What is a CV for a job application?

What a CV is

CV stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for “course of life”. In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, it is the standard document you send when applying for a job: a concise summary of your contact details, profile, work history, education and skills. When a job advert asks you to “send your CV”, it means this document, usually as a PDF or Word file, often with a cover letter.

CV vs resume for a job application

In the US and Canada, the equivalent document is called a resume and is typically shorter. There, “CV” usually means a longer academic or research record. So if you are applying in North America, send a resume unless the employer asks for an academic CV. Our builder has both formats: UK CV and US resume.

Best CV format for a job application

For most applicants the reverse-chronological format works best: your most recent role first, then earlier roles. It is what recruiters expect and what applicant tracking systems read most reliably. Keep headings standard — Profile or Personal statement, Employment history, Education, Skills — and use a clean, single-column layout. See our UK CV template for the full structure.

How to write a CV with no experience

• Lead with a strong profile that explains what you are looking for and what you offer.
• Use education as evidence: relevant modules, projects, grades and responsibilities.
• Count all experience: volunteering, part-time jobs, clubs, caring responsibilities, freelance or personal projects.
• Focus on transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, reliability and IT skills — with an example for each.
• Keep it to one page and tailor it to each role.

What to do after you apply

Keep a simple tracker of the roles you have applied for, the version of your CV you used, and any contact names. Prepare for interviews by turning your best bullet points into short stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). If you have not heard back after the closing date, a polite follow-up email is usually acceptable.

Do I need a cover letter?

Many UK employers still welcome a short cover letter or covering email alongside your CV, and some ask for one explicitly. Use it to explain why you want this particular role, highlight two or three relevant achievements and mention anything your CV cannot, such as a career change or relocation. Keep it to a page or less.

Sending your CV

Follow the employer’s instructions exactly — upload via their portal, email a named contact or apply through a job board. Use PDF unless told otherwise, name the file clearly and write a short, polite message if emailing. Keep a copy of the version you sent for each job so you can refer to it before an interview.

Common questions on application forms

Some employers use application forms instead of, or as well as, CVs. Copy wording from your CV where it fits, but answer each question directly — especially competency questions such as “describe a time you solved a problem”, where the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works well.

Proofreading checklist

• Read it aloud to catch missing words and awkward sentences.
• Check dates line up and there are no unexplained overlaps.
• Make sure your email and phone number are correct.
• Confirm the file opens and looks right as a PDF.
• Ask a friend to read it for ten minutes — fresh eyes spot mistakes you cannot.

Matching your CV to the job description

Employers write job descriptions to list what they need. Read the advert, note the essential skills and responsibilities, and make sure your CV shows evidence of each one you genuinely have. Our job ad keyword matcher highlights important words from an advert that are missing from your CV, so you can address them honestly.

Frequently asked questions