CV Layout

Master the art of formatting a CV and Lay Out an outstanding one

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Many applicants worry about what to include in a cover letter or the sections of their CVs, and while that’s extremely essential, you shouldn’t forget making it tidy and easy to follow.

That’s why you need to use the CV format that best fits your profile. 

To pick the format that best fits your qualities, you’ll need to understand:

• Proper ways to format your CV
• How to lay out your CV if you have experience
• How to format your CV if you’re an entry level applicant

Before using our AI-powered CV builder to quickly draft your sections, you’ll need to pick your format. 

Create the perfect eye-catching curriculum for your sector by following this CV layout guide.

How to lay out your CV

The CV structure that is used to present your application is vital because no employer is interested in a curriculum vitae that is poorly laid out or confusing.

Make sure you follow the advice below: 

• Use a standard, clear, professional font style and size such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman which is easy to understand at size 10-12.

• Align the texts with a left margin with the same line spacing throughout. Uniformity in this respect is positive because it is aesthetically pleasing and makes the key information easy to find.

• Include simple, reader-friendly titles and subheadings for each section of your application such as Work experience, Education, Core competencies etc.

• Use bullet points when describing qualities that can be listed, such as in a description of achievements and responsibilities in a job history section or for the skills section.

Types of CV formats

Various kinds of CV formats have different benefits for different applicants. 

You can choose from:

• Chronological
• Functional
• Combination

The content for each will vary depending on your skills and level of experience, but there are some general rules you can follow to correctly use one of these formats. 

Take a look at each style and find one that suits your professional profile and your needs.

Chronological CV format

The reverse chronological CV format is the most common of the 3 formats.

It’s what most people use as standard.

The chronological CV layout is ideal for professional job seekers who have:

•  A relevant job history that can provide evidence of their suitability for the vacancy 
• A professional history with transferable skills

Other sections are secondary to the main career trajectory part of a chronological CV structure.
Remember, even if you don’t have a straightforward career path, showcasing your different experiences still has plenty of benefits.

Functional CV format

Sometimes known as the skills-based CV, the functional CV format is just that – based on skills and qualifications to demonstrate your qualities. 

The emphasis is given to your qualities that you can bring to the role, thus demonstrating your value to the company.

Consider using a functional format if you:

• Have little to no professional experience
• Want to change industries

Organised by skills as opposed to work experience, you should list 4-6 key qualities that you think are fitting for the vacancy.

Combination CV format

What if you have both skills and experience that you would like to show off?

This format uses a blend of combination and functional to create a hybrid CV that has a split focus. 

One part concentrates on the qualities and achievements that a candidate can demonstrate for the vacancy, and the second part gives a more comprehensive previous work experience list than the functional CV but with less detail than the chronological format.

With this mix of important aspects for a job application, the ideal candidate to use the combination CV layout is a basic CV job seeker, searching for a first job or entry-level position after graduation.

Best CV layout in the UK

Whether you are new to the position or have been working for a long time, you’ll likely be asking yourself, “What is the best CV format for UK jobs?”

In general, you should always try to go with a chronological format, as employers want to see your latest experiences first. 

However, you can also consider the functional layout depending on the position and your experience. 

Whatever structure you choose, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep your application tidy, as a disorganised CV is likely to be ignored. 

• The ideal CV layout varies depending on the job, industry, and your profile. Customise your CV to align with these factors.

• Ensure your CV prominently features relevant details, including keywords and qualifications pertinent to the job.

• Distinguish your CV with unique elements like a compelling personal statement or additional sections that showcase your strengths.

• Maintain clarity with a clear, logical layout. Use headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to enhance readability.

By using our CV templates and other tools, you can create the format that best matches your qualities to the role that you are after.

Basic CV format

Whatever sections you decide to highlight most, there are basic sections that you should always include.

• Personal statement: Your personal statement provides an introduction to your professional profile, highlighting your career objectives and unique strengths.

• Work experience: Demonstrates your professional journey, showcasing your roles, responsibilities, and achievements to establish your suitability for the job.

• Education: Details your academic qualifications, reflecting your foundational knowledge and learning achievements relevant to the role.

• Skills: Highlights specific skills and competencies, showing how your practical skills align with the job requirements.

If you include all of these parts with the right information, your CV should be very simple to follow and ensure a hiring manager knows what you can bring to their company.