CV Examples & Portfolio 2026
Browse real CV examples written by John Logan — one of the UK's most trusted professional CV writers. Download free samples and see what the best CVs in 2026 look like.
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🇬🇧 UK CV Standards 2026
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What Does a Great CV Look Like in 2026?
Real examples from a professional CV writer — not AI, not templates
CV trends in 2026 have shifted significantly. Recruiters now spend an average of six seconds scanning a CV, and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out the majority of applications before a human ever reads them. The best CVs in 2026 are achievement-focused, keyword-rich, and human in voice — a combination that no AI tool or generic template can replicate.
Below you'll find a portfolio of real CV examples for 2026 across different career levels and industries. Each one was hand-written through John Logan's consultative process — no templates, no AI. Browse the samples, download the ones relevant to you, and see exactly what a professionally written CV looks like today.
CV Examples for 2026 — Preview & Download
Real CV samples written by John Logan — click any card to preview
University Student CV
Shows how to maximise limited experience with strong formatting, transferable skills, and a compelling profile for a first-time job seeker.
Registered Nurse CV
A 2026 CV example for registered nurses and healthcare professionals. Demonstrates how clinical experience and patient outcomes translate into a compelling, ATS-optimised format.
Police Officer CV
Demonstrates how policing skills, ranks, and experience translate into compelling civilian language that civilian recruiters actively look for.
Ex-Military CV
Shows how military experience, leadership, and specialist skills are translated into civilian language employers actively look for in 2026.
Manager & Director CV
Shows how to lead with measurable achievements, demonstrate leadership impact, and pass ATS screening for senior management and director-level roles.
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📅 Book Free ConsultationCV Trends 2026 — What Recruiters Are Looking For
The landscape has changed. Here's what the best CVs in 2026 have in common
ATS Optimisation is Non-Negotiable
In 2026, the majority of applications are screened by Applicant Tracking Systems before a human reads them. The best CVs are structured with targeted keywords, clean formatting, and no graphics that confuse ATS parsers.
Achievements Over Duties
Recruiters in 2026 are not impressed by job descriptions. They want measurable outcomes — revenue generated, teams led, costs reduced, projects delivered. Every role on a strong 2026 CV leads with impact, not responsibility.
Human Voice Stands Out
With AI-generated CVs flooding the market in 2026, human-written content stands out more than ever. Recruiters can spot a ChatGPT CV instantly. A hand-written, authentic voice is now a genuine competitive advantage.
Tailored to the Role
The best CVs in 2026 are not generic. They are adapted for each application — with six to ten keywords from the job advert woven naturally into the content. A single targeted CV outperforms twenty generic ones.
LinkedIn Alignment is Expected
In 2026, recruiters cross-reference your CV with your LinkedIn profile as standard. Inconsistencies raise immediate red flags. The best candidates have a consistent, optimised presence across both platforms.
Concise but Complete
Good CVs in 2026 are typically one to two pages — concise enough to hold attention, comprehensive enough to demonstrate value. Every line earns its place. Padding and generic phrases are the fastest way to get rejected.
What Makes the Best CV in 2026?
Insights from a professional CV writer with 15+ years' experience
The question of what a CV looks like in 2026 is one I'm asked constantly. The honest answer is that the fundamentals haven't changed — but the execution has to be sharper than ever. Recruiters are busier, ATS systems are more widely used, and the volume of AI-generated applications means that a genuinely well-written, human CV now stands out dramatically.
The best CVs in the world share a few key characteristics. They lead with a powerful executive summary that makes the recruiter want to continue reading. They use active language and specific, quantified achievements. They are formatted for ATS compatibility without sacrificing readability. And they are written in the candidate's authentic voice — not a generic AI approximation of one.
CV examples for 2026 — like the samples available on this page — show the difference between a CV that passes through the process and one that generates genuine interest. Download the samples above for your relevant career level and see exactly what a professionally written CV should look like this year.
If you're asking what good CV examples look like in 2026 in the UK, the answer is: clear structure, achievement-led content, ATS-compatible formatting, and a strong human narrative. If your current CV doesn't tick all of those boxes, it's time to get it professionally written.
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