This complete guide to CV templates shows you how to pick, tailor, and use a CV that highlights your experience and matches UK job descriptions.
Using a clear CV template helps you present information consistently so recruiters and applicant tracking systems in the UK can read your document easily.
Why a CV template matters
A CV template gives you a consistent structure so you can focus on content rather than design.
When you use a proven template you ensure the most important details, like job titles, dates, and location, are easy to find for both recruiters and applicant tracking systems in the UK.
A template also speeds up tailoring for multiple roles.
With a reliable layout you can swap keywords and reorder bullet points without breaking the overall flow.
Choosing the right CV template
Pick a template that matches the sector and level you are targeting, and ensure it fits one page for early career or two pages for more extensive experience.
Look for simple fonts, clear headings, and consistent spacing; avoid heavy graphics or multiple columns.
Ensure you can save the template as Word and PDF so you can upload to UK application systems such as Reed, Indeed UK, Totaljobs, or LinkedIn.
Test the template by pasting plain text into it to confirm the layout holds up.
Dates should be shown in DD/MM/YYYY format.
CV template sections and examples
A solid CV template includes a header, profile (optional), Work Experience, Education, and Skills, with optional sections for Certifications and Projects.
Each section should start with a clear heading and contain short, achievement-focused bullets rather than long paragraphs.
For example, under Work Experience use 3 to 6 bullets per role that start with a strong action verb and quantify impact when possible.
Under Skills list 8 to 12 relevant items grouped by theme such as Technical Skills or Communication Skills.
For UK education, list GCSEs (with grades), A-levels, and any university degrees, and reference UCAS where applicable.
If you studied at a Russell Group university or similar, mention it.
For healthcare roles, you can reference NHS pay bands when describing responsibilities or duties.
Formatting and ATS tips for CV templates
Keep formatting simple so UK employers and ATS can parse your CV, and avoid embedded images, unusual fonts, and excessive tables.
Use standard section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills because many UK systems search for those exact terms.
Save your CV as a clean PDF for human readers and keep an editable Word copy for updates.
Include right-to-work information if relevant, and ensure the CV reflects your eligibility to work in the UK.
Use dates and organisation names in standard UK formats and tailor the document to the job specification.
Additional Tips
- 1Read the UK job posting carefully and add two to four keywords from the listing into your Skills and Experience sections to boost relevance.
Mirror the phrasing used in the job description where it truthfully matches your experience. - 2Use a consistent date format and include months for recent roles to show clear chronology.
Place dates on the right-hand side or on the same line to keep headings tidy. - 3Keep a master CV with all roles and projects listed, then tailor role-specific versions by removing unrelated items and emphasising the most relevant achievements.
- 4If you include salary information, use pounds sterling (£) and provide a sensible range.
For healthcare roles, you may reference NHS pay bands where appropriate while keeping the focus on your responsibilities and results.