How to Write a CV UK: The Complete Guide to Landing Your Dream Job

Picture this: You’ve spotted the perfect job opening. The role seems tailor-made for you, and you’re buzzing with excitement. But there’s one major hurdle standing between you and that interview—your CV. For many job seekers across the UK, crafting a compelling CV feels like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded. You know you’ve got the skills and experience, but how do you translate that onto two pages in a way that makes hiring managers sit up and take notice?

The truth is, your CV is more than just a summary of where you’ve worked and what you studied. It’s your personal marketing document, your ticket to the interview room, and often the only chance you get to make a first impression. In today’s fiercely competitive job market, where recruiters spend only about 6-7 seconds initially scanning a CV, knowing how to write a CV UK employers will actually read isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Whether you’re a recent graduate taking your first steps into the professional world, a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge, or someone returning to work after a career break, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about writing a standout UK CV in 2025.

Understanding How to Write a CV UK: What Makes British CVs Different?

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of CV writing, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. In the UK, the terms “CV” and “resume” mean the same thing. Unlike in the United States, where a CV is an extensive academic document and a resume is a shorter professional summary, in the UK, most of the world uses the terms “CV” and “resume” interchangeably.

Key Differences in UK CV Format

Understanding what makes a UK CV unique helps you avoid common pitfalls when applying for British jobs:

• Length: UK CVs typically run to two pages (no longer than two sides of A4), though one page works perfectly for those with limited experience
• Personal information: British employers expect minimal personal details—no photos, age, marital status, or date of birth unless specifically requested
• Language: Use British English spelling throughout (labour, not labor; optimise, not optimize)
• Structure: Clean, professional formatting with clear sections and bullet points trumps fancy design every time

Essential Sections: How to Write a CV UK Employers Want to Read

When learning how to write a CV UK recruiters will love, structure matters enormously. Let’s break down each essential section you need to include.

1. Contact Information: Making Yourself Easy to Reach

Your contact details should sit prominently at the top of your CV. Here’s what to include:

Must-have information:

• Full name (enlarged and emboldened to stand out)
• Professional email address (no nicknames—firstname.lastname@email.com works best)
• UK mobile number with +44 dialing code
• Location (city and postcode, not full address)
• LinkedIn profile URL (if you have one that’s current and professional)

What to leave out:

• Date of birth or age
• Marital status
• Nationality (unless applying for roles requiring specific visa status)
• Photograph (unless applying for modeling, acting, or creative roles where appearance is relevant)
• Full home address

2. Personal Statement: Your CV’s Opening Act

A personal statement—also known as a professional profile or CV summary—is a crucial section at the top of your UK CV, typically 3-5 lines long, and serves as your elevator pitch to potential employers.

How to craft a compelling personal statement:

Start with who you are professionally. Mention your current or most recent job title or your field of study if you’re a recent graduate. Then, highlight your most relevant skills and experience, quantifying achievements wherever possible. Finally, signal what you’re looking for and how you can add value to the prospective employer.

Examples of strong personal statements:

For experienced professionals: “Results-driven Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience developing data-led campaigns for e-commerce brands across the UK. Proven track record of increasing conversion rates by 35% and managing multi-channel strategies that delivered £2M in revenue growth. Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing and team leadership to drive growth for an innovative retail technology company.”

For recent graduates: “Enthusiastic Computer Science graduate from the University of Manchester with a First-Class Honours degree. Developed strong programming skills in Python, Java, and SQL through academic projects and a six-month internship at a fintech startup. Passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and eager to contribute fresh ideas to a forward-thinking software development team.”

For career changers: “Commercially astute professional transitioning from five years in hospitality management to human resources. Combines natural aptitude for building relationships with proven ability to manage teams of 15+ staff, reduce turnover by 25%, and resolve conflicts diplomatically. Currently completing CIPD Level 3 certification and eager to bring transferable leadership skills to an HR coordinator role.”

3. Work Experience: Showcasing Your Professional Journey

Your work experience section is where you really prove your worth. Research shows that job seekers who tailor their CV for each job application are around 40% more likely to receive a call for an interview than those who use a generic CV.

Structure your work experience section like this:

• List positions in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• Include job title, company name, location, and dates (month/year format)
• Use 3-6 bullet points per role to describe your responsibilities and achievements
• Start each bullet point with a strong action verb (managed, developed, implemented, increased, led)
• Quantify achievements with numbers, percentages, or monetary values wherever possible

Example of strong work experience entries:

Digital Marketing Specialist
TechStart Solutions, London | March 2021 – Present

• Developed and executed SEO strategies that increased organic traffic by 150% within 12 months
• Managed £50,000 monthly advertising budget across Google Ads and social media platforms
• Led a team of three junior marketers, implementing weekly training sessions that improved campaign performance by 28%
• Created data-driven email marketing campaigns achieving an average open rate of 32% (15% above industry standard)
• Collaborated with the sales team to generate 200+ qualified leads per month through content marketing initiatives

What if you have employment gaps?

Don’t panic. Make sure you explain any gaps in your employment history, such as looking after children or family members. A brief, honest explanation is better than leaving recruiters guessing. If you developed skills during this time—through volunteering, freelance work, online courses, or personal projects—highlight them.

