Best Resume Formats for UK Jobs
Applying for jobs in the UK? Format matters. British employers expect specific CV conventions that differ from US resumes. Here's what you need to know.
CV vs Resume in the UK
In the UK, "CV" (curriculum vitae) is the standard term for job applications at all career levels. It's typically 2 pages for experienced professionals and 1 page for entry-level roles.
Unlike US resumes, UK CVs traditionally include more personal detail — though modern trends are shifting toward privacy-conscious formats.
Essential Sections for a UK CV
- Personal Details — Name, phone, email, city (full address optional)
- Personal Statement — 3–4 line profile (similar to a professional summary)
- Work Experience — Reverse chronological, with month/year dates
- Education — GCSEs, A-Levels, degrees with grades if strong
- Skills — Technical and soft skills relevant to the role
UK Formatting Conventions
- Length: 1–2 pages maximum
- Photo: Generally not required (and discouraged to avoid bias)
- Date of birth: No longer expected; omit for equality compliance
- References: "Available on request" is sufficient — don't list referees upfront
- Spelling: Use British English (organise, colour, programme)
Best Formats by Industry
Corporate & Finance
Use a clean, professional template with minimal design. Navy or black accents work well. Browse our professional templates.
Tech & Creative
Modern two-column layouts with a skills sidebar are popular. Ensure the format remains ATS-friendly for online applications.
Public Sector
Stick to straightforward, accessible formatting. Prioritize clarity over design flair.
ATS Considerations for UK Applications
Many UK employers — including NHS, councils, and large corporates — use ATS. Even if you're emailing a CV directly, online portals often parse uploads automatically.
Use ATS-friendly templates and follow our ATS resume tips for the best results.
Build Your UK CV on Mobile
Our CV maker app includes templates suited for UK job applications, with guided sections and instant PDF export. Create your CV on the go and tailor it for each application.
See pricing options for premium templates and AI writing tools.
Quick UK CV Checklist
- [ ] British English spelling throughout
- [ ] 1–2 pages, reverse chronological
- [ ] No photo or date of birth
- [ ] Month/year date format (Jan 2022 – Present)
- [ ] Tailored personal statement per role
- [ ] PDF export tested
Follow this format and you'll meet UK employer expectations while staying competitive in 2026.