For the UK and Europe
Free CV builder
Make a professional CV that both recruiters and ATS software can read. Pick an ATS-friendly CV template, write with AI help, see your score as you type, then download an A4 PDF. Free to start, no card needed.
The CV format UK and European employers expect
One column, clear headings, in this order. Lettr's CV maker sets it up for you.
- 1
Contact details
Name, phone, email, town or city and LinkedIn. In the UK and Ireland leave out your photo, date of birth and marital status.
- 2
Personal statement
Three or four lines at the top: who you are, what you're good at and the role you want. Tailor it to each job.
- 3
Work experience
Most recent first. Job title, employer, dates, then 3-5 bullet points that show results, ideally with numbers.
- 4
Education
Degree, university and dates. UK employers often look for your classification (2:1, First); elsewhere add your grade if it's strong.
- 5
Skills
The tools and skills the job advert asks for: Excel, SQL, CRM systems, languages with their level (e.g. German B2).
- 6
Extras that help
Certifications, volunteering or projects that support the role. References are "available on request", or simply left off.
CV or resume?
Same idea, different habits. Lettr does both, so you can apply anywhere.
| CV | Resume | |
|---|---|---|
| Word used | CV in the UK, Ireland and most of Europe | Resume in the USA and Canada |
| Length | Usually 2 pages (1 for graduates) | Usually 1 page |
| Paper size | A4 | US Letter |
| Photo | No in the UK and Ireland; still common in Germany | No |
CV examples
Real-looking CVs for jobs in the UK, Europe and the USA. Use any of them as your starting point.
See all examples →How Lettr helps
- ATS CV checker: upload your CV and see exactly what job sites read, with a score and fixes.
- AI personal statement and bullets: turn rough notes into clear, specific lines. It never makes up numbers.
- Match to the job advert: paste a job post to see which keywords your CV is missing.
- Cover letters: a short, tailored letter from your CV and the job advert.
- A4 or US Letter: the right paper size for wherever you apply.
Questions
Is Lettr's CV builder free?
Yes. The free plan gives you one CV, the Classic and Modern templates, the live ATS score, a PDF download and a free try of every AI tool (3 rewrites, a cover letter, an ATS review and a practice interview). No card needed.
What's the difference between a CV and a resume?
Mostly the name and the length. The UK, Ireland and most of Europe say CV and accept two pages; the USA and Canada say resume and expect one. Lettr builds both: pick A4 or US Letter and the length that suits where you're applying.
Will my CV get through applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
Lettr's templates use real, single-column text that ATS software reads correctly, and the live ATS score shows what job sites will read and what to fix. You can also upload an existing CV to the free ATS CV checker.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
In the UK and Ireland, no: employers don't expect it. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland a professional photo is still common. Lettr lets you add one or leave it off.
Do I need a Europass CV?
Only if the employer or programme asks for one, which is mostly EU institutions and some study or exchange schemes. Most companies across Europe are happy with a clear, standard CV.
Can I download my CV in Word?
PDF is free. Word download comes with Pro, for employers or agencies that ask for a .docx file.
Make a CV that gets read
ATS-friendly CV templates, a live score and AI help. Free to start.
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