UK CV Format: Complete Guide for British Job Seekers
The UK CV has distinct conventions that differ from American resumes. Here's everything you need to craft a CV that impresses British employers.
UK vs US Resume: Key Differences
| Feature | UK CV | US Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Terminology | CV (Curriculum Vitae) | Resume |
| Length | 2 pages standard (academic CVs can be longer) | 1 page preferred |
| Personal Details | Full address, sometimes date of birth | City/state only, no DOB |
| Photo | Not expected (discouraged for equality) | Not expected |
| Spelling | British English (organised, programme, analyse) | American English (organized, program, analyze) |
| References | "References available upon request" or 2 referees listed | Not included |
Standard UK CV Structure
1. Personal Details
Full name, full address (postcode included), phone, email. LinkedIn URL optional.
2. Personal Profile (3-4 lines)
Brief summary of your professional identity and career goals.
3. Education & Qualifications
Degree, institution, classification (First, 2:1, 2:2), year. A-levels for entry-level roles.
4. Work Experience
Reverse chronological. Employer, role, dates (Month Year), bullet points of achievements.
5. Skills & Interests
Technical skills, languages, and relevant hobbies. Keep interests brief.
6. References
"References available upon request" is standard. List 2 referees if space allows.
British Spelling Conventions
American spelling on a UK CV is an immediate red flag:
UK Job Boards
- Reed.co.uk — UK's largest job board with CV builder tools
- Indeed UK — Aggregator with strong local listings
- CV-Library — CV-first platform where employers find you
- Totaljobs — Broad range of industries across the UK
- Glassdoor UK — Salary data + job listings
- LinkedIn UK — Essential for professional and corporate roles
NHS CV Format
- Full employment history with no gaps (explain any gaps)
- GMC/NMC registration number if applicable
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) record
- NHS values alignment statement
- Names of referees including clinical supervisors
Common Mistakes for UK Applicants
Using American spelling on a UK CV
Use British English throughout: "organised" not "organized", "programme" not "program", "analyse" not "analyze".
Including a photo
UK employers discourage photos to prevent bias. Only include one if specifically requested (e.g., acting roles).
Writing more than 2 pages
Stick to 2 pages. Academic or medical CVs are the exception. Use concise bullets, not paragraphs.
Listing irrelevant personal details
Avoid age, marital status, religion, or nationality. UK equality law makes these unnecessary and potentially problematic.
Not tailoring for the specific UK industry
NHS CVs follow a strict format. Finance CVs emphasise qualifications (ACA, CFA). Tech CVs focus on projects and GitHub.
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