A UK CV is usually two pages, reverse chronological, and written without a photo or date of birth. UK recruiters expect the word 'CV', a short personal statement, and evidence in British spelling.
Last reviewed 2026-10-25
At a glance
- Typical length
- 2 pages
- Document name
- CV
- Photo
- Usually omitted
- Date of birth
- Usually omitted
- References
- On request, or omit
What a UK CV includes
Most UK CVs open with a short personal statement of three or four lines, then list experience in reverse chronological order, followed by education, skills, and certifications. Recruiters expect to see the most recent role first and a clear date range for every entry.
Two pages is the common default. A one-page CV is acceptable for a first job or a tightly targeted application; three pages is usually reserved for academic, medical, or senior roles where a full publication or project record is expected.
- A personal statement that names the role and your strongest evidence.
- Dates written month and year, with no unexplained gaps.
- British spelling and terminology — 'organisation', 'CV', 'GCSEs'.
- Right-to-work status when the posting asks for it.
What UK employers usually do not want
Photos, date of birth, marital status, and nationality are commonly left off. They are not relevant to most hiring decisions and can introduce bias, so many recruiters prefer a CV without them.
A full home address is also unnecessary. City and region are enough, plus an email and phone number. Referee details belong on request or on a separate sheet, not in the body of the CV.
- No photo unless the employer explicitly asks.
- No date of birth or marital status.
- No 'References available on request' line — it uses space without adding information.
- No walls of text; use short bullets with outcomes.
CV or resume?
In the UK, 'CV' is the standard term for a document used in most job applications. 'Resume' is understood but reads as an American import. Use 'CV' in the document title and in any covering email.
Academic CVs are a separate genre: they can run many pages and include publications, grants, and teaching experience. Do not apply academic length to a commercial role.
Common mistakes
- Titling the document 'Resume' when applying to a UK employer.
- Including a photo, date of birth, or marital status by default.
- Using American spelling inconsistently with the posting.
- Leaving unexplained gaps without a short, neutral note.
UK CV format FAQs
How long should a UK CV be?
Two pages for most roles. One page is fine for a first job; three or more is normally only for academic, medical, or senior appointments that need a full record.
Should a UK CV have a photo?
Usually no. Most employers do not expect one, and many recruiters prefer to review CVs without identifying details. Include one only if the posting asks.
Do I need to put my date of birth on a UK CV?
No. It is commonly omitted. The same applies to marital status and nationality unless the role has a genuine right-to-work requirement.
Should I write 'CV' or 'resume'?
Use 'CV' for UK employers. 'Resume' is understood but signals an application written for a different market.
Resume examples for this market
Other country guides
- Canadian resume format
- Australian resume format
- Indian resume format
- German CV (Lebenslauf) format
- UAE CV format
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