What does a CV look like?

A CV—which stands for “curriculum vitae”—is a structured document that presents your professional and academic background, including degrees and work experience. You might need a CV to apply for academic, medical, scientific, or research positions, as these fields require more information about an applicant’s educational background. Your CV should be well-structured, easy to read, and tailored to the job or academic position you’re applying for. It can be multiple pages, especially for academic or research-focused roles.

How long should a CV be?

The length of your CV will depend on your unique work history, credentials, and academic background. Here are a few guidelines to consider: Entry-level and early career professionals: One to two pages (focus on essential skills, a strong education section, and relevant experience). Mid-level professionals: Two to three pages (include detailed work experience, key achievements, and additional sections like certifications or presentations). Academics, researchers, and senior-level professionals: Three or more pages (include relevant research, publications, grants, and presentations). We have some of the best CV examples to inspire you, and our CV Maker allows you to include all the sections you need to complete your CV and achieve the ideal length.

Are your CV examples ATS-friendly?

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and CVs for the core competencies and qualifications they are seeking. Our CV examples and templates guide you in formatting your CV correctly, boosting your chances of passing ATS screening with a professional CV tailored to any job. Explore our ATS resume writing guide for additional tips on crafting a resume or CV that passes automated screening tools and reaches hiring managers.

Should I include a photo on my curriculum vitae?

Some employers (and countries) are OK with having a job applicant’s photo appear on their CV, but it’s not common practice in many countries, such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Unless a photo is required (for example, a professional headshot for an acting CV), it’s best to leave it out to keep the focus on your qualifications. We recommend exploring our ChatGPT CV guide and prompts to learn how to use AI tools to improve the content of your CV.

How is a CV different from a resume?

In the U.S., a CV and resume mean different things. A U.S. resume is usually one to two pages long and documents your work experience and skills—most job applications require a resume. Outside the U.S., a CV has the same function as a U.S. resume, providing a snapshot of a job applicant’s professional career and job-relevant skills and career achievements. Explore our CV vs. Resume guide for additional guidance on the differences between CVs and resumes and how to determine which document is right for you.

What should I include on my CV?

Skills, a strong professional summary, and work experience are essential components of a compelling CV. Hiring managers will look at your CV to see if you can perform the job. They’ll also seek evidence of academic achievements, recognitions, and certifications that highlight your expertise and credibility in your field or specialty. Ensure your academic history and related sections (publications, awards and honors, presentations, etc.) are complete and robust, particularly for a student CV. Explore our CV examples for students with no experience for expertly crafted samples and tips for crafting a CV for your first job.

What should not be included in a CV?

A CV is a professional document and should only include relevant information. Notice that our curriculum vitae examples only mention what is essential to the job application. Don’t include anything that might be too personal, such as your complete mailing address, information about your personal life, marital status, or date of birth.

How do I write a CV for my first job?

Making a CV for your first job is similar to crafting one for a job if you have experience. Follow the tips below to get started: Review CV examples from your desired job or industry to get some inspiration and see the best practices. Not every industry will have the same CV sections. Highlight your core qualifications. Focus your CV on your academic highlights and credentials, such as your GPA, impressive projects, and relevant coursework. Mention any extracurricular, volunteer, or school-related activities that show your best abilities, such as honors work, research groups, internships, or fellowships. Our guide on writing a resume without experience includes helpful tips and tricks that can be applied to crafting a CV with minimal experience.

What is a CV template?

A CV template is a pre-formatted document that provides a structured layout for organizing your professional and academic details. It helps streamline the CV-writing process by ensuring consistency, readability, and a professional appearance. We offer a selection of professionally designed, easy-to-customize CV templates suitable for many industries.

CV Examples & Expert Tips for Any Job (2026)

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CV Examples by Industry & Job Title

Accounting CV Examples

Accountant resume example with financial experience and skills

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Use our professional CV samples to learn how to write a CV that emphasizes your attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of essential software like Microsoft Excel.

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Administrative CV Examples

Secretary resume template with clean structure

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Use a CV sample for your target administrative role to see how to showcase your organizational and administrative skills effectively.

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Billing & Collections CV Examples

Bookkeeper resume sample with accounting skills

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Explore CV examples for billing and collections roles and see how to write a skills section that showcases your attention to detail and recordkeeping abilities.

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Business Operations CV Examples

Business operations manager resume with experience focus

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These examples of CVs for business operations jobs help you create a CV that shows how your interpersonal skills make you a great team player.

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Childcare CV Examples

Childcare resume example for early education roles

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Use a sample of a CV for job applications in the childcare industry to learn how to display your organizational skills, interpersonal abilities, and relevant experience.

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Computer Software CV Examples

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Browse these CV examples and see how to list programs required for the position, computer skills, and any additional certifications or training you have in software.

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Construction CV Examples

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Our construction work CV examples will help you highlight your construction skills or skills in related fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and heavy equipment operation.

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Culinary CV Examples

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Find a CV example for a job in the culinary field and learn how to showcase quantifiable accomplishments, customer service skills, and expertise with specific cuisines.

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Customer Service CV Examples

Visual on what to expect in your first professional job

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Explore our customer service CV examples to see how to emphasize key customer service skills such as communication, teamwork, and flexibility.

