A CV that works well in another country can quietly fail in the UK job market. UK employers have clear, often unspoken expectations around CV structure, content, and presentation. If your CV does not align with these expectations, it may be rejected before your skills are ever considered.
This guide explains exactly what a UK CV should look like in 2026, why these standards exist, and how to structure your CV so it passes screening and leads to interviews.
For a complete overview of the UK hiring system, read UK Jobs and Careers: The Complete Guide for Job Seekers (2026 Edition).
Why UK CV Standards Matter
UK recruiters review large volumes of applications under time pressure. As a result, they rely on familiar formats and clear signals of relevance.
A strong UK CV helps recruiters quickly answer three questions:
Who is this candidate professionally?
Can they do this job?
Are they worth interviewing?
If your CV makes these answers unclear, it works against you.
How Long a UK CV Should Be
Standard Length Expectations
For most roles in the UK:
One page is acceptable for graduates and entry level candidates
Two pages is standard for experienced professionals
More than two pages is rarely recommended
Longer CVs are often seen as unfocused unless you are applying for academic or highly specialised roles.
Why Two Pages Works Best
Two pages allow enough space to show impact without overwhelming the reader. UK recruiters prefer concise, relevant information over exhaustive career histories.
Correct Structure of a UK CV
A well structured UK CV follows a predictable order. This is not accidental. It helps both recruiters and applicant tracking systems process your information efficiently.
1. Contact Details
Include:
Full name
Phone number
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile if relevant
Do not include:
Date of birth
Marital status
Nationality
Full home address
City and region are sufficient if location matters.
2. Personal Profile
Your personal profile sits at the top of your CV and sets context for everything that follows.
What UK Employers Expect
A short paragraph that summarises:
Your profession or career focus
Your level of experience
Your key strengths
The type of role you are targeting
Weak Example
A motivated individual seeking a challenging opportunity.
Stronger Example
Project coordinator with five years of experience supporting large scale infrastructure projects across the UK public sector, known for stakeholder management and delivery accuracy.
This tells the recruiter immediately who you are and where you fit.
3. Key Skills Section
The skills section is one of the most scanned parts of a UK CV.
Best Practice
Use bullet points
Focus on job relevant skills
Mirror wording from the job description
Avoid vague traits such as hardworking or team player
Split skills into categories if helpful, such as technical skills and professional skills.
This section is critical for passing applicant tracking systems.
Related reading: Why You Are Not Getting Interviews in the UK
4. Work Experience
This is the most important section of your CV.
Correct Order
List roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
For each role include:
Job title
Employer name
Dates of employment
Location if relevant
Focus on Achievements, Not Duties
UK employers want to see outcomes and impact.
Instead of listing responsibilities, explain what you achieved and how your work added value.
Example
Rather than:
Handled customer enquiries and complaints.
Use:
Resolved customer enquiries with a 95 percent satisfaction rating while reducing complaint escalation rates.
Specifics help recruiters visualise your contribution.
5. Education
For experienced professionals, education is usually placed after work experience.
Include:
Qualification
Institution
Completion year
Grades are optional unless you are a graduate or applying for roles where academic performance is important.
6. Certifications and Additional Information
This section can include:
Professional certifications
Relevant training courses
Language skills
Voluntary work
Keep it relevant. UK recruiters are not looking for hobbies unless they directly support your application.
What Not to Include on a UK CV
Including unnecessary information can weaken your CV.
Avoid:
Photos
Personal interests unrelated to work
Salary history
References available on request
References are assumed and only requested at later stages.
Making Your UK CV ATS Friendly
Why ATS Matters in the UK
Many UK employers use applicant tracking systems to filter applications. These systems scan CVs for keywords, structure, and readability.
A CV that is not ATS friendly may be rejected automatically.
How to Optimise for ATS
Use standard headings
Avoid tables, graphics, and icons
Use a simple font
Save as a Word document unless instructed otherwise
Match keywords from the job description naturally
ATS optimisation is about clarity, not manipulation.
Related reading: ATS Friendly CV Formats for UK Employers
Tailoring Your CV for Each Application
One of the most common mistakes UK job seekers make is using the same CV for every role.
What Tailoring Actually Means
Tailoring does not mean rewriting your entire CV. It means:
Adjusting your personal profile
Reordering skills to match the role
Emphasising the most relevant achievements
Even small changes significantly improve response rates.
Related reading: How to Find a Job in the UK Quickly
UK CV Differences for Specific Job Seekers
Graduates
Graduates should:
Emphasise education and relevant projects
Include internships, placements, and part time work
Highlight transferable skills
Related reading: Graduate and Entry Level Careers in the UK
Career Changers
Career changers should:
Focus on transferable skills
Explain transitions clearly in the profile
Avoid listing unrelated roles in excessive detail
Clarity of narrative is crucial.
International Applicants
If you are applying from outside the UK or are new to the UK job market:
Use UK spelling and terminology
Avoid international CV formats
Highlight UK experience or familiarity where possible
Related reading: Skilled Worker Visa and Right to Work in the UK Explained
Formatting and Presentation Best Practices
A professional UK CV should be:
Easy to scan
Visually clean
Consistent in formatting
Free from spelling and grammar errors
Simple design communicates professionalism and attention to detail.
Common UK CV Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
CVs that are too long
Generic personal profiles
No measurable achievements
Poor formatting
Spelling errors
Irrelevant information
Each of these reduces trust and credibility.
Quick UK CV Checklist
Before submitting your CV, ask:
Is this CV tailored to the role?
Is it two pages or less?
Are achievements clear?
Is the formatting simple and ATS friendly?
Does it reflect UK standards?
If the answer is yes to all, your CV is competitive.