How to use this CV maker
- Fill in your details. The preview shows an example until you start typing, then it shows your own CV as you go.
- Write a short personal profile and list your jobs, most recent first, with one achievement per line.
- Keep it to two sides of A4. The preview counts the pages and warns you if you go over.
- Download the PDF. We don't keep a copy, so press Save draft if you want to edit it again later.
What goes in a UK CV
This CV maker follows the government's National Careers Service and JobHelp advice.
| Part | What the official advice says |
|---|---|
| Sections | Contact details, an introduction (your personal profile), education history, work history and references. |
| Contact details | Your name, phone number, email address and a link to a profile like LinkedIn, if you have one. |
| Leave out | Your age, date of birth, whether you're married, and your nationality. |
| Interests | Worth adding if they show skills. For example, captaining a sports team shows leadership and organisation. |
| References | You can write "references are available on request". Only give someone's details if they've agreed to be your referee. |
| Font | A clear font like Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri, size 11 or bigger. This maker uses size 11 in a sans-serif (like Arial) or serif (like Times) font. |
| Length | No more than two sides of A4 (JobHelp). |
Never put your National Insurance number on your CV. You don't need it to apply. The CV maker warns you if it spots something like an NI number or a date of birth.
How the CV maker lays out your CV
Your name goes at the top with one line of contact details. Then come clear headings in this order: Personal Profile, Key Skills, Employment History, Education and Qualifications, Interests, Additional Information and References. Empty sections are left out. Everything is in one column, and the PDF contains real text that employers' software can read.
Worked example
Hannah Clarke is a marketing executive in Leeds looking for a senior role. Press Load example above to open her CV. It has a three-sentence profile, seven key skills, two jobs, a degree and A levels, one interest that shows leadership, a driving licence line and "References are available on request". It fits on one side of A4, leaving room to grow.
Notice how Hannah's achievements include numbers: "raising open rates from 21% to 29%" and "managing a budget of £40,000". Numbers help an employer see the size of what you did.
Tip: change your personal profile for each job. Mention the job title you're applying for and the two or three things from the advert you're best at.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CV maker really free?
Yes. There's no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on downloads. The site is paid for by advertising and affiliate links on other pages, never by charging for your CV.
Do you see or store what I type?
No. Your CV is built and turned into a PDF by your own browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or saved on your device. When you close the page it's gone, unless you press Save draft, which downloads a file to your own device. You can open that file here later to carry on editing.
How long should a UK CV be?
The government's JobHelp service says no more than two sides of A4. Many people early in their career fit on one. The preview counts your pages as you type.
What should I put under references?
The National Careers Service says you can simply write that references are available on request. That's the default here. If you'd rather list referees, choose List my referees, but only add people who have agreed.
Can I get a Word version?
Not yet. If an employer asks for Word, press Copy as text and paste into Word or Google Docs, then save it as a .docx file.
Sources (checked 29 September 2026): National Careers Service: How to write a CV, JobHelp: Preparing your CV. ToolNest is not connected to the National Careers Service or any UK government department.