The British CV has its own conventions — different from the American resume, different from the Europass format, and slightly different from the Australian CV. If you're applying for jobs in the UK, understanding what recruiters expect is essential.
UK CV: The Key Facts
- Length: Two pages (one page for students or graduates with minimal experience)
- Photo: Not standard — leave it out for UK applications
- Personal statement: Expected — 3–4 sentences at the top
- Age/DOB/Nationality: Not required — UK equality law discourages it
- Format: Clean, professional, readable — not overly designed
- References: "Available on request" or simply omit
The Personal Statement
UK CVs almost always begin with a personal statement — 3–4 sentences that introduce you as a professional and explain why you're applying. Unlike the US resume summary which is purely about achievements, the UK personal statement has a slightly warmer, more conversational tone.
Example for a UK marketing professional: "A results-driven digital marketing manager with eight years of experience in B2B SaaS, specialising in content strategy and organic growth. Track record of scaling SEO from scratch and managing campaigns with six-figure budgets. Currently seeking a head of marketing role in a growth-stage technology company."
Sections of a UK CV (In Order)
- Personal details (name, phone, email, city, LinkedIn)
- Personal statement / professional profile
- Work experience (reverse chronological)
- Education (reverse chronological)
- Skills
- Hobbies and interests (optional — keep it brief)
- References (optional or "available on request")
Education in the UK
UK recruiters often expect to see A-Level and GCSE results, particularly for early-career applicants. For professionals with 5+ years of experience, a degree and any postgraduate qualifications are sufficient. List the institution, qualification, dates and grade.
UK-specific tip: Degree classification matters in the UK job market. Always include it — First Class Honours, 2:1, 2:2. If you have a postgraduate qualification, lead with that.
Hobbies and Interests
In the UK, a brief hobbies section is generally acceptable — unlike US resumes where it's almost always omitted. But keep it specific and interesting. "Reading, socialising and walking" tells a recruiter nothing. "Running marathons, writing a personal finance blog (12,000 monthly readers), and teaching chess to children" tells them something memorable.
What UK Recruiters Look For
British recruiters value: clear structure, concise writing, relevant experience, and a CV that's been tailored for the specific role. Generic CVs are spotted immediately. Spelling, grammar and formatting are expected to be impeccable — a single typo can end an application.
💡 Tip
Our free CV generator includes the UK Oxford template — a two-column layout designed specifically for British CVs, with the right sections in the right order and the correct formatting conventions built in.
Covering Letters in the UK
Cover letters are generally expected for professional roles in the UK. They should be one A4 page, addressed to the hiring manager by name where possible, and focused on why you want this specific role at this specific company. Generic cover letters are ignored.
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