How to write and create a CV online

1. Gather the details for this application

Keep the job description beside you. Choose experience and skills that relate to the role, and use specific examples of what you did. Follow any instructions the employer gives about length, format or required information.

For each role, note your job title, employer and dates, then write short points about your work and achievements. Use figures where you can support them. If you are starting out, relevant projects, placements and volunteering can help demonstrate your experience.

This approach is consistent with the University of Oxford’s CV guidance: tailor the document to the application, give evidence and keep it easy to read.

2. Choose a template and preview its colour

Open the CV template gallery. The samples contain example details so you can compare headings, sidebars, spacing and section positions.

Use the Photo, Design and Columns filters to narrow the choices. Open a preview and try the colour swatches at the top. Select Use template when you find one you like. Your CV starts blank, with the chosen design.

3. Fill in your details and sections

Start with your name, contact information and a headline that describes your work or the role you are seeking. Add your website or LinkedIn profile if it is relevant and up to date.

• Professional summary: a short introduction focused on your experience and the work you want to do.
• Experience: your roles, employers, dates and the work you completed.
• Education: qualifications, institutions and dates.
• Skills: abilities you can demonstrate, with a level where useful.
• Other sections: projects, certifications, languages, references and interests when they add useful information.

Use the up/down controls to reorder main sections in the editor. For example, you can put education earlier if it is the strongest part of your application. Some templates keep selected details in fixed sidebar positions. Add a photo only if you choose to include one.

4. Adjust the colour, font and size

Open the Design tab. The named colours match the gallery and preview. Choose Original to use each template’s original colour, or select a named or custom colour to keep that choice while comparing layouts.

There are 10 fonts. The default text size is 12 pt, with sizes from 8 to 18 pt available. Start with the default and check how your information fits before changing it. Main text remains dark on white areas, while the template uses your colour for accents and panels.

See the full list of CV design and editing features for the available controls.

5. Check the layout in the preview

The preview uses your current entries and design settings. On a larger screen, drag the divider to resize the preview column and give the document more room.

• Check spelling, dates, phone numbers and email addresses.
• Read long entries to check line wrapping and page breaks.
• Look for repeated information or sections that can be shortened.
• Check that text is comfortable to read at the final page size.

After changing a template, colour or font, wait for the updated preview before reviewing the result. Save the CV when you are happy with it.

6. Save, download and prepare another version

Sign in with Google or your email and password to save the CV in your account. When you choose Download, the app checks your available download access. You can use an eligible allowance, buy access for one CV, choose a 24-hour pass or subscribe. M-Pesa payment options and the amount to pay are shown before payment.

Download the PDF and check the saved file before attaching it to an application. If you choose to share a link instead, remember that anyone with the link can view the CV while sharing is enabled. You can turn it off later.

For another application, duplicate your saved CV and edit the copy. Give each version a title you will recognise, then update its content for that role. See download and subscription details or read about CV privacy and share links.