UK CV Format: How to Write a British CV.
In the UK, the document is called a CV rather than a resume. It's usually a little longer than a US resume, typically two pages, and opens with a short personal statement.
- Right format in one click
- Live ATS checks
- Text-based PDF
The British CV at a Glance.
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers shouldn't base decisions on age, marital status or appearance, so UK CVs leave out photos, date of birth and other personal details.
- Length
- Two A4 pages is the norm
- Photo
- No, except for some acting and modelling roles
- Personal details
- No date of birth, marital status or nationality
- Paper size
- A4
- Spelling
- British English: organised, programme, CV
- References
- Optional line: "References available on request"
Sections, in Order.
- 1
Contact details
Name, town or city, phone, email and LinkedIn.
- 2
Personal statement
A short paragraph on who you are, what you offer and what you want next.
- 3
Key skills
Core competencies matched to the job advert.
- 4
Employment history
Reverse-chronological, with achievements for each role.
- 5
Education and qualifications
Degrees, A-levels or equivalents, and professional qualifications.
- 6
References
Usually "available on request" rather than names.
Do This, Not That.
Do
- Open with a tailored personal statement.
- Use British spelling throughout.
- Explain employment gaps briefly and honestly.
- Include your right to work in the UK if you're an international applicant.
Avoid
- Adding a photo or your date of birth.
- Going beyond two pages for most roles.
- Using US spelling or US Letter paper.
- Listing hobbies that add nothing to the application.
Pick the Country. We Handle the Rest.
- Pick the British CV format and the layout adapts for you
- Photo, personal details and headings set the way employers expect
- Live ATS checks while you write
- A clean, text-based PDF ready to send
British CV
Questions.
Still unsure? Our team answers every message, usually within one business day.
Contact SupportHow long should a UK CV be?
Two A4 pages is the usual length. Graduates may only need one; academic CVs can be longer.
Should I put my photo on a UK CV?
No. Photos are not expected in the UK and can expose employers to discrimination concerns, so most recruiters prefer CVs without them.
Do I need to list references on my CV?
No. It's common to write "References available on request" or leave references off entirely and share them later in the process.
Other resume formats
Also useful: our free ATS resume checker, the resume templates and the AI resume builder.
Write Your British CV Today.
Start free, then switch to the United Kingdom format with Pro. Your content stays the same while the layout, headings and personal details adapt.