What a UK CV looks like
In the UK and Ireland, the standard document is a CV (curriculum vitae), usually two pages. Graduates and career changers can keep it to one.
Structure
- Contact details: name, email, phone, city. A photo is not expected.
- Personal statement: three or four lines on who you are and what you offer.
- Work experience: reverse chronological, with achievements rather than duties.
- Education and qualifications: include A-levels or degree classification where relevant.
- Skills and interests: brief and relevant.
References
Write References available on request, or list two if the application asks. Right-to-work status is worth stating if you are not a UK citizen.
City notes
London
Competition is high in finance, tech and creative sectors. Lead with concrete results and keep formatting clean so ATS software can read it.
Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham
Strong digital, media and professional-services markets. Show local relevance where true, such as remote or hybrid availability.
Edinburgh and Glasgow
Finance, life sciences and public-sector roles are common. Public-sector forms often ask you to address criteria directly, so mirror the wording of the job description.
Spelling and tone
Use British English (organised, programme). Avoid slang and keep the tone professional.
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