How to write a great CV in 2026
posted 15 Dec 25
As we move into 2026, employers are still competing heavily for talent, but expectations around CVs have changed.
Hiring managers want clear, concise information they can scan quickly. Your CV doesn’t need to be long or complicated; it just needs to tell your story in a way that’s easy to understand.
Whether you’re applying for office roles, industrial work, trades, or driving jobs, these steps will help you create a CV that gets noticed.
1. Start with your contact details
Keep this simple and at the top of your CV:Â
• Full name
• Location (city/region is enough)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Optional: LinkedIn profileÂ
Avoid:Â full home addresses (not needed anymore).Â
2. Write a short personal summary
A modern CV should open with 3–4 lines that explain:
• Who you are
• What you’re good at
• The type of role you're looking for
Keep it factual and avoid jargon. For example:
A reliable warehouse operative with four years of picking and FLT experience. Strong accuracy rates and experience working in fast-paced environments. Now looking for a full-time role with growth opportunities.
3. Highlight your key skills
Skills sections are now widely used because they make CVs easier to scan. Include 6–10 relevant skills, such as:
• Customer service
• Team leadership
• FLT licence
• Class 1 driving
• Microsoft Office
• Stock control
• Data entry
• Problem solving
Tip: List the skills that match the job you’re applying for.
4. Focus on your work experience
Work experience is still the most important part of your CV.
For each role, include:
• Job title
• Company name
• Dates worked
• A few bullet points explaining what you did and what you achieved
Keep your bullet points clear and practical. Focus on responsibilities and results. For example:
• Picked and packed orders with 98% accuracy
• Supported training for new starters
• Managed inbound calls and resolved customer issues
• Operated FLT safely in a busy yard
Avoid long paragraphs; hiring managers skim first.
5. Add relevant qualifications and training.
List any certificates, licences, or training that supports your application. For example:
• CSCS card
• Class 2 licence
• First Aid at Work
• Food hygiene certificate
• NVQs
• Health and safety training
In 2025/26, micro-credentials and short courses are increasingly valued, so feel free to include them.
6. Keep your CV layout simple
A clean layout is more effective than a heavily designed one. Make sure your CV is:
• Easy to scan
• Well-spaced
• Consistent with headings and formatting
PDF is usually the safest format unless an employer asks otherwise.
7. Tailor your CV to each role
You don’t need a new CV every time — just small adjustments:
• Update your personal summary
• Reorder your skills to match the job
• Highlight the most relevant bullet points
Even small tweaks can make a big difference.
8. Keep your CV to 1–2 pages
Hiring managers won’t read long CVs. Focus on your most recent and relevant experience. Earlier roles can be summarised.
9. Check your spelling and grammar
Mistakes are still one of the most common reasons CVs get rejected. Use a spelling tool or ask someone else to read it over before you submit.
10. Make your CV easy to contact
Finish your CV with a simple line such as:
References available on request.
No need to list full referee details.
Ready to update your CV?
A strong CV is one of the simplest ways to move your career forward in 2026. Whether you're exploring new opportunities or aiming for higher pay, making your CV clear, modern, and focused can help you stand out.
If you’d like help finding your next role, Search is here to support you every step of the way.
