Free CV Template: Expert Tips to Make You a Standout Applicant

Your CV is your first impression. Even with the perfect experience, a poorly structured CV can cause a hiring manager to overlook your application. In a market where a single vacancy can receive over 100 applications, you only have a few seconds to capture attention.

Use our expert-approved template and tips below to ensure your CV is clear, professional, and impactful.

The A Khan Recruitment CV Template
Copy and paste the text below into a Word document to start building your professional CV.
[First Name] [Last Name]
Email: [email address]
Phone: [phone number]
Location: [City, County]
TOP TIP: Ensure your email address is professional (e.g., name.surname@email.com) and one you check daily.

Personal Statement
A results-driven professional with a strong background in [Your Field/Industry]. I possess core skills in [Key Skill 1, Key Skill 2], with a proven track record of success in [Relevant Achievement]. I am now seeking to leverage my experience in a new role where I can contribute to the success of a forward-thinking organization.
TOP TIP: Keep this to 3–5 lines. Summarise who you are, what you’ve done, and what you want to achieve next.

Professional Experience
[Month, Year] – [Present/End Date] [Company Name], [Location] | [Job Title]
Responsible for [Key Responsibility 1], [Key Responsibility 2], and [Key Responsibility 3].
Achievement: Successfully achieved [Specific Goal], resulting in [Quantifiable Outcome, e.g., 20% increase in sales].
Collaboration: Partnered with [Department] to deliver [Project Name].
Technical Skill: Utilized [Software/System] to optimize [Task].
TOP TIP: Always list your work history in reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Use bullet points for readability.

Education & Certifications
[Year]: [Certification Name, e.g., Prince2, NVQ, etc.]

Skills & Languages
Systems: [Software 1 (Proficient), Software 2 (Intermediate)]
Languages: [Language 1 (Native/Fluent)]

CV Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my CV be? For most professionals, two pages is the gold standard. It is long enough to show depth but short enough to keep a recruiter’s interest.
What is the best font to use? Stick to professional, clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid script or overly “creative” fonts that are hard to read.
Should I send it as a Word Doc or PDF? If you are applying via an automated system (ATS), Word (.docx) is often safer. If you are emailing a recruiter directly, a PDF is best as it preserves your formatting exactly as you intended.