How to Write a Professional CV in English
Your CV in English is the first thing an employer sees about you, and they often read it in seconds. So it must be clear, concise and written in correct English that shows your achievements, not just your duties.
The essential sections
Contact details: name, phone, email and LinkedIn link if you have one.
Professional summary: two or three lines on your experience and what you offer.
Work experience: most recent first, with achievements under each job.
Education: qualifications and years.
Skills: technical skills, languages and software.
Write achievements, not duties
Instead of: Responsible for customer service.
Write: Resolved an average of 40 customer requests a day and reduced complaints by 15%.
Start each bullet with a strong past-tense verb such as managed, improved, led, reduced or delivered, and add a number or result whenever you can.
Common language mistakes
Literal translation from Arabic, such as long phrases like I have experience in the field of...
Mixing tenses: use the past for previous jobs and the present for your current one.
Using I on every line: in a CV it is usually left out.
Misspelling software names and certifications.
Formatting tips
One or two pages at most.
A clear font and consistent headings.
Tailor your CV to each job so the most relevant experience stands out.
Before you send it
Read your CV aloud and ask someone fluent in English to check it. One language mistake on a prominent line can weaken the whole impression.
At London College UK we help you write your CV and prepare for interviews in our English courses for adults. You can also read our guide to preparing for a job interview in English.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a CV template?
A simple template is fine for layout, but write the content yourself to fit your experience.
Should I include a photo?
It depends on the country and employer; many international roles don't expect one.
What's the difference between a CV and a résumé?
They are often used interchangeably, but a résumé is usually shorter, and a CV can be longer in academia.
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