How to Write a UK CV: Format and Best Practices

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a key document when applying for jobs in the UK. Unlike resumes used in the US, a UK CV is usually two pages long and focuses on your education, work experience, and skills in a clear, factual layout rather than a personal sales pitch. Here’s how to structure and draft one effectively.

1. Standard UK CV Format

A typical UK CV follows this order:

1. Contact Details
   Include your full name, phone number, email address, and city of residence (no need for full address). Avoid including personal details like age, marital status, or a photo—these are not required in the UK.

2. Personal Profile (Summary)
   A short paragraph (3–5 lines) summarising who you are, your key strengths, and your career goals. Keep it concise and tailored to the specific role.

3. Key Skills
   List relevant skills in bullet points—such as communication, project management, or technical expertise—matched to the job description.

4. Work Experience
   List your employment history in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
   For each role, include:

   • Job title, employer, and dates of employment

   • A few bullet points describing key responsibilities and achievements using active verbs (e.g., “managed,” “developed,” “delivered”).

5. Education
   Include your qualifications, starting with the most recent. Mention the degree, institution, and year of completion. You can also include relevant coursework or academic achievements.

6. Additional Sections (Optional)
   Depending on your background, you can add:

   • Certifications or professional memberships

   • Volunteer work

   • Languages or technical skills

   • Interests (if relevant and professional)

2. Formatting Tips

• Keep it clear, consistent, and professional — use a simple font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, size 10–12).

• Keep the document to two A4 pages maximum.

• Use bullet points for readability and consistent formatting for headings and dates.

• Save and send your CV as a PDF to preserve layout.

3. Final Checks

Before submitting, tailor your CV to the specific job. Ensure that your profile, skills, and experience directly reflect the requirements listed in the job description. Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.