how to write a cv and cover letter uk

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• Careers advice
• Cover letters

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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12 CV cover letter examples

A  cover letter  for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates 

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide,  sales assistant cover letter example  and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

Events CV cover letter

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

• Academic cover letter
• Account Manager cover letter
• Accountant cover letter
• Accounting cover letter
• Accounts Assistant cover letter
• Acting cover letter
• Admin Assistant cover letter
• Administrator cover letter
• Apprenticeship cover letter
• Architecture cover letter
• Assistant Manager cover letter
• Banking cover letter
• Bar Staff cover letter
• Barclays cover letter
• Barista cover letter
• Bartender cover letter
• Business Analyst cover letter
• Business Development Manager cover letter
• Car Sales Person cover letter
• Care Assistant cover letter
• Career Change cover letter
• Catering Assistant cover letter
• Civil Engineer cover letter
• Computer Science cover letter
• Consulting cover letter
• Copywriter cover letter
• Cyber Security cover letter
• Data Entry Clerk cover letter
• Data Scientist cover letter
• Delivery Driver cover letter
• Digital Marketing cover letter
• Electrician cover letter
• Engineering cover letter
• Estate Agent cover letter
• Event Manager cover letter
• Exam Invigilator cover letter
• Executive Assistant cover letter
• Fashion Designer cover letter
• Finance cover letter
• Financial Analyst cover letter
• Google cover letter
• Graduate cover letter
• Graduate Engineer cover letter
• Graduate Scheme cover letter
• Graphic Design cover letter
• Health Care Assistant cover letter
• Hospitality cover letter
• HR Assistant cover letter
• HR cover letter
• Interior Designer cover letter
• Internal Position cover letter
• Internship cover letter
• Investment Banking cover letter
• Investment Manager cover letter
• IT Support cover letter
• Journalist cover letter
• JP Morgan cover letter
• Lawyer cover letter
• Legal Assistant cover letter
• Legal cover letter
• Library Assistant cover letter
• Manager cover letter
• Marine Engineer cover letter
• Marketing Assistant cover letter
• Marketing cover letter
• Marketing Intern cover letter
• Marketing Manager cover letter
• McKinsey cover letter
• Mechanical Engineer cover letter
• Medical Receptionist cover letter
• Medical Writer cover letter
• Model cover letter
• Nanny cover letter
• Nurse cover letter
• Nursing cover letter
• Office Assistant cover letter
• Office Manager cover letter
• Operations Manager cover letter
• Optical Assistant cover letter
• Paralegal cover letter
• Part Time cover letter
• PE Teacher cover letter
• Personal Assistant cover letter
• Personal Trainer cover letter
• Pharmacist cover letter
• Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
• PHD Application cover letter
• Photographer cover letter
• Placement cover letter
• Private Equity cover letter
• Product Manager cover letter
• Production Assistant cover letter
• Production Operator cover letter
• Project Coordinator cover letter
• Promotion cover letter
• PWC cover letter
• Quantity Surveyor cover letter
• Receptionist cover letter
• Research Assistant cover letter
• Researcher cover letter
• Retail Assistant cover letter
• Retail cover letter
• Retail Manager cover letter
• Sales Advisor cover letter
• Sales Executive cover letter
• Sales Manager cover letter
• Scrum Master cover letter
• Security Officer cover letter
• Ski Season cover letter
• Social Media Executive cover letter
• Social Media Manager cover letter
• Software Developer cover letter
• Software Engineer cover letter
• Speculative cover letter
• Student cover letter
• Support Worker cover letter
• Teaching Assistant cover letter
• Team Leader cover letter
• Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
• University cover letter
• UX Designer cover letter
• Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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How To Write A Flawless Cover Letter

Have you heard the phrase: ‘Behind every CV is a great cover letter’? We’d argue that the reverse is true. In front of every CV is a flawless cover letter. It’s your introductory tool which whets the appetite and leaves a memorable impression. Think of your CV as the facts and stats of your application. Your cover letter is your chance to add the depth and showcase who you really are.

Before we get stuck into the practicalities of writing a flawless cover letter, it’s vital to understand what you are trying to achieve.

The purpose of a cover letter

Whereas a CV should be a matching exercise for the recruiter, the cover letter expands your application from a set of data, into an individual worthy of attention.

Therefore, the goal of your cover letter is to convey more than the CV, expand on its content, and evoke emotion in the reader. It’s the hook – by the end, they should be diving into your CV and very keen to meet you.

A cover letter is also your chance to get personal. Even if you tweak your CV for every job you apply for (which is often impossible), a cover letter is your chance to address the question: ‘ Why are you applying for this job at this company?’ Your cover letter, therefore, must play to the requirements of the specific role.

