Overview
In the UK, the CV (Curriculum Vitae) is the standard document for job applications. A typical UK CV is 2 pages. It differs from a US resume in that it is generally longer and can include a personal statement/profile at the top. Photos are generally not included. Personal information like date of birth is now largely omitted to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
Key CV Guidance
Including a photo on a UK CV is not standard practice and may raise concerns under the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination based on age, race, sex, disability, and other characteristics. Most UK employers do not expect or want photos on CVs.
Including your date of birth is no longer standard practice in the UK. Under the Equality Act 2010, age is a protected characteristic. Most UK careers advisors and employers recommend omitting date of birth.
Marital status is not included on UK CVs. It is not relevant to most employment decisions and including it is not recommended.
Nationality is not typically included. Work authorization status or right to work in the UK (e.g., "British citizen", "Settled status") may be relevant for immigration-related applications.
Length & Formatting
The standard UK CV is 2 A4 pages. Early-career or recent graduates may submit 1 page. Senior professionals may occasionally use 3 pages if genuinely necessary. Academic CVs can be longer.
Clean, consistent formatting on A4 paper size. Use clear headings. Avoid excessive design elements for most industries. Some creative industries may expect more visual CVs. Save as PDF.
ATS are used by many UK employers. Use standard section headings and include relevant keywords from the job description. Avoid text boxes, tables for key content, and unusual fonts.
Work Experience & Education
Reverse chronological order is standard. Use bullet points. Include employer name, job title, location, dates, and key responsibilities and achievements. Quantify achievements where possible.
Include degree classification (e.g., First Class, 2:1, 2:2), institution, and graduation year. A-levels and GCSEs may be included for early-career candidates. Professional qualifications (ACCA, CIPD, etc.) are valued.
A skills section can be included. IT skills, language proficiency, and professional skills are relevant. Some UK CVs integrate skills throughout the experience section rather than listing them separately.
Key Differences — United Kingdom CV
- Called "CV" in the UK (not resume)
- Standard length is 2 A4 pages
- Personal profile/statement at the top is common
- No photo, no date of birth (Equality Act compliance)
- Degree classification is typically included
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making the CV too long (over 2 pages for most roles)
- Including a photo
- Including date of birth
- Not including a personal profile/professional summary
- Spelling in US English instead of British English
Official Sources
This guidance is based on general UK practice and publicly available information. CV expectations vary by employer, sector, and role. Always check employer-specific guidance.
Use our free CV builder to create a professionally formatted United Kingdom CV with country-specific guidance applied automatically.