# How to Make a New CV in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

Description: Learn how to make a new CV that beats ATS and impresses recruiters. This guide provides step-by-step advice, real examples, and expert tips for 2026.
Author: CV Anywhere Team
Published: 2026-04-20
Reading time: 9 min read
Tags: CV, UK job market, ATS, job search, career advice, CV writing, resume tips

Human page: [How to Make a New CV in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/how-to-make-a-new-cv)
Agent index: [CV Anywhere Blog Markdown Index](https://cvanywhere.com/agents/blog)


To make a new CV that gets you hired, you need a document that's easy to scan, passes automated checks, and showcases your value with numbers. The best approach uses a reverse-chronological format, a powerful 2-3 sentence personal statement, and bullet points focused on your achievements, not just your duties. This guide provides a step-by-step framework to build a new CV that gets results.

## The Core Framework: How to Make a New CV

Making a new CV is simple when you follow a proven framework. The process breaks down into five key steps: choosing a clear format, writing a punchy summary, detailing your experience with achievements, tailoring it to the job, and proofreading. Following these steps ensures your CV is professional, easy to read, and effective.

![Diagram of five-step CV framework: format, summary, experience, tailor, and proofread for job applications](/blog272-1.jpg)

This table outlines the essential steps for creating a job-winning CV. Each stage builds on the last to create a compelling document that proves you are the right candidate.

| Step | Key Objective | Why It Matters |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **1. Choose a Format** | Select a clean, reverse-chronological layout. | Ensures readability for both recruiters and **Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)**. |
| **2. Write a Summary** | Craft a concise, **2-3 sentence** personal statement. | Hooks the reader and immediately shows your unique value. |
| **3. Detail Experience**| List your roles with a focus on quantifiable achievements. | Proves your impact with concrete data, not just a list of responsibilities. |
| **4. Tailor the CV** | Customise keywords and content for each specific job. | Increases your match score with ATS and shows the employer you've done your homework. |
| **5. Proofread & Export**| Meticulously check for errors and save as a **PDF**. | Maintains professionalism and ensures your formatting stays intact on any device. |

A modern CV is a marketing document, not an autobiography. Its primary purpose is to secure an interview by showing a direct match between your skills and the employer's needs.

## Step 1: Choose the Right CV Format

Before you write a single word, you must select a structure for your CV. The format is a strategic choice that guides a recruiter's eyes and allows Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to parse your career history correctly. Over 90% of recruiters prefer a CV that is simple to scan, so your most important qualifications must be immediately visible.

![Comparison of reverse-chronological, functional, and combination CV layout styles for UK job seekers](/blog272-2.jpg)

### Why Reverse-Chronological is Best

For nearly all job seekers in the UK, the **reverse-chronological** format is the best choice. It lists your work experience starting with your most recent job and is the standard that recruiters expect.

*   **Reverse-Chronological:** The industry standard. Lists your most recent job first. It's clear, logical, and preferred by both recruiters and ATS software.
*   **Functional (Skills-Based):** Focuses on skills over work history. Recruiters are often suspicious of this format as it can hide employment gaps. Avoid it unless you have a very specific reason, such as a freelance portfolio career.
*   **Combination (Hybrid):** Blends a skills summary with a chronological work history. It can work for career changers but is often more complex than necessary.

Unless you have a compelling reason to do otherwise, use the reverse-chronological format. It is the safest and most effective structure. For a deeper analysis, see our guide on [choosing the best resume format](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/resume-format).

## Step 2: Write Each CV Section

With your format selected, it's time to write the content. Each section must be crafted to prove your value to a potential employer.

![Hand-drawn style CV infographic showing experience, skills, and contact sections for a marketing professional](/blog272-3.jpg)

### Contact Details

Place your contact information at the very top of your CV.

**Must-Haves:**
*   **Full Name:** Bold and slightly larger than the rest of the text.
*   **Phone Number:** Your mobile number.
*   **Email Address:** A professional address (e.g., `firstname.lastname@email.com`).
*   **Location:** City and county are sufficient (e.g., Manchester, Greater Manchester). Do not include your full street address.
*   **LinkedIn Profile URL:** A custom, up-to-date URL.

In the UK, do not include your date of birth, marital status, or a photograph.

### Personal Statement

This is a 2-3 sentence summary at the top of your CV designed to grab the recruiter's attention. It should answer:
1.  **Who are you?** (e.g., "A results-driven Digital Marketing Manager...")
2.  **What's your key experience?** (e.g., "...with 8 years of expertise in SEO and PPC...")
3.  **What is your career goal?** (e.g., "...seeking to drive revenue growth in a senior marketing role.")

