About the CV builder
The CV builder prepares a simple, readable resume in PDF format. It is intended for everyday job applications where the document needs to be easy to read, easy to print and easy for automated systems to process.
All processing happens in your browser using JavaScript. When you click the generate button, the information you have entered is formatted into a PDF and downloaded from the same browser session. Your data is not uploaded to any server.
The layout is intentionally plain. Some employers and recruitment systems prefer simple documents with no columns, images or decorative elements, because these are easier for both humans and software to read accurately.
How to use the CV builder
Using the builder takes only a few steps.
- Fill in your personal information, such as name, contact details and a short summary.
- Add one or more entries in the work experience section.
- Add one or more entries in the education section.
- Add skills by typing them into the field and clicking add skill.
- Click the generate button to download the PDF.
All fields are optional. You can leave any section empty and generate a PDF that contains only the sections you have filled in.
Tips for a stronger CV
A CV should be clear, accurate and easy to scan. The following suggestions are general guidelines rather than rules, and you should adjust them to the industry and role you are applying for.
- Start with your name, a short headline and your contact details.
- Write a professional summary of two or three lines that states what you do and what you offer.
- List your most recent experience first, with dates and specific responsibilities.
- Use concrete numbers where you can, such as percentages or revenue figures.
- Include a short skills section that matches the role you are applying for.
- Keep the document to one or two pages unless your field expects longer.
- Check spelling and grammar carefully before sending.
Some employers use software to scan CVs for keywords. Using the same terms as the job description, where they accurately describe your experience, can help your application be seen.
Understanding application tracking systems
Many organisations use software to review CVs before a person reads them. This software often looks for specific keywords, checks the document's formatting, and extracts information such as your contact details, your education and your past roles.
Simple layouts work better with this software than complicated ones. Columns, tables, images, unusual fonts and text embedded in graphics can all cause problems. The CV builder here avoids those features on purpose.
The final PDF uses a common font and a straightforward layout, which is a reasonable starting point for most applications. If a specific employer or system asks for a particular format, follow their instructions instead.
Practical uses
- Preparing a CV quickly when you are applying for a role on short notice.
- Preparing a plain version of your CV for online forms that only accept simple layouts.
- Producing a first draft you can refine later in a word processor.
- Preparing a shortened CV for a specific application, using only the most relevant experience.
- Preparing a CV on a shared computer without installing any software.
For elaborate CVs with decorative layouts or multiple visual templates, a dedicated design application is usually a better fit. The CV builder here is best suited to quick, functional documents.
Limitations
- The PDF layout is plain and does not include decorative elements or columns.
- The tool does not check spelling or grammar.
- Special characters in some languages may not render correctly in the PDF.
- Very long CVs may be split awkwardly across pages.
- The tool processes one CV at a time and does not save your data between sessions.
If a document needs to meet a specific format, such as a strict page limit or a particular layout requirement, prepare the final version in a word processor using the draft produced here as a starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Important information
This tool is provided for general informational and personal use. It produces a plain CV in PDF and does not provide career, legal, financial or professional advice.
Always keep a copy of any important document, and check the final PDF carefully before sending it. Spelling, grammar and formatting are the responsibility of the person submitting the document.
Some employers and recruitment systems have specific requirements for the format of a CV. Always check the requirements of the organisation you are applying to before sending a document.