United Kingdom CV Tips & Format Requirements

How do I Write a UK CV in 2026?

To write a strong UK CV in 2025, focus on clarity, relevance, and measurable impact. Most hiring managers scan quickly, so your goal is to make your fit obvious within seconds.

• Choose the right UK CV format (most people should use reverse chronological). Use a reverse chronological CV (most recent experience first) for most applications. A skills-based/functional CV can work if you’re changing careers, returning to work, or have limited experience. It should still include evidence such as projects, placements, and outcomes, plus clear dates where possible.
• Start with a professional CV header. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and (optionally) LinkedIn or a portfolio. For location, your city/region is usually enough. Avoid personal details like a photo, date of birth, marital status, or nationality unless an employer explicitly requests something specific.
• Write a tailored personal statement (2 to 4 lines). Add a short summary at the top that answers: Who are you? What are you good at? What role are you targeting? Keep it specific to the job and avoid vague claims like “hard-working team player” without proof.
• Add a clear key skills section (matched to the job description). Include 6 to 10 relevant skills and tools the employer is looking for. This helps both recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) quickly identify your fit. Prioritise skills you can demonstrate in your experience section.
• Write work experience in a results-first way. List roles in reverse chronological order. For each job include your title, company, location, dates (month/year), and 3 to 6 bullet points. Focus on achievements and outcomes, not just responsibilities. Where possible, add evidence like percentages, time saved, revenue impact, cost reductions, customer satisfaction, volume handled, or process improvements.
• Include education and qualifications (most recent first). Add your degree or qualification, institution, and dates. If you’re early in your career, include relevant modules, coursework, or a strong classification or grade. If you’re experienced, keep education brief unless it’s essential for the role.
• Add certifications and optional sections only if they strengthen your application. Good optional sections include certifications, training, projects, volunteering, awards, and languages. Keep these relevant. Extra sections should support the role, not fill space.
• Final check: make it easy to scan and error-free. Use clear headings, consistent formatting, and bullet points. Avoid long paragraphs. Most UK CVs are 1 to 2 pages. Proofread carefully, and tailor your CV for each role by adjusting keywords, skills, and the top achievements you highlight.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

Our Predictions For 2026 UK CV Trends

These are practical trends we expect to see more often in UK CVs in 2026, based on how recruiters review applications and how many employers use ATS to shortlist candidates.

1) Results-first CV bullets are becoming more common

UK CVs that perform well often focus on outcomes and measurable impact, not just responsibilities.

What to do:

• Start bullets with strong action verbs
• Add metrics where possible such as revenue, cost savings, time saved, volume, conversion rate, or customer satisfaction
• Use a simple structure such as action, scope, result

Example:

• Improved customer response time from 48 hours to 12 hours by redesigning inbox triage and templates
• Increased organic traffic by 45% in 12 months through technical SEO fixes and content updates

2) Personal statements are shorter and more specific

Many candidates are moving away from long introductions and using a brief summary that clearly matches the role.

What to do:

• Keep it to 2 to 4 lines
• Include your job title, years of experience, and key strengths
• Align it with the role you are applying for

Example:

• Digital Marketing Manager with 6+ years of experience across e-commerce and retail. Strong in SEO, paid media, and conversion optimisation. Looking to lead growth campaigns in a data-led, high-performing team.

3) Skills sections are more keyword-aligned with job descriptions

Skills sections are often used to reflect the language employers use in job postings, which can also support ATS screening.

What to do:

• List 8 to 12 relevant skills that appear in the job description
• Include tools, platforms, and methods where relevant
• Avoid long lists of generic soft skills without evidence

Example skills list:

• Stakeholder management
• Project coordination
• Excel reporting
• Data analysis
• Process improvement
• CRM tools
• Customer support operations
• Budget tracking

4) Clear formatting matters for both ATS and recruiters

Simple, consistent formatting can make a CV easier to read and easier to process through applicant tracking systems.

What to do:

• Use standard section headings such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications
• Use consistent date formatting such as Jan 2023 to Mar 2025
• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
• Avoid icons, text boxes, heavy tables, and overly complex layouts

5) Tools and systems are being listed more often across roles

Many employers expect candidates to be comfortable with common workplace tools, even outside technical roles.

