How to Write a CV for the UK: Format, Length, and What British Employers Expect

The United Kingdom has some of the most clearly defined CV conventions in Europe, and they start with what you must leave out. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are prohibited from discriminating based on age, gender, race, religion, marital status, or disability. As a direct consequence, UK CVs should not include a photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality, gender, or religious affiliation. Including any of these is not just unnecessary but is viewed as unprofessional and suggests unfamiliarity with British hiring norms.

This is a stark contrast to many continental European countries where photos and personal details are standard. If you are applying to UK positions with a CV that includes a headshot and your date of birth, you are immediately signaling that you have not adapted your application to the local market. British recruiters will notice, and it will not work in your favor.

The standard length for a UK CV is two pages. Not one, not three, two. This applies to most professionals with a few years of experience or more. Recent graduates may get away with a single page, and very senior executives in niche fields occasionally stretch to three, but two pages is the firm norm that recruiters expect.

A UK CV should open with a personal statement or professional summary, typically three to five lines that capture who you are, what you offer, and what you are looking for. This is your elevator pitch and is considered essential. Below that, list your work experience in reverse-chronological order, followed by education, skills, and any additional relevant sections such as certifications or volunteer work.

References are handled differently in the UK than in many other countries. The standard practice is to write "References available upon request" at the bottom of your CV, or simply omit the section entirely. Listing actual referees with their contact details is not expected and takes up valuable space.

In the UK, the document is called a CV, short for curriculum vitae, not a resume. While the distinction may seem trivial, using the wrong term can mark you as unfamiliar with British conventions. The word resume is associated with American English and American job markets, where it refers to a shorter, more concise document. In the UK, CV is the universal term regardless of the document's length or the seniority of the role.

Spelling matters enormously. Your CV must use British English throughout: organisation, not organization; behaviour, not behavior; specialised, not specialized. This applies to every word in the document. A CV littered with American spellings will stand out for the wrong reasons, particularly if you are applying for roles that require strong written communication. Use a British English spell checker and proofread carefully.

Since Brexit, the UK job market has undergone significant changes for international applicants. EU citizens no longer have automatic right to work in the UK, and employers must verify immigration status before making a hire. If you are a non-UK citizen, it is worth noting your visa status or right-to-work eligibility somewhere on your CV or in your cover letter, as this removes uncertainty for hiring managers.

For roles that require sponsorship, be aware that not all UK employers hold a sponsor licence. The UK government maintains a public register of licensed sponsors, and targeting your applications toward these employers can save considerable time. Many job postings now explicitly state whether visa sponsorship is available.

Despite these changes, the UK job market remains internationally oriented, particularly in London, and international experience is generally viewed positively. Highlight any cross-border experience, multilingual capabilities, or international qualifications, as these remain valuable assets.

Applicants from the United States often assume that American and British application norms are interchangeable. They are not. Beyond the CV-versus-resume terminology and British spelling, there are structural differences. American resumes typically run one page and lead with a career objective, while UK CVs are two pages and lead with a personal statement. American resumes often include GPA scores, which are irrelevant in the UK where degree classification (First, 2:1, 2:2, Third) is the standard measure.

Cover letters in the UK tend to be more formal than their American counterparts. Address the letter to a specific person if possible, open with the position you are applying for, and keep the tone professional but not stiff. The British cover letter is expected to complement the CV, not repeat it, and should explain your motivation for applying to this particular role at this particular company.

While the general conventions above apply broadly, some UK industries have their own nuances. In finance and the City of London, CVs tend to be highly structured, quantitative, and achievement-focused. Listing specific figures, deal sizes, and portfolio values is expected. In the NHS and public healthcare sector, applications often go through standardized online forms rather than traditional CVs, and you may need to demonstrate competencies against specific person specifications.

The UK tech sector is more relaxed about formatting and may accept less traditional CV styles, but substance still matters more than style. Include links to GitHub profiles, portfolios, or personal projects where relevant. Creative industries such as advertising, design, and media may expect a portfolio alongside the CV, and some tolerance for creative formatting exists, though clarity should never be sacrificed for aesthetics.

Regardless of industry, tailor each application. Generic CVs are easy to spot and rarely make it past the initial screening. Research the company, mirror the language of the job description where appropriate, and ensure your CV clearly demonstrates why you are the right fit for this specific role.