Professional CV templates: Free download examples

Be consistent with your tone of voice

Decide whether to write your CV in the first or third person – and stick with it. Both are acceptable, but the third person is the standard choice for a professional CV.

 

Here’s a quick refresher on how to write in each person:

• Third person: Remove references to yourself and start sentences with adjectives or job titles. For example: “A highly capable physics graduate with strong analytical skills.” Avoid using “he” or “she” – it sounds unnatural.
• First person: Use “I” and “my.” For example: “I managed short and long-term funding for business clients.”

 

Whichever you choose, always write in the active voice for a stronger impact.

For example, say “Recruited and trained 10 staff members” instead of “10 staff members were recruited and trained by myself.”

 

Use grammar-checking software

To make sure your CV is mistake-free, use grammar-checking software like Grammarly – a free tool that catches spelling errors and suggests ways to improve your writing.

But don’t rely on spell-checkers alone! Always read through your CV a few times, and when you think it’s perfect, ask a friend or family member to double-check.

 

Don’t go overboard with the thesaurus!

Using synonyms is great if you’re repeating the same word too often, but don’t force it into every sentence.

You might think it makes you sound more sophisticated, but it can actually make your CV harder to read – or even grammatically incorrect. If you’re not 100% sure what a word means, don’t use it.

The same goes for semicolons – most people aren’t sure how to use them, so it’s safer to leave them out.

 

Use dynamic verbs

Strong, action-packed verbs make your CV more impactful by highlighting your achievements and showing what you can bring to the company. 

For example, instead of saying, “I was responsible for system developments,” try “Devised and implemented new systems.” It’s clearer, stronger, and more impressive.

Your personal profile is your first chance to impress an employer. Use this section to highlight key qualifications, specialisms, past industries you’ve worked in, and the type of role you’re seeking.

Keep it direct and professional – summarize your skills and experience in a way that’s quick and easy to read.

Need a hand? Use our professional profile template below and simply fill in your details!

 

Professional profile tips, examples and template:

Start by stating your expertise, years of experience, and your degree. Make sure it’s tailored to the job or industry you’re applying for, and highlight your most impressive/relevant experience.

E.g. “Enthusiastic Software Programmer with one year of industry experience and a 1st class degree in Computer Programming from the University of Leeds.”

Next, list your most relevant skills, including any software you know and notable achievements.

E.g. “Driven graduate with strong Python and advanced JavaScript skills.”

Finish by describing the type of company and work environment you’re seeking, tailored to the role. Mention any skills you’d like to develop to show interest and ambition.

E.g. “Seeking a fast-paced environment to expand coding knowledge and enhance information systems.”

Tailoring your skills and experience is key to crafting a standout professional profile. Here are our top tips for tailoring the rest of your CV for each graduate job application.

 

Full professional profile template:

Enthusiastic and challenge-driven [strong character traits] Software Programmer [previous job title] with one year’s industry experience [length of experience] and a 1^st class Computer Programming degree from the University of Leeds [degree/result].

A driven graduate with well-developed Python knowledge and advanced JavaScript abilities [industry-relevant skills/achievements]. Now seeking a dynamic and fast-paced environment [desired environment] to enhance coding knowledge and develop information systems [skill progression].

Create a section with bullet points to highlight your key industry-relevant skills. This helps employers quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role.

For roles like Software Developer or Engineer, list any programming languages or software you’re familiar with, along with your proficiency level (e.g., Python – Advanced, SQL – Advanced).

For most roles, your hobbies and interests should take a backseat unless applying to more creative positions.

It’s still an important section to include, as it gives insight into your personality, but keep it brief.

Focus on hobbies that are more sophisticated and relevant to your industry. While watching Love Island and shopping may be fun, they won’t add to the professionalism of your CV.

 

Hobbies and interests to keep your CV professional

• Brain activities like chess or puzzles show you’re into problem-solving – ideal for technical or analytical roles.
• Reading industry magazines or books like The Economist, Financial Times, or National Geographic shows you stay informed and engaged with your field.
• Volunteering for charity, community, or university events highlights strong event-planning, management, and fundraising skills.
• Sporting activities – whether you’re a runner or part of a team – demonstrate teamwork, determination, and communication skills.