4. Education and Qualifications: Your Academic Foundation

In the UK, the education section is especially important for graduate roles, public sector jobs, and any position where credentials are a key requirement.

How to format your education section:

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order:

• Qualification title (e.g., BA in English Literature, A-Levels, GCSEs)
• Name of institution
• Location
• Dates attended
• Final grades or classification

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Business Management (First Class Honours)
University of Bristol, Bristol | September 2019 – June 2022
Relevant modules: Strategic Marketing, Financial Analysis, Organizational Behaviour
Dissertation: “The Impact of Social Media Marketing on SME Growth” (Grade: 78%)

A-Levels
St. Andrew’s Sixth Form, Reading | September 2017 – June 2019
Economics (A), Mathematics (A), Business Studies (B)

Pro tip: If you graduated more than 10 years ago and have substantial work experience, you can condense your education section to save space for more relevant professional achievements.

5. Skills Section: Highlighting What You Bring to the Table

Employers in 2025 are looking for candidates who not only have technical skills but also possess strong interpersonal abilities, making your skills section more important than ever.

Break your skills into categories:

Technical Skills:

• Software and tools specific to your industry
• Programming languages
• Certifications and licenses
• Industry-specific knowledge

Soft Skills:

• Communication and presentation
• Leadership and team management
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Time management and organization
• Adaptability and flexibility

Pro tip: ATS systems search for specific keywords related to the job description. Ensure your CV includes these keywords to pass the initial screening. However, avoid keyword stuffing—make sure skills flow naturally within your CV content.

6. Additional Sections That Add Value

Depending on your background and the role you’re applying for, consider including:

Certifications and Professional Development:

• Industry-recognized certifications (PMP, CIPD, Google Analytics, etc.)
• Professional training courses
• Relevant workshops or seminars

Languages:

• List languages you speak and your proficiency level (fluent, conversational, basic)
• Particularly valuable for international companies or customer-facing roles

Volunteer Experience:

• Demonstrates character and commitment
• Shows transferable skills if you have limited paid work experience
• Particularly relevant if the volunteering relates to your target industry

Awards and Achievements:

• Industry awards
• Academic prizes
• Notable recognition from previous employers

The Three Main CV Formats: How to Write a CV UK That Fits Your Situation

Choosing the right CV format depends on your career stage and work history. Here’s a breakdown of the three main formats used in the UK:

Reverse Chronological CV: The UK Standard

The reverse-chronological format shows your most recent work experience first, and it’s the most popular resume format in the UK by far. This format works brilliantly when you have a solid work history with clear progression in your field.

Skills-Based CV: For Career Transitions

If you’re changing careers, have significant employment gaps, or are a recent graduate with limited work experience, a skills-based CV lets you showcase transferable abilities rather than focusing on job titles and dates.

Combination CV: The Best of Both Worlds

The hybrid approach gives you flexibility to highlight relevant skills while still providing a chronological work history. It’s particularly effective for professionals who have diverse experience across different roles or industries.

Optimizing Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Here’s something many job seekers don’t realize: before a human even glances at your CV, it might need to pass through an Applicant Tracking System. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs, so it’s essential to create a CV that’s both ATS-friendly and visually appealing.

How to make your CV ATS-friendly:

• Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
• Stick to simple, clean formatting without tables, text boxes, or graphics
• Use a standard font (Arial, Calibri, or Verdana in 10-12pt)
• Save your CV as a Word document (.docx) or PDF, depending on the job posting instructions
• Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your CV
• Avoid headers and footers as ATS often can’t read them
• Spell out acronyms the first time you use them (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”)

How to Write a CV UK: Top Tips for Success

Tailor Every Single CV

I cannot stress this enough: one generic CV won’t cut it anymore. Each application deserves a customized CV that speaks directly to that role and company. Study the job description, identify the key requirements, and adjust your personal statement, work experience bullet points, and skills section accordingly.

Quantify Your Achievements

In 2024, data-driven results are more important than ever. Use metrics to quantify your achievements and show potential employers the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

Instead of writing: “Responsible for social media management”
Write: “Increased Instagram engagement by 85% and grew follower base from 5,000 to 23,000 in six months”

Use Powerful Action Verbs

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that demonstrates your impact:

• Leadership: Led, managed, directed, coordinated, supervised, mentored
• Achievement: Achieved, exceeded, delivered, accomplished, attained
• Improvement: Increased, improved, enhanced, optimized, strengthened
• Creation: Developed, designed, created, established, launched, built
• Analysis: Analyzed, assessed, evaluated, investigated, researched

Keep It Concise and Scannable

Remember those 6-7 seconds recruiters spend on initial CV scans? Make every word count:

• Use bullet points instead of dense paragraphs
• Keep sentences short and punchy
• Include plenty of white space
• Use clear section headings
• Aim for two pages maximum (one page for graduates or those with limited experience)

Proofread Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does)

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are CV killers. They suggest carelessness and lack of attention to detail—neither qualities employers want. Consider using a grammar checker like Grammarly or QuillBot before submitting your resume, just to make sure everything is spotless.

