Your CV is often the first impression you make on an employer, so it’s important to make every word count. With employers receiving on average 76 applications for the same job, a clear, tailored CV can be the difference between securing an interview and being overlooked. If you’re researching how to write a CV and looking for practical CV writing tips, the guidance below will help. You can also refer to CV examples UK to see how successful applicants present information for the UK market and how to write a covering letter that complements your application.

In this guide, we'll explain how to write a CV in 2026, covering the seven essential steps, common mistakes to avoid, what to include in your CV header, the ideal CV length for UK employers, and the best way to list your qualifications.

The 7 basic steps to writing a CV:

1) Tailor your CV to every application.

2) Focus on results and achievements.

3) Make it easy to read with clear formatting.

 4) Showcase your skills (technical and transferable).

5) Include a concise personal profile.

6) Provide accurate employment history and education in the right order.

 7) Proofread thoroughly.

These steps reflect proven CV writing tips and will help you understand how to write a CV that stands out in the UK. Review CV examples UK to see these steps in action.

Tailor your CV to every application

Avoid sending the same CV to every employer. Read the job description carefully and adjust your skills, experience, and personal profile to match what each employer is looking for. Highlight relevant achievements and include keywords from the advert where appropriate. This is one of the most valuable CV writing tips because tailoring is central to how to write a CV that passes screening systems.

Focus on results

Rather than simply listing your duties, show the impact you've made. Wherever possible, include measurable achievements, such as improving efficiency, increasing sales, reducing costs, or leading successful projects.

Employers want to see the value you can bring, and CV examples UK often quantify results to demonstrate outcomes clearly.

Make it easy to read

A well-structured CV is much easier for recruiters to scan. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional layout. In most cases, two pages is the ideal length in the UK for experienced professionals, while early-career candidates can often fit onto one page. Place your most relevant experience first and keep formatting consistent.

Showcase your skills

Technical skills are important, but don't forget transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. These continue to be highly valued by employers across all industries. Many CV writing tips emphasise mapping skills to job requirements, a core part of how to write a CV that aligns with the role.

Ask someone to proofread

Ask someone you trust to check over your CV; they may spot a spelling or grammar mistake that you have missed. If you have used AI to structure the content of your CV then make sure to remove the give-away signs, as employers can spot these and this may give employers the wrong impression of you.

What to include in the header of your CV

Your header should include your full name, a professional email address, a phone number, and your general location (e.g., city/region) in the UK. Optionally include a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. Do not include excessive personal details (such as date of birth, full address, or a photo) for UK roles unless requested.

How long should a professional CV be in the UK?

For most roles, two pages is the ideal length in the UK. Senior executives or academics may justify more detail, while graduates and early-career

applicants can often use a single page. Prioritise relevance and clarity over length, as CV examples UK typically show concise, focused summaries.

The best order to list qualifications on a CV

List your highest and most recent qualifications first, followed by earlier ones in reverse chronological order. Include the qualification name, institution, and year of completion. If you have professional certifications that are highly relevant to the role, place them prominently. When education is a key requirement, position it above your experience; otherwise, place it after your work history.

Five common mistakes people make on their resume/CV

1) Using a generic CV not tailored to the job. 2) Focusing on duties, not achievements. 3) Poor formatting that’s hard to scan. 4) Spelling and grammar errors. 5) Including irrelevant or outdated information, such as unrelated hobbies or very old jobs. Avoiding these is central to most CV writing tips and to mastering how to write a CV effectively.

How to write a covering letter to support your CV

Keep it to one page, address it to the hiring manager where possible, and explain why you’re a strong fit by linking your top two or three achievements to the job requirements. Use keywords from the advert and mirror the employer’s priorities. Reviewing CV examples UK alongside a strong covering letter will help ensure both documents work together to secure interviews. If you’re unsure how to write a covering letter, start with a brief intro, a middle section matching your skills to the role, and a concise closing call to action.

At Pertemps, we're here to help you every step of your job search. Explore our Career Advice hub for expert guidance, including CV writing tips, interview advice and job search support. When you're ready to take the next step, browse the latest opportunities on the Pertemps Jobs website. For more on how to write a CV, how to write a covering letter, and CV examples UK, our resources provide practical templates and real-world insights.