What to do:

• Include the tools you used in your role, especially if they are mentioned in the job posting
• Be specific and credible, only list tools you can use confidently

Examples:

• Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Power BI
• HubSpot, Salesforce, Zendesk
• Jira, Trello, Asana
• Google Analytics, Looker Studio

6) Career breaks are explained more clearly and confidently

Career gaps are common, and a short explanation can help provide context when needed.

What to do:

• Use a short explanation if helpful such as parental leave, study, relocation, or caregiving
• Include relevant learning, volunteering, freelance work, or projects during the gap

Example:

• Career break, 2023 to 2024. Completed Google Data Analytics Certificate and supported a local charity with reporting and admin.

7) CVs are more tailored per application

A CV that is adjusted for the specific role often performs better than a generic version sent to multiple employers.

What to do:

• Adjust your personal statement to match the role
• Reorder skills to reflect the job priorities
• Swap in the most relevant achievements for the role

8) Optional sections are used more strategically

Extra sections can add value when they support the role, but they are less effective when they fill space without relevance.

What to include when relevant:

• Certifications and training
• Projects
• Volunteer experience
• Languages
• Awards and achievements

What to avoid:

• Hobbies that do not support the job
• Overlong lists of courses with no relevance
• References on the CV unless specifically requested

How to Format a UK CV?

To format a UK CV correctly, use a structure that is easy to scan, clearly shows your most relevant experience, and fits typical UK recruiter expectations. In most cases, a UK CV should be 1 to 2 pages long, use clear headings, and list experience and education in reverse chronological order.

There are three common UK CV formats:

• Reverse chronological CV format
• Combination CV format
• Functional CV format

Reverse Chronological CV Format for UK

A reverse chronological CV lists your work history starting with your most recent role. This is the most common CV format used in the UK because it makes your recent experience and career progression easy to understand.

Best for:

• Candidates with professional work experience
• Applicants applying within the same field or industry
• Roles where recent experience is the strongest selling point

Key features:

• Work experience appears near the top of the CV
• Jobs are listed from most recent to oldest
• Bullet points focus on achievements and measurable results

Functional CV Format for UK

A functional CV, also known as a skills-based CV, highlights skills and strengths first and places less emphasis on job-by-job history. This format can be helpful for certain candidates, but many employers still expect to see an employment history section with job titles and dates.

Best for:

• Entry-level candidates with limited work experience
• Career changers who want to highlight transferable skills
• Applicants returning to work after a career break

Key features:

• Skills are grouped into categories such as “Communication” or “Leadership”
• Each skill group includes short evidence-based bullet points
• Work history is usually shorter and placed later in the CV

Combination CV Format for UK

A combination CV, also called a hybrid CV, combines a strong skills section with a reverse chronological work experience section. It allows you to highlight key strengths while still showing a clear employment timeline.

Best for:

• Candidates with relevant skills who also have solid work experience
• Applicants moving into a new role type within the same industry
• Professionals applying to roles that require both technical and transferable skills

Key features:

• Starts with a skills summary or key skills section
• Includes a full work experience section in reverse chronological order
• Makes it easier to connect skills directly to your achievements

UK CV Rules (UK Recruiter Expectations)

Use UK CV conventions: In the United Kingdom, employers typically ask for a CV. A standard UK CV is a clear summary of your experience, skills, and qualifications, usually presented in reverse chronological order.

Write in British English: Use UK spelling and wording throughout your CV. Examples include “organisation” not “organization”, “optimise” not “optimize”, and “programme” not “program”.

Keep it concise: Most UK CVs should be 1 to 2 pages of A4. Focus on the most relevant experience and achievements and remove older or unrelated details if space is limited.

Avoid unnecessary personal details: Do not include a photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality, or gender. Keep personal information limited to professional contact details such as your name, phone number, email address, and location.

Prioritise achievements over responsibilities: Use bullet points that show results and impact. Where possible, include measurable outcomes such as percentages, revenue, cost savings, time saved, or performance improvements.

Templates: Browse through our gallery of UK resume templates.

