How to Write a CV

Writing a CV can feel stressful, especially if you’ve moved around, had gaps in work, changed roles often, or never had someone explain what employers are actually looking for.

You might worry your CV will be judged, or that you do not have enough experience.

A CV is not about having a perfect background.
It is about showing your strengths clearly and honestly.

Many employers care more about skills and attitude than job titles. That means your life experience, volunteering, interests, and personal strengths matter more than you might think.

How to write your CV

What a CV is for:

A CV is a one or two page document that helps an employer understand:

• Who you are

• What skills you have

• What experience you bring

• Why you could be a good fit
  

That’s all it needs to do.

It is not a test or a judgement.
Think of it as an introduction that says, “Here is what I can offer.”

Click on the sections below to open each step and take this at your own pace.

• 1. Keeping the layout simple

  You do not need fancy designs or colours.

  A clear layout makes your CV easier to read.

  Most CVs include:

  • Your name and contact details

  • A short personal summary

  • A skills section

  • Experience

  • Education or training

  • Optional extras like interests
    
    

  If it feels easier, you can use a CV template. Templates are available on most computers and word processors, and there are also many free options online.

  Using a template helps you focus on the content rather than the layout.

• 2. Writing a personal summary

  This is a short paragraph at the top of your CV.

  Keep it clear, warm, and future focused.

  Examples:

  • “Motivated and reliable individual with strong customer service skills.”
    
    

  • “Confident communicator with experience in retail and volunteering.”
    
    

  • “Adaptable and hardworking person who enjoys working with others.”
    
    

  You do not need to explain your background unless you want to.
  This section is about where you’re going.

• 3. Listing your skills

  Many people underestimate their skills.

  Think about skills from everyday life as well as work:

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Organisation

  • Customer service

  • Problem solving

  • Adaptability

  • Staying calm under pressure

  • Caring for others

  • Independence
    
    

  Example:

  Key skills

  • Confident communicator

  • Reliable and consistent

  • Quick to learn

  • Calm under pressure
    
    

  Skills help employers understand your potential quickly.

• 4. Adding experience

  Experience does not have to mean a full-time job.

  You can include:

  • Part-time or temporary work

  • Retail or hospitality roles

  • Caring responsibilities

  • Volunteering

  • Youth or community work

  • School work experience

  • Freelance or side work
    
    

  Use short bullet points:

  • Served customers and handled payments

  • Supported people with daily tasks

  • Answered phones and booked appointments
    
    

  This shows what you can do, not just where you’ve been.

• 5. Explaining gaps

  Gaps are normal.

  You can use simple phrases like:

  • “Career break due to personal circumstances”

  • “Focusing on health and stability”

  • “Exploring training and short-term opportunities”
    
    

  You do not owe anyone your full story.

• 6. Education and training

  Include:

  • School or college

  • Qualifications

  • Certificates

  • Courses or workshops

  • Online learning
    
    

  If something wasn’t completed, you can still include what you did achieve.

• 7. Optional extras

  These help employers understand you as a person, and could include things such as:

  • Interests or hobbies

  • Sports or creative activities

  • Languages

  • Computer skills

  • Volunteering

• 8. Checking contact details

  Before sending your CV, check:

  • Your phone number

  • Your email address

  • Your voicemail is set up
    
    

  Small details make a difference.

• 9. Length and saving

  Keep your CV to one or two pages.

  Save it as a PDF and name it clearly, for example:

  YourName_CV.pdf

  (Potential employers will be able to see this!)

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Tailoring your CV

If you can, adjust your CV slightly for each job. Some tips:

• Read the job description

• Use similar words for skills they mention

• Focus on relevant experience
  

You don’t need to rewrite everything. Small changes help.

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Using AI tools

AI tools can help you get started.

Try not to copy large sections without checking:

• Does it still sound like you?

• Is the language clear and honest?

• Does it avoid buzzwords?
  

Your real experience matters more than perfect wording.

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If you’d like, you can watch a short video here that explains CVs in a simple way:

Reflective moment

If writing a CV brings up anxiety or self-doubt, you are not alone.

Many people were never guided through work systems or were expected to figure things out alone. Your CV is not a measure of your worth or your past, and you do not need to bring up your care leaver status.

It is simply a way to show what you bring and what you’re capable of.

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Conclusion

A good CV is clear, honest, and focused on your strengths.

You deserve opportunities, and this is one step towards opening those doors.