As a result, all cover letters must be unique. As such, we urge you to steer clear of cover letter templates . Take the time and effort to craft your own, or get a professional to do it for you.  It will pay dividends.

The structure of the cover letter

Whilst remembering that a cover letter should be memorable, personalised and specific, cover letters should follow a basic format. This is:

• Your memorable introduction.
• Specific examples of how you meet the job criteria and fit the company.
• Succinct conclusion with a clear call to action.

How you ‘fill in’ these sections is where people often go wrong. Indeed, it’s in how you actually craft these sections, that you can elevate from the mundane to the flawless cover letter.

So let’s explain more about what you should include, in these different sections of the cover letter.

Your cover letter introduction

The average recruiter is often inundated with applications. According to one famous and often quoted study, the average recruiter spends just 6 seconds reading a CV . We’d argue that this length of time is even shorter now we are smartphone scanners. The same will apply to your cover letter.

However, this is no reason to feel despondent. Your aim is to grab the recruiter’s attention and hook them in. In this way, you’ll get far more than 6 seconds of attention. But that introduction needs to be really powerful.

There are a few ways in which you can do this.

First, before you even put fingers to the keys, do your research. Find out the exact name of the recruiting manager. Address the letter directly to them.

Also, research the company and their culture. Choose a tone of voice which reflects this. Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to show that you will fit their culture. Do it right from the start. However, don’t shed your personality completely to achieve this. In fact, if you need to, we’d argue that this isn’t the company for you.

Finally, ensure your opening paragraph is unique. Remember, the average recruiting manager reads hundreds of cover letters. They don’t need more of the same. Therefore, eliminate buzz words like ‘dynamic’ and ‘creative’, and instead inject some words which require a little more thought, and that haven’t been copied and pasted from a generic template.

The body of the cover letter

The body of the cover letter is the meat. However, it cannot be too long. You should aim for around three paragraphs here. Keep your language succinct and to the point.

Therefore, do not make the mistake of rehashing your CV, or cramming your entire career into the cover letter. Instead, think of your cover letter as being a way of painting a picture, which will make them want to find out more, from your CV, and by meeting you in person.

The ideal way to do this, using the written word, is through a story-style technique. These short stories illustrate that you will a) meet the requirements of the job, and b) fit in the culture of the organisation. The reader needs to be left with the sense that you can add value to their organisation.

To crack this, get hold of a detailed advert for the job or, ideally, the job description. Try to ascertain which the most important requirements are, as far as the recruiting manager is concerned. Then, try to pick a few examples from your experience that demonstrate that you’ve done this with success before.

Let’s look at an example. Let’s say a core requirement is the ability to manage large budgets with multiple stakeholders. The average cover letter may say something like “I have worked with complex budgets.”  In contrast, a more successful cover letter may say “During my time for X Company, I was responsible for a £1.1 million budget, for Y project. I successfully delivered the project at a total cost of £1 million, and navigated the needs of employees, shareholders and the board, as evidenced in the post-project reports and surveys.”

Moving on from showcasing your experience, you also want the body of your cover letter to cover how you can solve their specific problem. In our example above, the average cover letter writer would simply state that they are a “problem-solver”. Instead, you expand on your example to explain how you overcame specific problems. Quantify it where possible.

Remember to keep your language and tone of voice in keeping with your introduction; you still want to show your work style and personality.

The ending of your cover letter

Finally, you need an engaging closing. This needs to include a clear call to action. There needs to be a reason that they want to contact you. For example, state that you would enjoy the opportunity to explain more about how your specific experience is relevant to the role. Put your number in here.

Further advice on writing cover letters

Always be honest in your cover letter . Do not dramatize, and do not imply something which isn’t true.

Ditch overused phrases. For example, don’t waste time thanking them for looking at your CV. Keep the words for your unique message. Avoid clichés.

Consider the visual appeal of the letter. Keep it to one side of A4 or less, with plenty of whitespace. Avoid gimmicky fonts, but do use techniques such as bold, italics and bullet points, to highlight key messages.

Also, take time to edit and proof-read your cover letter. You may find it helpful to get a friend or two to do this for you.

It does take time and effort to craft a flawless cover letter. However, it’s worth it. It will lead the recruiting manager on, to read your CV, with a genuine idea of who you are as a person. They’ll be much more likely to call you for an interview.

Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV.

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Andrew Fennell

Andrew Fennell is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to websites like Business Insider, The Guardian and FastCompany.

Reader Interactions

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11th January 2021 at 11:38 am

guide lines excellent , it would have been an ideal with a sample letter

30th January 2021 at 9:32 pm

Very informative, agreed with previous comment an example of covering letter would have been excellent.