UK CV Layout and Section Order

Recommended CV order:

1. Contact details
2. Personal statement (optional)
3. Key skills
4. Work experience
5. Education
6. Certifications (if relevant)
7. Optional sections (languages, volunteering, awards, projects)

Photo: A photo is not usually expected on a UK CV. In most industries, it is better to leave it out unless the employer specifically requests one or you work in a field where appearance is directly relevant.

Personal details: Keep personal information minimal. Include your name, phone number, email address, and location. A full address is often unnecessary, but you can include it if an employer asks. Do not include details like date of birth, marital status, or nationality.

Personal statement: You can start your CV with a short personal statement, usually 2 to 5 lines. It should summarise your experience level, key strengths, and the type of role you are applying for. Personal statements are optional, but they can help you stand out when tailored to the job.

Work experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Use bullet points to highlight achievements and impact. Where possible, include measurable results rather than only listing responsibilities.

Education: List education from most recent to least recent. Include qualification titles, institution names, and dates. Education typically comes after work experience, unless you are a recent graduate or applying for a role where academic background is the strongest part of your profile.

Optional Sections to Include on a UK CV

Skills: Include a separate skills section to highlight key skills quickly. Focus on skills that match the job description and that you can demonstrate through your experience.

Volunteer experience: Volunteer work can strengthen your CV, especially if it shows transferable skills or relevant experience. You can include it in a separate section or within your work experience, but clearly label it as volunteer work.

Languages: List languages if they are relevant to the role or helpful in a UK workplace. If possible, include your proficiency level.

References: You do not need to include references on your CV. Employers typically ask for references later in the hiring process.

UK CV Examples

Administration UK CV Example

Retail UK CV Example

Professional British CV Example

Engineer UK CV Example

Marketing UK CV Example

Management UK CV Example

Accounting UK CV Example

How to Write a Personal Statement for a UK CV in 2026

A personal statement - also known as a professional profile or CV summary - is a crucial section at the top of your UK CV. It’s typically 3–5 lines long and should give hiring managers a snapshot of your experience, skills, and career goals.

This section helps you make a strong first impression, especially in competitive UK job markets. In 2025, recruiters expect tailored personal statements that clearly demonstrate why you're a strong match for the role.

What to Include in Your UK CV Personal Statement

• Who you are: Start with your job title or professional identity (e.g., "Experienced Marketing Manager" or "Recent Computer Science Graduate").
• What you offer: Mention your top skills, industry knowledge, or years of experience relevant to the job.
• What you're looking for: State your career goal or the type of role you’re targeting, aligning it with the employer’s needs.

Example of a UK CV Personal Statement

“Results-driven Digital Marketing Manager with over 6 years of experience developing data-led campaigns for e-commerce brands across the UK and Europe. Proven track record in increasing conversion rates and managing multi-channel strategies. Now seeking to bring my expertise to a fast-growing retail tech company.”

How to Write a Core Skills Section for a UK CV

The Core Skills section (also called "Key Skills" or "Professional Skills") is one of the most important parts of a UK CV. In 2025, recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) often scan for skills within seconds. A well-written skills section can:

• Highlight your strengths right away
• Improve readability for hiring managers
• Increase your chances of passing ATS filters

This section is especially helpful for:

• Entry-level job seekers who need to showcase value beyond experience
• Career changers who want to highlight transferable skills
• Technical professionals who need to list platforms, tools, or methods

How to Write the Core Skills Section on a UK CV

• Use bullet points or a two-column layout to make it easy to scan
• List 6 to 10 relevant skills that match the job you’re applying for
• Include both hard and soft skills, such as “Excel proficiency” or “Team Leadership”
• Tailor the skills to each job description using language the employer uses

Example Core Skills Section (Marketing Role in London)

Core Skills

• SEO and SEM Strategy
• Google Analytics and GA4
• Campaign Management
• Copywriting and Content Marketing
• A/B Testing and Conversion Optimisation
• Stakeholder Communication
• Social Media Strategy
• Budget Management
• CRM Tools (HubSpot, Salesforce)

How to List Education and Qualifications on a UK CV

The Education and Qualifications section on a UK CV tells employers about your academic background, certifications, and relevant training. In the UK, this section is especially important for graduate roles, public sector jobs, and any position where credentials are a key requirement.

