CV Format 2026: The Correct Layout, Country Guide & Free Template
Quick answer: The standard CV format is: personal details, personal profile, work experience (most recent first), education, skills, and optional sections such as certifications, languages and references. Use a clear font at 10–12 pt, consistent headings, and save it as a PDF. A CV is usually 2 pages; academic CVs can be longer.
Key takeaways
Use reverse-chronological order for work and education.
Keep the layout simple so applicant tracking systems can read it.
Local expectations differ — check whether a photo or personal details are expected in your country.
CV vs resume: what's the difference?
In the UK, Ireland, most of Europe, Africa, Pakistan and India, "CV" is the everyday word for a job application document of about 2 pages. In the USA and Canada, a resume is a 1–2 page job document, while a CV is a longer academic record used for research and teaching jobs. If you are applying in the US or Canada, follow our resume guide.
The correct CV format, section by section
1. Personal details
Full name, phone, professional email, city and country, and a LinkedIn link. Add nationality, date of birth or a photo only where this is normal locally or requested.
2. Personal profile
A short paragraph (3–4 lines) summarising who you are, your experience and what you offer. See our summary examples.
3. Work experience
Job title, employer, location and dates, followed by 3–6 bullet points focused on achievements.
4. Education
Degree or qualification, institution, year and grade (if strong). School leavers can include school results.
5. Skills
Technical skills, software, licences and a few relevant soft skills.
6. Additional sections
Certifications, training, languages, volunteer work, publications or awards.
7. References
Write "References available on request" or list two referees if the employer asks for them.
CV format by country
UK & Ireland: 2 pages, no photo, no date of birth.
Europe: 1–2 pages; a photo is common in some countries; Europass format is accepted for EU jobs.
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe: 2–3 pages; ID or nationality and references are often included; certified copies of qualifications may be requested separately.
Pakistan & India: 1–2 pages for private jobs; government jobs may ask for personal details such as father's name, CNIC/ID and domicile.
USA & Canada: use a resume, no photo, no personal details.
CV formatting rules
Font: Calibri, Arial or Georgia, 10–12 pt body, 14–16 pt headings.
Margins: about 2 cm (0.75 in) on all sides.
File: PDF named FirstName-LastName-CV.pdf.
No tables, text boxes or images for important information.
Free CV format template
[FULL NAME]
[Phone] | [Email] | [City, Country] | [LinkedIn]
PERSONAL PROFILE
[3–4 lines: who you are, years of experience, key skills, what you offer.]
WORK EXPERIENCE
[Job Title] | [Employer], [City] | [MM/YYYY] – Present
• [Achievement with result]
• [Achievement with result]
• [Responsibility that matters for the new job]
[Job Title] | [Employer], [City] | [MM/YYYY] – [MM/YYYY]
• [Achievement]
• [Achievement]
EDUCATION
[Degree / Qualification] | [Institution] | [Year] | [Grade]
SKILLS
• [Technical skill] • [Software] • [Licence] • [Soft skill]
CERTIFICATIONS
[Certificate] – [Issuer], [Year]
LANGUAGES
[Language] – [Fluent / Intermediate]
REFERENCES
Available on requestMake this CV in the free CV maker →
Prefer a two-column CV? Use the Executive Sidebar template →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CV format in 2026?
Reverse-chronological is the most widely accepted format because it shows your latest experience first and is easy for recruiters and ATS software to read.
How many pages should a CV be?
Usually 2 pages. Graduates can use 1 page; senior or academic candidates may need more.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
Not in the UK, USA or Canada. In parts of Europe, Africa and Asia a photo is common — follow local practice or the job advert.
Should my CV be in PDF or Word?
PDF keeps your layout intact and is preferred. Send Word only if the employer or recruiter asks for it.
Can I make a CV online for free?
Yes. The Jobsiz CV maker is free — choose a template, fill in your details and download it as PDF or Word.