CV tips and structure: Expert advice and free guide to help you secure an interview

Making sure your CV is tailored to the role you want for is essential - but having a strong, adaptable structure is just as important. Here are some general steps you can take when building the structure of your CV to make sure it always looks good and reads well. 

Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your CV, our free Securing an interview guide offers practical tips to help you stand out.

Do you know how to structure your CV?

Not knowing how to structure their CV is one of the most common problems jobseekers face, so we’ve laid out a simple structure to help you.

CVs should be tailored to each role you apply for, but to save time first create a general CV which can be easily adapted for each employer, based on the job description.

CV Structure - What to include:

1. Contact Details

Include your most-used phone number and email address to ensure you don’t miss important communications. You don’t want to miss an opportunity by failing to respond to their invitation to an interview in a timely fashion.
 

2. Personal Summary

Start with a concise summary of your experience and strengths, tailored to the role you're applying for. Avoid generic statements - focus on relevant achievements.
 

3. Key Skills

Use a bulleted list to highlight your core skills, including software proficiency, technical abilities, and soft skills relevant to the job.
 

4. Work Experience

List your employment history in reverse chronological order. Include achievements, responsibilities, and any relevant volunteer or freelance work. Talk about business or project successes and showcase your experience. 
 

5. Education & Qualifications

Mention your highest qualifications first, including institution names, course titles, and grades. Add any professional certifications or training courses. 
 

6. Memberships & Affiliations

Include any memberships to chartered institutes or relevant professional bodies.
 

7. References

Actual references are rarely included on CVs. It is usually fine to simply say 'References are available on request'.

Additional CV Tips

• Avoid gaps in your employment history - briefly explain any career breaks (e.g. if you travelled, say so).
• Graduates should highlight transferable skills gained through education or internships.
• Keep formatting clean and consistent. Use clear headings and bullet points for readability.

Need help with your CV?

Download our Securing an interview guide for more expert tips, or if you need any guidance on this (or any aspect of your job search) then find your nearest office and get in touch with a recruitment consultant.