Better yet:

• Read your CV aloud to catch awkward phrasing
• Ask a trusted friend or family member to review it
• Step away for a day and come back with fresh eyes
• Check that all dates, company names, and job titles are accurate

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

Including Irrelevant Information

Your stint as a paper round deliverer 15 years ago? Probably not relevant if you’re applying for a senior marketing role. Keep your CV focused on experiences and skills that relate to the job you want.

Using Clichés and Buzzwords

Phrases like “hardworking team player,” “thinks outside the box,” and “go-getter” are so overused they’ve become meaningless. Instead, demonstrate these qualities through concrete examples of what you’ve achieved.

Lying or Exaggerating

Lying on your CV is a risky idea. Even if you’re only exaggerating, you could be refused interviews, harm your reputation, and even lose your job if you’re caught out. Honesty is always the best policy.

Poor Formatting and Design

While you want your CV to look professional, don’t go overboard with design elements. Stick to:

• Professional fonts (Arial, Calibri, Verdana)
• Consistent formatting throughout
• Black text on white background
• Clear section divisions
• Adequate margins and white space

Including References on Your CV

Don’t waste valuable CV space listing references. Simply note “References available upon request” at the end, or better yet, omit this entirely and provide references when asked.

Writing a CV UK When You Have No Experience

If you’re entering the job market for the first time, don’t despair. You almost certainly have experience from other parts of your life that you can draw on. Extracurricular clubs and activities, the Duke of Edinburgh award, voluntary work, pocket money jobs, school, or college responsibilities all count.

Focus on:

• Academic achievements and relevant coursework
• Projects and dissertations related to your target industry
• Transferable skills from part-time jobs, volunteering, or student societies
• Technical skills and software proficiency
• Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Example personal statement for a graduate:

“Motivated Business Administration graduate with a 2:1 degree from Leeds University. Led a team of five students in developing a marketing strategy for a local charity, resulting in a 40% increase in donations. Completed three-month internship at Smith & Associates, supporting the accounts department and developing proficiency in Excel and QuickBooks. Strong communicator with excellent organizational skills, eager to begin my career in a fast-paced accounting environment.”

How to Write a CV UK for Career Changers

Transitioning to a new industry? Your CV needs to bridge the gap between where you’ve been and where you’re going. When you want to change direction in your career, it’s best to focus on transferable skills in your summary, explaining how these will benefit the new company.

Strategies for career changers:

• Lead with a strong personal statement explaining your career transition
• Emphasize transferable skills that apply to your new field
• Include relevant training, courses, or certifications you’re pursuing
• Highlight achievements that demonstrate abilities valued in your target industry
• Consider a skills-based or combination CV format

The Power of Continuous Improvement

Two-thirds (66%) of UK professionals now feel increased pressure to upskill compared to just a year ago, highlighting the importance of ongoing professional development. Your CV should evolve with your career.

Keep your CV current by:

• Updating it after completing projects or achieving significant milestones
• Adding new skills, certifications, and training as you acquire them
• Refreshing your personal statement to reflect your current career goals
• Removing outdated information as you gain more relevant experience
• Saving different versions tailored to different types of roles

Final Checklist: Before You Hit Send

Before submitting your CV, run through this final checklist:

✓ All contact information is current and professional
✓ Personal statement is tailored to the specific role
✓ Work experience demonstrates quantifiable achievements
✓ Keywords from the job description appear naturally throughout
✓ Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are flawless
✓ Formatting is consistent and professional
✓ File is named professionally (e.g., “FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf”)
✓ CV is saved in the format requested by the employer
✓ Document is no longer than two pages
✓ All dates and information are accurate

Taking the Next Step

Writing a compelling CV is both an art and a science. It requires you to showcase your professional story in a way that’s authentic, compelling, and tailored to each opportunity you pursue. While the process might feel daunting at first, remember that every successful professional has been exactly where you are now, staring at a blank page and wondering how to capture their worth in words.

The key to mastering how to write a CV UK employers love is practice, personalization, and persistence. Start with the fundamentals we’ve covered—strong structure, clear content, quantified achievements—and refine your approach based on the response you receive. Track which versions of your CV generate interviews and which don’t. Learn from each application and continuously improve.

Your CV is your story. Make it one that employers want to be part of. Armed with the strategies, examples, and insights from this guide, you’re now equipped to create a CV that doesn’t just list what you’ve done—it shows hiring managers what you’re capable of achieving next.

Remember, in today’s competitive UK job market, a well-crafted CV isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your essential tool for opening doors to exciting opportunities. So take the time to get it right, keep it updated, and tailor it for every application.

Your dream job is out there. Now go write the CV that helps you land it.

Further Resources for How to Write a CV UK

For additional guidance on CV writing and career development:

• National Careers Service – Free, impartial career advice from the UK government
• Prospects UK Graduate Careers – Comprehensive resources for graduates and professionals

By following this guide and utilizing these resources, you’ll be well-positioned to create a powerful CV that captures attention and opens doors in your career journey.

Read also: How to Find a Job in the UK: Your Complete 2025 Success Guide