What to Include in Your Education Section

• Degree or qualification title (e.g. BA in English Literature)
• Name of the institution (e.g. University of Manchester)
• Dates attended or graduation year
• Grades or classification (e.g. 2:1 Honours, A-levels: AAB)
• Relevant modules or coursework (optional but useful for entry-level roles)

How to Format the Education Section on a UK CV

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. If you have a university degree, you typically don’t need to list your GCSEs in detail unless specifically required.

Example (Graduate or Entry-Level)

Education BA (Hons) Business Management University of Leeds, 2020 – 2023 Achieved: 2:1 Key modules: Strategic Marketing, Organisational Behaviour, Business Analytics

A-Levels Manchester Sixth Form College, 2018 – 2020 Grades: AAB (Economics, Maths, English Literature)

Example (Experienced Professional)

Education and Certifications MSc in Data Science University College London (UCL), 2018 – 2019

BSc in Computer Science University of Bristol, 2015 – 2018

Professional Certification Google Data Analytics Certificate, Coursera, 2022

If you're changing careers or applying to a role that requires specific credentials, consider adding a short "Certifications" or "Training" subsection right below or within this section.

How to Write the Work Experience Section on a UK CV

The Work Experience section is where you prove your value to employers. In the UK job market, hiring managers expect to see clear, results-driven examples of what you've done, where you've worked, and how you made an impact.

How to Structure Work Experience on a UK CV

Use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. For each job, include:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Dates of employment (month and year)
• 4 to 6 bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and achievements

Keep the layout consistent and avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet points that start with strong action verbs and, where possible, include metrics (percentages, time saved, revenue generated, etc.).

Example Work Experience Section (Mid-Level Role)

Digital Marketing Executive BrightAgency, London — Jan 2021 to Present

• Developed and managed paid social campaigns that increased conversions by 22%
• Led SEO strategy, improving organic traffic by 45% in 12 months
• Coordinated with external agencies and in-house designers on multi-channel projects
• Monitored campaign performance using Google Analytics and Data Studio
• Reported monthly KPIs to senior leadership and made data-led optimisation suggestions

Marketing Assistant StartUpX, Manchester — Jul 2019 to Dec 2020

• Created email marketing campaigns with a 28% average open rate
• Managed company LinkedIn and Twitter accounts, growing followers by 35%
• Assisted in organising promotional events and webinars

Tips for Writing Work Experience on a UK CV

• Focus on achievements, not just duties
• Use numbers and results to show impact (e.g. “Reduced churn by 15%”)
• Tailor bullet points to match the skills and requirements in the job description
• Avoid listing every job if you have a long career — focus on the most relevant roles

How to List Certifications on a UK CV

If you hold relevant certifications, list them in a separate Certifications section beneath your Work Experience or Education. This is especially useful in technical fields, project management, finance, healthcare, or any role where formal qualifications strengthen your application.

What to Include

• Certification name
• Issuing organization
• Completion year (or expiry date, if applicable)

Only include certifications that are current, relevant, and recognised in your industry.

Example Certifications Section

Certifications

• PRINCE2 Foundation, AXELOS — 2023
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification — 2022
• First Aid at Work (3-day) — 2024
• Microsoft Excel Expert Certification, MOS — 2022

Additional Sections to Include on a UK CV

To strengthen your CV and show more of who you are, you can add optional sections — especially if they’re relevant to the job.

Languages

If you speak multiple languages, especially in international roles, include a Languages section.

Languages

• English — Native
• Spanish — Intermediate
• French — Basic

Volunteer Experience

This is useful for entry-level candidates or anyone looking to show transferable skills.

Volunteer Experience Fundraising Volunteer British Heart Foundation, 2023

• Organised local events and raised over £2,000 for charity
• Managed digital outreach and community engagement

Awards or Achievements

List notable accomplishments such as scholarships, professional awards, or recognition.

