If you’re applying for a job in the UK, your CV needs to tick all the right boxes – not just in terms of content, but also in structure and formatting. UK employers have clear expectations, and a CV that doesn’t follow the right conventions could be overlooked.
This guide takes the guesswork out of it by providing UK format templates that meet British standards, ensuring your application looks polished, professional, and easy to read.
Whether you prefer a classic layout, a modern design, or something tailored to your industry, these CV examples will help you craft a job-winning application.
UK format CV templates
These template formats are all suitable for any job application towards a role in the UK.
British CV job examples
Why these CV templates work in the UK
Every region is different when it comes to job application expectations. The above templates conform to everything a recruiter in the UK would expect to see from a CV, such as:
- No more than two pages – UK employers expect CVs to be concise, with two pages being the standard length. This ensures you provide enough detail without overwhelming recruiters.
- No photo included – Photos are not required on a UK CV, and they’re rarely expected. Occasionally, for certain roles (like creative or client-facing positions), an optional professional headshot might be included if appropriate.
- Few personal details – Unlike some other countries, a UK CV does not require information like date of birth, marital status, or nationality. Keeping it professional and relevant is key.
- Reverse chronological order – UK employers expect to see your most recent work experience first. This structure highlights your most relevant and up-to-date skills.
- ATS-friendly – Many UK companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs, so these templates avoid excessive graphics, tables, and non-standard fonts to ensure smooth processing.
How to write a CV for the UK job market
As well as the format and template, recruiters in the UK expect to see certain information outlined in a CV, to give the most accurate and comprehensive overview of what makes you a valuable and suitable candidate.
When you’re writing a CV for a UK job, you’ll be expected to cover the following 6 sections:
State your name and contact information
Make your name stand out by displaying it in a bold, larger font at the top of your CV. Just below, list your contact details, including your phone number, a professional email address, and your location (city and country only—no full address needed). If relevant, add a LinkedIn profile or portfolio link, especially for creative or digital roles.
Start off with a professional profile
Start with a concise CV profile that gives recruiters a clear summary of your experience, strengths, and career goals. Tailor it to the role you’re applying for, keeping it brief and impactful. This section should make it instantly clear why you’re a strong candidate who’ll make a genuine impact.
Bullet point your key skills
Highlight your key skills in a bullet-point list, focusing on abilities that are relevant to the job. Prioritise technical skills and job-specific expertise to show what you bring to the role. A two-column layout can help make this section easy to read at a glance.
Outline your past work experience
Structure your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position. Include your job title, employer name, and employment dates, followed by bullet points outlining your key responsibilities and achievements. Use numbers or measurable results where possible to demonstrate impact.
Make a note of any additional info
Use an additional information section to highlight anything that strengthens your application, such as industry awards, professional memberships, language skills, or relevant hobbies. Keep it brief and only include details that add genuine value to your CV.
FAQs
What is the correct structure for a UK CV?
A UK CV should include contact details, a short personal profile, a bullet-pointed core skills section, work experience in reverse chronological order, education and qualifications, and an optional additional information section for things like awards, languages, or memberships.
How long should a UK CV be?
Most UK CVs should be two pages long. Junior candidates or those with little experience can use a one-page CV, while academic and research CVs may be longer.
Do I need to include a photo on my UK CV?
No, UK CVs do not require photos, and typically don’t include them. The focus is on skills and experience rather than appearance, unless applying for a creative or client-facing role where a headshot might be relevant.
Can I use colour and design elements on a UK CV?
Subtle use of colour can enhance readability, but UK CVs should remain professional and easy to read. Avoid excessive design elements, graphics, or bright colours that could make the document look unprofessional or cause issues with ATS software.
Should I include hobbies and interests on my UK CV?
Hobbies and interests are optional and should only be included if they add value to your application. Relevant hobbies, such as blogging for a marketing role or coding for a tech job, can demonstrate additional skills.
What is the best file format for submitting a UK CV?
A UK CV should be saved and submitted as a PDF to preserve formatting and ensure it looks the same on all devices. Word documents can shift formatting depending on the software used to open them.
How do UK CVs differ from US resumes?
A UK CV is typically two pages long and provides a detailed overview of work history and education, whereas a US resume is often one page and more concise. UK CVs also do not include personal details like date of birth or marital status, which are sometimes found on CVs in other countries.
What personal details should I leave off my UK CV?
Avoid including your date of birth, marital status, nationality, full address, or personal identifiers like your National Insurance number. These personal details are not necessary and can sometimes lead to bias.
Can I use a one-page CV in the UK?
A one-page CV is suitable for junior candidates, graduates, or those with little experience. However, for most roles, a two-page CV is preferred to give enough space to detail skills and experience.
Are UK CVs scanned by ATS systems?
Many UK employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. To improve ATS compatibility, use a simple layout, standard fonts, clear section headings, and avoid excessive graphics or text boxes.
Should I include references on my UK CV?
References do not need to be included on a UK CV, as employers should not be contacting them at this stage in the recruitment process. Instead, you can state “References available upon request” if desired, but most employers will ask for references later.
