Best CV Examples and Samples (2026)

A CV example is a professionally written sample that shows you how to structure your own CV for a specific job or industry. Each example highlights the right format, language, and tone used by successful candidates — from the personal statement to the skills section — so you can follow a proven layout and confidently create a polished CV.

CV examples take the guesswork out of writing. They show you what recruiters expect in your field — how to describe achievements, order your sections, and balance text with white space. By following an example close to your job title, you’ll learn how to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match real UK job descriptions.

Among UK jobseekers, the most visited categories are administration, healthcare, retail, customer service, and construction. These examples are practical and easy to adapt, showing clear layouts, strong action verbs, and skill-focused sections that appeal to recruiters in busy industries.

For students or candidates with limited experience, a skills-based or student CV format works best. This type of CV focuses on education, achievements and transferable skills gained through part-time work or studies. Our student examples show how to present your strengths clearly and make the most of your potential, even without a long work history.

You can customise any of the CV examples on this page using our easy-to-use My Perfect CV Builder. It lets you edit the layout, text and design quickly — so you can turn an example into a fully personalised CV that fits your goals.

Start by clicking a CV example that best matches your industry, role or preferred style. Then follow these expert tips to make it your own:

• Replace example details: Add your personal information, work history and achievements in place of the sample content.
• Showcase your skills: List relevant technical, professional and soft skills that align with the job description.
• Focus on achievements: Highlight measurable results, such as “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10 staff.”
• Include education and training: Add your degrees, certifications and relevant courses that support your career path.
• Use the right keywords: Incorporate job-specific terms and skills to help your CV pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Adjust the design: Experiment with fonts, colours and layouts to reflect your personal style while keeping it professional.

To write a strong CV, keep your sentences clear, active and specific. Focus on what you achieved, not just what you did. For example:

• Be concise: Write “Cleaned food preparation areas daily” instead of a long explanation.
• Use active verbs: Say “Managed 20 staff over a five-year period” rather than “A team of 20 staff were managed effectively.”
• Use plain English: Avoid jargon and explain acronyms like click-through rate (CTR) or managing director (MD).
• Be specific: Include numbers and outcomes, such as “Managed budgets of £50,000” or “Assisted 100+ customers weekly.”

These simple writing techniques make your CV easier to read and help recruiters notice your achievements quickly.