8th July 2023 at 3:22 am

Hello, How can I see a sample of cover letter? Thanks.

10th July 2023 at 11:41 am

Hi you can see some examples here: https://career-advice.jobs.ac.uk/resources/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-for-management-and-administration-jobs/

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What is a Europass CV and How to Write it?

by Will Campbell

• · May 27 2024
• · 7 min read

Table of contents

Crafting a CV from scratch is often a challenge. That challenge gets even more complicated if you are applying for jobs across Europe and don’t know what each country expects from a resume. The Europass CV was developed to provide an internationally accepted standard, so you can be sure you’re creating the right impression across the European job market.

In this article, we cover: What a Europass CV is How to structure a Europass CV The pros and cons of a Europass CV Possible CV format alternatives.

What is a Europass CV? 

The Europass CV is a free standardised CV format designed by the European Union to streamline the European job application process. It aims to offer a unified, clear structure that allows employers and application tracking systems (ATS) to assess international candidates' qualifications and experience quickly. Its cross-border recognition and straightforward format, make it ideal for professionals seeking job opportunities online or via email in other European countries. 

The Europass CV can be configured in up to 30 different languages, making it an effective tool when applying for positions with an international focus.

Looking to create a professional CV?

Europass cv template .

How is the Europass CV structured? 

The Europass is more than a CV, it’s a collection of essential documents that complete your career profile. The package includes three main components: Europass Mobility , Diploma Supplement and Certificate Supplement . Here we take a look at what each one consists of.

Europass Mobility

The Europass Mobility document is what many recognise as the traditional CV. It details your education, additional qualifications, job titles, personal information and skills. For each internship, course or educational milestone, you can fill out a certificate that will then be valid throughout Europe.

Diploma Supplement

The Diploma Supplement is relevant for those with a university degree. It confirms additional certifications, qualifications, and courses. Your educational institution issues this document after graduation, giving HR departments a clearer understanding of your specialisation and the value of your degree.

Certificate Supplement

Similar to the Diploma Supplement, the Certificate Supplement explains your qualifications to employers. However, it covers vocational education rather than university degrees, helping you expand your professional profile. This supplementary document is ideal for those searching for roles like electrician , mechanic or plumber .

There used to be a fourth supplementary document called “Language Passport”, which has since been integrated into the language section of the Europass CV.

Explore these CV examples with step-by-step writing guides to help kick-start your job search: Civil service CV Customer service CV Data analyst CV Developer CV Finance CV.

Customise a ready-to-use CV example for your job target

How to write a europass cv section-by-section.

When we look at the Europass CV format, we can see that its content and structure are similar to that of any modern CV . Here we show you what to consider when approaching each section. The format will be familiar to most job-seekers, consisting of the following core areas:

1. Personal information

Be precise and professional. Include full name, address, telephone number, email, and LinkedIn profile if applicable. Avoid adding personal information not relevant to the job, such as marital status or age, as this aligns with European data protection standards. Learn more about when to include a photo on a CV .

2. Work experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include your job title, the employer’s name and location, the dates of your employment, and a brief description of your key responsibilities and achievements . Use bullet points and action verbs to highlight specific successes or contributions that are quantifiable.

3. Education

Again, use reverse chronological order to list your education . Include all relevant educational qualifications, training, and courses. Be sure to list the names of the institutions and the dates attended, along with the degree or qualification obtained. If you are soon to be entering the workforce after graduation , include your dissertation title if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.

4. Skills and competencies

When listing your skills and competencies tailor them to the job you are applying for. List your professional skills like project management or computer skills , and personal skills such as communication or teamwork . Use a scale to describe your level of competence, and consider including certifications or examples of how you have used these skills in a work context.

5. Additional sections

Use additional sections to add any supporting information that could strengthen your application. This might include professional certifications , volunteer work or references . Ensure each entry adds value to your CV and relates directly to the job or enhances your profile as a candidate.

Explore these CV examples with step-by-step writing guides to help kick-start your job search: Hospitality CV Human resources CV IT CV Project manager CV Recruitment CV.

What are the pros and cons of the Europass CV?

As a job-seeker based in the UK, it is important to understand the Europass CV is technically, not a valid format. Let’s take a look at a few situations where it may be advantageous to use a Europass CV template and where it might not be the best choice.

When to use a Europass CV format

Applying for jobs in Europe: If you're seeking employment in mainland Europe, the Europass CV is a recognised and accepted format. It simplifies the process for employers, who are used to its layout​.

Standardising qualifications : The Europass CV is helpful if you have diverse qualifications from different countries or education systems. It allows you to present your qualifications in a coherent format​.

Recent graduates : The Europass format is well-suited for those with little to no work experience who want to highlight their education and training.

