose the right CV format
Use a clean, single-column layout. No tables, columns, text boxes, or graphics — these break ATS parsers. Standard fonts only: Calibri, Arial, or Georgia at 10.5–12pt. Keep it to 2 pages (1 page if you have under 3 years of experience).
Do this
- Single-column layout
- Standard fonts (Calibri, Arial)
- 10.5–12pt body text
- 1 inch / 2.5cm margins
- Saved as .docx or clean PDF
Avoid this
- Two-column layouts
- Tables or text boxes
- Icons or graphics
- Fancy/decorative fonts
- Headers or footers for key info
Write your personal statement (profile)
Your personal statement is the first thing a recruiter reads. It should be 3–4 sentences, 50–80 words, and tailored to every role. It answers: who are you, what do you offer, what are you looking for?
Do this
- Tailor it to every job you apply for
- Lead with your strongest achievement or niche
- Include keywords from the job description
- Keep it under 80 words
Avoid this
- Copy-paste the same statement everywhere
- Start with 'I am a...'
- Include vague claims like 'passionate team player'
- Make it longer than 4 sentences
Write your work experience
This is the most important section. List jobs in reverse chronological order. For each role: company, job title, dates, location — then 3–5 bullet points focused on achievements, not duties.
Do this
- Start every bullet with a strong action verb
- Add specific numbers: %, £, headcount, time saved
- Mirror keywords from the job description
- 3–5 bullets per role
Avoid this
- Write what you were 'responsible for'
- Use the same verb twice in a row
- Include every task — only the impactful ones
- Go back more than 15 years
Add education
After work experience, list your highest qualification first. Include: degree, institution, dates, and grade (if it's a 2:1 or above). For recent graduates, education goes above work experience.
Do this
- Degree → University → Dates → Grade
- Include relevant modules for entry-level
- List professional certifications (CFA, ACCA, PMP)
Avoid this
- List GCSEs if you have a degree
- Include grades below 2:2
- Add dates if it reveals age awkwardly
Add skills
A dedicated skills section is essential for ATS. Include technical skills, software, and tools relevant to the role. This is where you pack in keywords. Don't rate yourself with bars or dots — it wastes space and ATS can't read them.
Do this
- List specific tools and software
- Include language proficiencies with level
- Match skills to the job description keywords
Avoid this
- 'Microsoft Word' — too basic
- Skill bars or rating dots
- Soft skills like 'good communicator' — show, don't tell
Check your ATS score
Before you send your CV anywhere, run it through an ATS checker. Most CVs are rejected by software before a human sees them. An ATS score tells you how well your CV matches the job description and what keywords you're missing.
Do this
- Check against the specific job description
- Fix missing keywords
- Remove formatting that breaks parsing
Avoid this
- Submit without checking
- Assume a good-looking CV is a good-performing CV
The Achievement Bullet Formula
The single biggest improvement you can make to any CV. Replace duty statements with achievement bullets using this formula:
CV Structure Cheatsheet
Check Your CV's ATS Score — Free
Upload your CV and get an instant ATS score, missing keywords, and a fully rewritten version in 60 seconds.
Analyse My CV FreeNo account required · Results in 60 seconds