In the UK, employers ask for a CV rather than a resume, and they expect a particular structure: a short personal statement, reverse-chronological experience and usually two pages. This guide explains the standard UK CV format, what to leave out, and how to write a personal statement, with examples for different stages of your career.
UK CV format at a glance
| Element | UK convention |
|---|---|
| Name of the document | CV (curriculum vitae) |
| Length | Usually up to two A4 pages; one page is fine for school leavers and many graduates |
| Order | Reverse-chronological (most recent first) |
| Photo | Not expected; leave it out unless you work in acting or modelling |
| Date of birth, age, marital status | Leave out; they are not relevant to your ability to do the job |
| Opening section | Personal statement (also called personal profile) |
| Spelling | British English: organised, analysed, programme, licence (noun) |
| References | Optional; many people omit them or provide them when asked |
| File format | Text-based PDF or Word, as the employer requests |
The sections of a UK CV, in order
- Name and contact details: full name, phone number, professional email, town or city and LinkedIn profile. A full postal address is no longer necessary.
- Personal statement: 3–5 lines summarising who you are, what you offer and what you are looking for.
- Work experience: job title, employer, location and dates, with achievement-focused bullet points.
- Education: degree and classification (for example 2:1), A-levels or equivalent if you are early in your career, and GCSEs only if relevant or requested.
- Skills: technical skills, software and languages.
- Optional sections: certifications, volunteering, professional memberships, interests (only if they add something).
How to write a personal statement for your CV
Your personal statement is the most-read part of a UK CV. Answer three questions in three to five lines: who are you, what can you offer, and what are you aiming for?
Personal statement examples
Experienced professional:
Chartered management accountant (CIMA) with eight years' experience in manufacturing finance. Skilled in budgeting, forecasting and month-end reporting, and recently led the move to a new ERP system across three sites. Looking to step into a financial controller role in a growing business.
Graduate:
Recent Business Management graduate (2:1, University of Leeds) with a year's placement in a recruitment team, where I helped coordinate more than 40 interviews a month. Organised, confident with Excel and keen to start a graduate career in HR.
School leaver or no experience:
Hard-working sixth-form student completing A-levels in Maths, Business and Psychology. Experienced in customer service through weekend work at a local café and volunteering at a charity shop. Looking for a part-time retail role where I can develop my skills.
Note that UK personal statements are often written in the first person, which is acceptable, but keep them short and specific.
UK CV vs US resume
| UK CV | US resume | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | Up to 2 pages | 1 page for most early-career roles, 2 for experienced |
| Opening | Personal statement | Professional summary |
| Paper size | A4 | US Letter |
| Spelling | British English | American English |
For a wider comparison, including Europe, Canada and Australia, see our country guides.
CV mistakes UK recruiters notice
- Going over two pages with older, irrelevant jobs.
- A generic personal statement copied from a template.
- Listing duties instead of achievements.
- Unexplained gaps (one honest line is enough, for example "Career break to care for a family member").
- American spelling on a CV for a UK employer.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV be in the UK?
Two A4 pages is the standard maximum for most roles. School leavers and many graduates can use one page. Academic and some medical CVs are longer.
Should I put references on my CV?
It is optional. Most people leave them off and provide referees when an employer asks, which also protects your referees' contact details.
Do I need a cover letter with a UK CV?
Usually yes, unless the employer says otherwise. A short, tailored cover letter is still expected for many UK applications.
Should I include my GCSEs?
Include them if you are early in your career or if the job asks for specific grades (for example English and Maths). Experienced candidates usually leave them off.
Conclusion
A strong UK CV is clear, two pages at most, opens with a specific personal statement and proves your experience with achievements. Draft it in the Resume Builder, check your keywords with the ATS Keyword Generator, and pair it with a tailored cover letter.