How to Write a UK CV: Format, Length and Examples
By Zyctra Team · · 7 min read
A UK CV has a fairly standard shape. Getting the format right tells recruiters you understand the local job market — especially important if you are applying from abroad.
Length and layout
- Two A4 pages is the norm. One page is fine for school leavers and graduates; senior academics and some specialists go longer.
- Reverse chronological order (most recent first).
- Clean, simple formatting with clear headings.
- British spelling: organised, programme, colour.
What not to include
Under UK equality norms, leave out your photo, date of birth or age, marital status, religion and nationality. Don't include your full home address — town or city and postcode area is enough.
Sections in order
1. Contact details
Name, phone, professional email, town/city, LinkedIn. If you are an international applicant, add a line about your right to work, for example "Skilled Worker visa holder" or "Eligible for sponsorship" if that is honestly the case.
2. Personal profile
Three or four lines summarising who you are, your key strengths and what you are looking for. Tailor it to each role.
3. Key skills (optional but useful)
Six to ten skills matching the job description.
4. Employment history
Job title, employer, location and dates, followed by four to six bullet points focused on achievements. Use numbers wherever you can.
5. Education
Degree, university, dates and classification (e.g. "BSc Biomedical Science, 2:1"). School leavers and recent graduates can add A-levels and GCSEs; experienced candidates usually don't need them. For overseas qualifications, you can give the UK equivalent if you know it.
6. Certifications, training and memberships
Professional registrations (e.g. NMC, GMC, HCPC, CIPD, ACCA) are often essential — make them easy to find.
7. Interests (optional)
Only if they add something: leadership in a club, volunteering, achievements.
8. References
Leave them out or write "References available on request". Employers will ask for them later.
Always send a cover letter
Unless told otherwise, include a short cover letter or supporting statement. For NHS and public sector roles, the supporting statement is often the most important part of the application — address every point of the person specification.
Convert your CV to UK format
If your current CV follows another country's style — with a photo, date of birth and three pages — upload it to Zyctra's CV builder and choose United Kingdom. Zyctra removes what UK employers don't want, restructures it, and rewrites it in British English.
Topics: CV Writing, United Kingdom, Job Search