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Andrew Arkley|January 26, 2026

CV Structure: How to Structure a CV

woman lying on a sofa using a laptop, CV structure

Getting your CV noticed isn’t just about what’s on it – it’s also about how it’s laid out. Before a hiring manager even reads your experience, they’ll see your CV structure.

A clear, well-organised CV makes it easier for someone to understand who you are and what you offer.

In the UK job market, a strong CV structure can be the difference between an interview and the “no” pile.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your old CV a refresh, this guide will walk you through exactly how to structure a CV for maximum impact.

Key takeaways: CV structure

A clear, logical structure helps your CV stand out and makes it easier to scan
Start with your contact details and personal summary
Put the most relevant experience near the top – recent roles first
Use short paragraphs, action verbs, and measurable results
Stick to a simple, professional layout that works for reviewers and ATS software
Keep it to two pages max in most cases

Why CV structure matters

Recruiters and hiring managers skim. They don’t sit down with a cup of tea and read every CV like a novel.

Most will spend only about 7 seconds scanning your document before deciding whether it’s worth a second look, according to eye tracking research from Ladders. That means structure isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential.

A well-structured CV lets your best bits shine straight away. It shows that you’re organised, professional, and understand how to present information clearly.

It also helps with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) – the software many employers use to filter applications before a human even sees them.

By applying simple formatting and a logical structure, you can help make sure your CV doesn’t get lost in the machine.

Structuring a CV for different situations

If you’re wondering how to tailor your CV to a job description, have a look at our blog.

Most applicants can follow the same basic structure – but depending on where you are in your career, you might want to move things around slightly.

If you’re a recent graduate or early in your career, it’s fine to put your education above your work experience – especially if your jobs so far haven’t been in your target industry. Watch our video on how to write a CV with no experience.

If you’re changing careers, it can help to include a brief skills profile or key achievements section before jumping into work history. This gives context and helps bridge the gap between past roles and future goals.

We have plenty of tips for writing a career change CV if you’re considering an industry shift.

When applying for academic, creative, or public sector roles, you might want to include things like publications, awards, or voluntary work – but only if they’re relevant. Always think about what the employer needs to know first.

What is the typical CV structure?

There’s no one-size-fits-all as we discuss in our article on the different types of CV.

But for most applicants with at least some career experience, UK employers expect to see a similar format from one candidate to another. It’s about keeping things clean, clear and relevant.

Here is a typical CV structure:

1. Contact details

Your name should be the first thing they see, followed by your phone number, email address, and general location (city and postcode is enough). LinkedIn or a portfolio link is a bonus if relevant – but skip the full address and unnecessary extras like date of birth or a headshot.

2. Personal statement

Also called a profile or summary, this short intro gives a snapshot of who you are and what you’re looking for. Keep it tailored to the kind of role you’re applying for. Avoid jargon and clichés e.g. “hardworking team player”. Instead, focus on what you bring to the table and the kind of impact you’ve had.

3. Key skills (optional)

Optional but often useful, this section works well if you’re changing careers, returning to work, or applying for a role with very specific requirements. Highlight skills that match the job description – but only if they’re backed up later in your experience.

4. Work history

This is the heart of your CV. List your roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role at the top. For each, include your job title, employer, and dates (on the same line – don’t waste space).

Under each role, write a short paragraph or bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements.

Start with action verbs (e.g. “Led”, “Delivered”, “Increased”) and, where possible, include numbers to show impact. Think: what changed because you were there?

5. Education and qualifications

Unless you’re a recent graduate, this comes after your work experience. Start with your highest qualification and include your degree, A-levels (if relevant), and any industry-specific certifications.

6. Tools, languages or other extras (if applicable)

For some roles – especially in digital, marketing, or tech – it’s helpful to list the platforms or tools you’re comfortable with. Keep it brief. Languages can go here too, but only if they’re at a useful level (B2/C1 or higher is usually worth mentioning).

7. References available on request

You don’t need to include contact details – just specify that they are available on request. Most employers won’t follow up until after an interview anyway. Find out how to end a CV.

Layout tips to support good structure

A solid structure only works if it’s readable. You don’t need a fancy design – in fact, too much styling can confuse ATS software or distract from your actual content.

Stick to clean, simple formatting:

Use one professional font throughout (Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica all work well)
Keep section headings clear and consistent
Leave enough white space – it makes the CV easier to scan
Avoid long blocks of text – short paragraphs work best
Save as a PDF unless the job ad says otherwise

And definitely avoid tables, text boxes, or graphics unless you’re in a niche creative role that calls for it.

Note: we recently discussed the best font for a CV – well worth reviewing. Also, we recommend reading this – what does a good CV look like?

Common CV structure mistakes to avoid

Even good content can get overlooked if your structure gets in the way. Here are some of the most common issues:

Trying to say too much. You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had – just the most relevant. Leave out that part-time bar job from 2013 unless it adds something useful.
Leaving unexplained gaps. If you’ve taken time off for study, travel, caring, or health – it’s fine. Just give a brief note so the reader understands the gap.
Overusing buzzwords. Everyone’s “hardworking” and “dynamic”. Focus on specific achievements, not vague traits.
Mixing up tenses. Use past tense for old roles and present tense only for your current job. Keep it consistent throughout.
Writing a CV that’s too long. Two pages is the sweet spot for most people.

FAQs: CV structure

What’s the correct structure of a CV?

Start with contact details, then a short personal summary, followed by work experience, education, and skills/tools if relevant. Keep it clear and consistent.

How long should a CV be?

In the UK, two pages is standard. One page is fine for early-career roles.

Do I need to include references?

No – just write “Available on request”. Employers will ask if they need them.

Should I include a photo?

As a general rule, not in the UK – it’s not expected and could introduce unconscious bias. Read our guide on putting a photo on a CV for more details.

Final thoughts: CV structure

There is lots more career-focused advice in our blog. For example:

Feel like you would benefit from some bespoke CV writing support would help you? Use one of our experts.

Need a hand structuring your CV – or just want to make sure it’s hitting the mark?

Here at Purple CV, we write bespoke CVs tailored to your goals and experience, no templates or jargon. Let’s help you get where you want to go – contact us today.