CV generator

How to write a great CV

A good CV fits on one page, gets straight to the point and highlights your results rather than your duties. Start with a two- or three-line profile saying who you are and what you are looking for, then list your experience from most recent to oldest.

For each experience, start with an action verb and add a number when possible (for example “handled 40 files a month”). Keep the layout simple, with one font and one accent color. Proofread twice: a spelling mistake can cost you an interview.

Need help writing? Use our prompt generator to ask an AI to rephrase your profile or your duties.

Which CV template should you choose? The most-used formats

Three formats dominate: the chronological CV (experience from most recent to oldest), the functional CV (skills first) and the combined CV, which puts a skills block before your history. Chronological remains the format recruiters ask for most and that screening software (ATS) reads best. Combined suits a targeted application. Functional helps when changing careers, but some recruiters distrust it.

Our templates by use

• Online applications (ATS) — Classic, Harvard, British, Basic, Compact, Combined, Underlined, Color bar and Europe: one column, clear headings, nothing that disturbs automatic reading.
• First job, internship, student — Student: education and projects first, to showcase a path without long experience.
• Research, teaching, scholarships — Academic: sober, with education, projects and publications before experience.
• Developers and technical profiles — Tech: skills and projects up front, sober style.
• Experienced profiles and managers — Senior, Executive and Functional: highlighted summary and clear hierarchy.
• Standing out (design, communication, sales) — Creative, Infographic, Pastel, Geometric, Centered photo, Ribbon, Modern, Banner: more visual. Keep an ATS version alongside.
• Administrative files in the DRC — Official (DRC): full identity, studies, experience and sworn statement.

Not sure? Send your current CV to our ATS CV checker to see whether recruitment software reads it properly and get the best-fitting template. Also see the cover letter.

CV frequently asked questions

How long should a CV be?

One page for under ten years of experience, two pages at most beyond that. The Compact and Basic templates help fit everything on one page.

Should I add a photo?

It depends on the country and sector. In the DRC and several European countries a photo is common. In the US and UK it is usually avoided. You can hide it in all our templates.

Does a colourful CV pass an ATS?

Colour is not the problem: columns, tables, text boxes and images are. Our single-column templates keep the text readable even with an accent colour. Test it yourself with the checker.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. Everything stays in your browser: nothing is sent to a server unless you log in to save.