UK CV format: what employers expect
Applying for a job in the UK from abroad? Here is how a UK CV is laid out, what to leave out, and a free template to start from.
Last checked: November 2026. This is general guidance. Some employers ask for something different, so always follow the instructions in the job advert. Official advice: National Careers Service: how to write a CV
A UK CV is usually no more than two A4 pages. It starts with your name and contact details, then a short introduction, your work history with the most recent job first, your education, and references. Leave out your age, date of birth, marital status and nationality. In the UK it is called a CV, not a resume.
What goes in a UK CV, section by section
| Section | What to write |
|---|---|
| Contact details | Your name, phone number, email address and a link to your professional profile, such as LinkedIn. Use your name as the heading of the page, not the words "Curriculum Vitae". |
| Introduction | A few short lines under your contact details that sum up who you are and what you want to do next. Write it for the job you are applying to. |
| Work history | Most recent job first. For each one: employer name, job title, the dates you worked there, and two or three lines on what you did and achieved. Include placements and volunteering. |
| Education | The names of your qualifications, where you studied and the dates. If you are early in your career, put this section before your work history. |
| References | You can write "References available on request". Employers normally ask for referees later in the process. |
What to leave out
- Age and date of birth.
- Marital status.
- Nationality.
- A photo. UK employers do not expect one on a CV.
- Your current salary.
The National Careers Service, the UK government's careers advice service, lists age, date of birth, marital status and nationality as details you should not include.
Layout rules
- Use a clear font such as Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri, size 11 or bigger.
- Keep the same style all the way through, with headings and bullet points.
- Aim for no more than two sides of A4.
- Tailor the CV to each job and match the words used in the advert.
- Ask someone to check your spelling and grammar. Use British spelling: "organise", "programme", "centre".
If you are applying from another country
- Write your phone number with the country code.
- Write dates the British way: day, month, year.
- Describe your qualifications in plain words so a UK reader understands the level.
- If the advert asks about your right to work in the UK, answer honestly. If you need visa sponsorship, say so.
- Send a cover letter with the CV. It is a short letter, usually three to five paragraphs, written for that one job.
Free UK-style CV template
Our templates use one column, standard fonts and plain headings, so applicant tracking systems read them correctly. They open in Microsoft Word, with no sign-up.
Questions people ask
Is it called a CV or a resume in the UK?
A CV. "Resume" is the American word. UK job adverts ask for a CV, and the document can be up to two A4 pages.
Should I put a photo on a UK CV?
No. UK employers do not expect a photo, and official careers advice is to leave out personal details such as age, date of birth, marital status and nationality.
How long should a UK CV be?
No more than two sides of A4 for most jobs. Students and people applying for part-time work often use one page, and academic CVs can be longer.
Do I need a cover letter in the UK?
Yes, when you apply with a CV. The National Careers Service advises always including one. Keep it to three to five short paragraphs and write a new one for each job.
Do I need to list referees on my CV?
No. You can write "References available on request". Employers usually ask for referees after an interview or with a job offer.
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