UK CV Format (2026) — Rules, Sections & Free Template
In the UK the document is called a CV, and it runs to two pages rather than one. It opens with a personal profile, uses British spelling, lists GCSEs and A-levels for early-career candidates, and — like the US — leaves out photos and personal data.
Two pages is the accepted length — a one-page CV can read as thin for anyone past their first job. Use the extra space for detail on responsibilities and results, not for filler sections.
British spelling matters more than people expect: 'organised', 'analysed', 'programme', 'specialise'. A CV written in US English signals a copy-pasted application.
Personal profile of 3–4 lines at the top, in place of a US-style summary
Employment history in reverse-chronological order with achievements
Education including university, A-levels and GCSEs for early-career candidates
Key skills, professional memberships and relevant training
Interests only if genuinely relevant to the role
References and personal details
Do not list referees' contact details on the CV. 'References available on request' is the convention, and increasingly the line is omitted altogether to save space.
Leave out date of birth, marital status, nationality and photographs. UK equality legislation makes these irrelevant to hiring and including them can create problems for the employer.
Tailoring for UK applicant tracking systems
Large UK employers and most recruitment agencies parse CVs automatically. Keep the layout single-column, use conventional headings, and repeat the job title from the advert in your personal profile so the match is unambiguous.
Match the advert's job title wording exactly in your profile line
Use DD/MM/YYYY or Month YYYY dates consistently
Include right-to-work status only if the advert asks
Send as PDF unless an agency asks for an editable Word file
Frequently asked questions
How long should a UK CV be?
Two pages is the standard. One page is acceptable for school leavers and very early-career applicants; academic CVs are the only common exception that runs longer.
Should I put references on my UK CV?
No. Either write 'References available on request' or leave the section out. Employers request referee details at offer stage.
Is a CV the same as a resume in the UK?
Yes. In Britain, 'CV' is the everyday word for the two-page job application document that Americans call a resume. Only academic and research CVs run longer.