When not to use a Europass CV format

Applying in the UK or outside Europe : The Europass CV format is less effective for job applications in the UK or outside Europe. For example, UK employers are less accustomed to seeing pictures of the applicant or detailed personal information.

Senior positions: For senior or specialised roles, a Europass CV is too generic. More detailed, custom-made CVs often better reflect experience and an extensive, specialised skill set.

Creative fields: Similarly, jobs in the creative industries typically favour visually appealing, customised CVs over the standardised Europass format.

Additional pros and cons of using a Europass format CV include:

What is a good alternative to a europass cv.

While Europass offers a recognisable and standard format, the UK market and some European employers prefer a more tailored and visually engaging CV. A simple CV or skills-based CV showing your in-demand soft skills , strengths, and suitability for the role is more effective. Underscoring your value in a succinct and tailored way allows you greater flexibility to show your professional journey, and increase the chances of securing interviews​.

Alternatives to the Europass CV include:

German or French-style CV

Chronological CV

Internship CV

Student or graduate CV

The CVMaker CV Builder can help job seekers create professional CVs that stand out, offering a variety of templates and customisation options that align with industry standards and specific job requirements.

If you are looking for a customisable and standardised appearance, CV Maker has over 20 CV templates to choose from. Take inspiration from our CV example articles including industry-specific tips and tricks plus ready-to-use templates from over 130 professions. 

Key takeaways 

Know what a Europass CV is : It’s important to familiarise yourself with the Europass CV format and why it exists. This is an online CV format developed to make it easier to apply for jobs across the European Union and beyond.

Identify if it is the right CV format for your needs : The Europass CV might not be the best choice for you if you are applying for jobs within the UK or for senior positions. Both situations require a more bespoke CV outlining a unique professional journey.

Consider using supplementary documents : If you do opt for a Europass CV, bolster your application with documents such as the Diploma or Certificate Supplements depending on whether your educational background is academic or vocational.

Understand the limitations: Recognise that the standardised format of the Europass CV may not suit every job application, particularly outside of Europe or in highly specialised fields where a more customised CV is preferred.

Explore alternatives with CV Maker: CV Maker offers the convenience of the Europass format but with more customisation options, enabling you to create a CV that stands out in any job market and highlights your unique skills and experiences effectively.

Next steps?

Get started with CVMaker to get ahead in your job search. Our easy-to-use CV builder allows you quickly format, update, and enhance your CV. To accompany your CV, discover our cover letter templates . If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service . Draw inspiration from our blog for tips on how to save time, emphasise important sections and make it easier for hiring managers to grasp your unique professional offer.

How long should a Europass CV be?

A Europass CV should typically be no more than two pages long. This length is sufficient to detail your professional experience, education, skills, and qualifications without overwhelming the reader. The focus should be on relevancy and clarity, ensuring all information presented supports your application effectively. Learn more about the ideal CV length in our blog article.

How to export Europass CV in PDF?

To export a Europass CV in PDF format, first complete your CV using the online Europass CV editor. Once you're satisfied with the information and layout, select the "Export" or "Download" option and choose 'PDF' as the format. This will generate a PDF file that you can save to your computer or device.

Is Europass CV accepted in the UK?

The Europass CV is not widely accepted in the UK, as UK employers may prefer a more tailored CV format that is customary in the local job market. While the Europass CV can still be used, it is generally more advantageous to use a format that aligns with UK standards, especially for roles that require a detailed, customised CV. Read this article for more tips on how to write a good CV for the UK job market.

Is the Europass CV ATS-friendly?

Yes, the Europass CV is designed to be ATS-friendly. Its clear, standard format and layout are structured to be easily readable by Applicant Tracking Systems used by employers across Europe. This helps ensure that your CV can be efficiently processed and that your key information is recognised by these systems.

Is the Europass CV still valid?

Yes, the Europass CV remains a valid and widely recognised format within the European Union for job applications. It provides a standardised way to present skills and qualifications, facilitating mobility across EU countries. However, its effectiveness may vary outside of these regions, where other formats might be preferred.

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Updated May 27 2024

Will Campbell has over 10 years' experience writing for startups, employment, education and global brands. With a rich work history of over 30 part-time jobs, Will has become exceptionally skilled in advising others on how to write an interview-getting CV. When not tapping away at his keyboard, he can be found running or playing the nearest guitar. Connect via LinkedIn

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Sample cover letter

Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started

A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.

The basic cover letter structure covers:

• why you're writing the letter
• why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
• relevant skills and experience
• summary of your interest in the role.

Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888

Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Logistics graduate scheme

I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.

I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.

As you can see from my CV I have experience in:

• Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
• Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.

I have also:

• Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
• Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
• Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
• Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
• Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.

My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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