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Data & Systems Administration CV Examples

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Use these good CV examples for inspiration on how to feature your key soft skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving

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Engineering CV Examples

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These engineering CV examples show how to present technical skills, project experience, and measurable achievements in a clear, structured way.

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Fitness & Nutrition CV Examples

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Here are a few examples that demonstrate how to create a polished resume header and how to showcase your fitness training experience and familiarity with diet and nutrition programs.

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Food Service CV Examples

Experienced Restaurant Server Resume Sample

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Note how these professional CV examples feature skills such as a strong work ethic, the ability to work well with others, multitasking, and flexibility.

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Healthcare Support CV Examples

Resume example tailored for retired caregivers

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These professional CV examples cover major healthcare support fields. Use them to discover how to showcase education, training, and relevant experience.

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Information Technology (IT) CV Examples

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Take a cue from some of the best CV examples and show off your problem-solving abilities, IT skills, and database management skills.

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Medical CV Examples

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Highlight specialized medical training and relevant certifications using these medical job CV examples as a guide. Include experience in hospitals and private practice.

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Production CV Examples

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These production CV samples illustrate how to effectively highlight licenses for operating specialized equipment within your professional experience section.

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Retail CV Examples

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Use the retail CV examples below to showcase your experience managing products and services and transferable skills, such as customer service and time management.

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Sales CV Examples

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Use the sales CV examples below to see how to feature your most impressive achievements in your resume summary and work experience section.

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Social Services CV Examples

Student CV Examples

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Explore student and academic CV examples to learn how to list degrees, coursework, internships, research experience, and transferable skills.

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Teaching CV Examples

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The following professional CV examples for teaching jobs focus on important soft skills and teacher skills such as communication, enthusiasm, and patience.

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What Should a CV Include?

A CV should include contact details, a professional summary, education, work experience, and relevant skills. Depending on the role, you can also add certifications, projects, or publications. Select the numbers below to learn more about the key sections to include in your CV.

Examples of CV Formats

The most common CV formats include chronological, functional, and combination styles, each suited to different experience levels and career goals. Explore the primary CV formats below and learn how to write a CV that presents your skills and qualifications in the best possible light.

Functional resume icon representing a skills-based resume format

Functional CV

The functional format highlights the core skills that make you an excellent fit for the role rather than focusing on work history. This CV format is ideal for career changers, students with minimal work experience, or professionals with significant gaps in their work history.

Alternate alt for combination-style resume design

Combination CV

The combination format combines elements of the functional and chronological CVs. It includes a skills section followed by a detailed work history section. This format is ideal for job seekers who want to highlight their skills while providing a clear picture of their experience.

Functional resume graphic used for skills-based resume formatting

Chronological CV

The chronological format is the most commonly used CV format. It lists relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This CV format is ideal for professionals with a solid and consistent work history in the same field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated:

April 22, 2026

What is a CV and an example?

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a detailed document used mainly for academic, research, or professional roles. A CV example shows how to highlight your education, work experience, skills, and achievements to stand out to employers in your field.

Depending on the industry, curriculum vitae examples might include sections for education, research experience, relevant publications, skills, certifications, and more.

How should a CV look in 2026?

A CV in 2026 should look clean, highly readable, and optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS) with clear section headings and consistent formatting.

Your CV can be multiple pages, especially for academic or research-focused roles. It should focus on relevant experience, measurable achievements, and role-specific keywords rather than decorative design.

Is a CV the same as a resume?

A CV is not the same as a resume. A CV is a longer, more detailed document covering your full career history, often used in academic, research, or international contexts. A resume is a shorter document tailored to specific jobs, focusing on the most relevant qualifications for the role. Explore our CV vs resume guide for additional details about the key differences between these two documents to determine which is right for you.

What should you not put on a CV?

You should not put personal details that aren’t relevant to the role on a CV, including your age, marital status, or photo. Never include false claims or sensitive information like Social Security numbers, banking details, medical history, or political and religious affiliations. Notice that our CV samples only include information that’s essential to the job application.

How do I write a simple CV?

Write a simple CV by keeping the structure clear and focusing only on essential information such as contact details, a short professional summary, education, work experience, and key skills. Use bullet points for clarity, keep formatting consistent, and avoid unnecessary design elements. You can use our CV Maker to craft a compelling CV that stands out to hiring managers in your field.

Can ChatGPT write a CV?

ChatGPT can help write a CV by generating structure, wording, and tailored content based on your experience and the job you’re targeting.

If you decide to use ChatGPT for your CV, treat it as a drafting tool rather than a final authority, since it might include vague or incorrect details if not carefully reviewed. Verify accuracy, personalize the content, and ensure it reflects your real achievements.

What is the most common CV mistake?

The most common CV mistake is making it generic and not tailoring it to the specific job description. This often results in missing relevant keywords, listing unfocused experience, and failing to highlight measurable achievements.

Other frequent issues include poor formatting, typos, and including unnecessary or outdated information that distracts from your strongest qualifications.

What is the 7-second rule for a CV?

The 7-second rule for a CV refers to how quickly recruiters typically scan a CV before deciding whether to keep reading or reject it. In practice, they focus on structure, job titles, keywords, and key achievements almost instantly. This means your CV must be clear, well-organized, and tailored so that the most relevant information stands out immediately at a glance.

How We Reviewed This Article

Since 2012, we have helped more than 11 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.

Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career Advice Writer

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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.

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