**Pro Tip:** Write this section last. It's easier to summarise your strengths after you've detailed your experience. Learn more in our guide to writing a [CV personal statement](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/cv-personal-statement).

### Work Experience

This is the most important section of your CV. For each role, list your title, the company, location, and dates of employment. Under each job, use **3-5 bullet points** to highlight your achievements.

Use the **STAR method** (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your accomplishments:

*   **Before (Duty):** "Managed the company blog and social media accounts."
*   **After (Achievement):** "Grew organic blog traffic by **75%** in one year by developing and executing a new SEO-driven content strategy, resulting in a **40%** increase in qualified leads."

The 'after' example uses data to prove your impact. For more ideas, see these [examples of accomplishments for a resume](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/examples-of-accomplishments-for-resume).

### Education and Skills

Your **Education** section should list your most relevant qualifications first. Include the institution, qualification, and graduation year. You can usually omit GCSEs if you have a higher education degree.

Your **Skills** section should be a scannable list of your abilities, optimised with keywords from the job description. Organise it with subheadings:

*   **Technical Skills:** e.g., Salesforce, Python, Adobe Creative Suite.
*   **Soft Skills:** e.g., Leadership, Communication, Problem-Solving.
*   **Languages:** Note your fluency level (e.g., Spanish - Fluent).

## Step 3: Tailor Your CV with Keywords and Metrics

Sending the same generic CV for every job is a major mistake. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) reject up to 75% of CVs before they reach a human. To get past the ATS, you must tailor your CV with keywords from the job description.

![Visual guide showing CV keyword optimisation improving job application match and ATS scores](/blog272-4.jpg)

### How to Tailor Your CV for a Job

1.  **Analyse the Job Description:** Identify essential skills, responsibilities, and qualifications mentioned. These are your target keywords.
2.  **Integrate Keywords:** Naturally incorporate these keywords into your personal statement, work experience bullet points, and skills section.
3.  **Quantify Achievements:** Use numbers to demonstrate your impact. Instead of "improved efficiency," write "reduced project delivery time by 15%." This transforms vague claims into concrete proof. Learn more about [how to use metrics in your CV](https://story.cv/blog/articles/metrics-in-resume).

This targeted approach not only beats the ATS but also shows the hiring manager you are a perfect fit for the role. Digging into how recruiters go about [building candidate profiles](https://www.myculture.ai/blog/profiles-of-candidates) can also give you an edge.

For an automated solution, tools like the CV Anywhere JD Fit Checker can analyse a job description and give you a match score, highlighting which keywords you've missed.

For more tips, read our complete guide on [creating an ATS-friendly CV](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/ats-friendly-resume-tips).

## Step 4: Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

Even a strong CV can be ruined by simple errors. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your application looks professional.

*   **Typos and Grammatical Errors:** These are the top reason for rejection. Proofread carefully.
*   **Generic, Untailored Content:** Sending the same CV for every role shows a lack of effort.
*   **Vague Language:** Avoid phrases like "team player" or "results-oriented." Use specific examples and data instead.
*   **Unprofessional Email Address:** An email like `partyboy89@email.com` will get your CV deleted instantly.
*   **Incorrect File Format:** Always send your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting. A Word document can appear broken on the recruiter's computer.

## Step 5: Proofread and Finalise Your CV

The final step is a thorough review. A single typo can undermine your credibility.

### The Final Polish Checklist:

1.  **Read It Backwards:** Read your CV from the last word to the first. This trick forces your brain to spot errors it would otherwise gloss over.
2.  **Check for Consistency:** Ensure all formatting for dates, titles, and bullet points is consistent throughout the document.
3.  **Verify Contact Details:** Double-check your phone number and email address for typos.
4.  **Use a Professional File Name:** Name your file `YourName-CV.pdf`. Avoid generic names like `CV.pdf`.
5.  **Get a Second Opinion:** Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it. A fresh pair of eyes will catch mistakes you've missed. For expert guidance, check our guide on conducting a [resume review](https://cvanywhere.com/blog/resume-review).

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### How long should my CV be?

In the UK, a **two-page CV** is the standard for professionals with a few years of experience. This provides enough space to detail your achievements without overwhelming the reader. For recent graduates or those with limited experience, a one-page CV is acceptable.

### Should I put a photo on my CV?

No. In the UK, the professional standard is to **omit a photograph**. Including one can introduce unconscious bias and takes up valuable space that could be used to highlight your skills and experience.

### What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

The main differences are location and length. **'CV' (Curriculum Vitae)** is the term used in the UK and Europe for a detailed, typically two-page document covering your entire career history. A **'resume'** is the term used in North America for a brief, one-page summary of your most relevant skills and experience. This guide focuses on creating a UK-style CV.

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