Achievements

• Winner of “Employee of the Year”, BrightAgency — 2023
• Dean’s List, University of Leeds — 2021 and 2022

Ensuring Accurate Contact Details and Final Review of Your CV in 2026

Begin your CV with accurate contact details, such as your telephone number and email address, to ensure employers can easily reach you. Review your CV carefully to ensure it reflects your skills, professional qualifications, and relevant experience. Double-check for errors, tailor the document to the role, and format it for readability to pass ATS and attract the recruiter's attention.

Professional Qualifications

Highlight any certifications, training programs, or professional courses you have completed. This demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and aligns with applicant tracking systems. Examples include industry-specific qualifications, licenses, or short courses that add value to your application.

Key Skills

List your core competencies and strengths in this section. Use bullet points to emphasize skills such as transferable skills, relevant information, and job-specific abilities. Tailor this section to the job description to capture the recruiter's attention effectively.

Work Placements

Include details of internships, apprenticeships, or work placements relevant to the job. This section is especially valuable for recent graduates, showcasing practical experience and relevant achievements that align with the role.

Extracurricular Activities

Detail activities outside work that contribute to your personal and professional development. Focus on activities that demonstrate transferable skills or are relevant to the job, such as volunteering, leadership roles, or team projects.

References

Mention that references are available upon request. This indicates readiness to provide endorsements, which is essential for building trust with potential employers.

Additional Tips

1. Structure your CV in reverse chronological order to align with UK CV standards.

2. Include accurate contact details, such as your telephone number, to ensure easy communication.

3. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure each section is concise and focused on the recruiter's needs.

4. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience and provide evidence of your skills and achievements.

5. Double-check your CV for any errors and format it for readability to pass applicant tracking systems.

Highlighting Extra-Curricular Activities and Transferable Skills for UK Jobs in 2026

Include extra-curricular activities that illustrate transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. These activities, such as volunteering or university societies, should align with the role and demonstrate qualities that are relevant to the job. Use bullet points to clearly explain how these activities have helped you build skills applicable in the workplace, offering a complete picture of your capabilities.

How do I Write a Good UK CV?

To write a good UK CV ensure that you start with the right CV format and then customize the CV based on the job you are applying for. Pick up keywords and skills that are mentioned in the job description and modify your UK CV to show relevant skills and experience.

What Font Should a CV be in the UK?

The following fonts are preferred for a UK CV - Roboto, Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. To give your UK CV a modern look you can select a Sans serif font e.g. Roboto, and for traditional looking CVs you can go for a Serif type font e.g. Times New Roman.

Using a Skills-Based CV Format in 2026 for UK Job Applications

For applicants looking to highlight their transferable skills over a traditional employment history, a skills-based CV is an effective approach. This format is especially suitable for career changers or recent graduates. Organize this section by grouping key skills under clear section headings, such as "Leadership" or "Communication." Use bullet points to provide examples of real-world applications, tailoring the content to include relevant information for the role.

Optimizing Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in 2026

Crafting a CV compatible with applicant tracking systems is crucial in today’s recruitment process. Use industry-specific keywords, such as key skills, professional qualifications, and relevant experience, throughout your CV. Structure the document with clear section headings and format it using bullet points for clarity. Include accurate contact details like your telephone number, and ensure the formatting passes ATS filters seamlessly.

Writing a Tailored Cover Letter to Complement Your 2026 CV

A compelling cover letter expands on your recent achievements and showcases why you're the right person for the job. Use it to emphasize key skills, explain your relevant experience, and address any gaps in your employment history. Ensure the letter complements your CV, aligns with the recruitment process, and reflects the specific requirements of the role.

How Many Pages a UK CV Should Be?

Your CV should be one page if you are either an entry-level or a mid-career professional with less than 15 years of experience. For those who have more than 15 years of experience, a CV can be more than one page.

What Font Size Should my CV be in the UK?

A font size between 10 to 12 is considered easy to read. So make sure that your UK CV’s font size isn’t less than 10, but not greater than 12 either.

Conclusion:

Though CVs in English-speaking countries are very similar, each country has its own nuances that must be observed for best results. When writing a UK CV, pay attention to the specific requirements of each employer and if possible, have someone you trust read over your CV before submitting your application.