How to write a CV in the UK: a simple guide

Keep it to two pages

Most UK employers expect a CV of one to two pages. Recent experience matters most.

Use this order

• Your name and contact details: town, email and phone.
• Profile: three or four sentences about what you're good at and what you want next.
• Skills: a few short groups.
• Experience: most recent first, with two to five bullet points per role.
• Education and training: qualifications and useful courses.
• Anything else useful: volunteering, languages, a driving licence.

Write bullets that show results

Start each bullet with a strong verb and say what changed. "Trained six new starters, cutting the time to work alone from a month to two weeks" beats "Responsible for training". Use numbers when you know them, and never invent them.

Leave these out

• Date of birth, age and photo. UK employers don't need them.
• Marital status, nationality and religion.
• "References available on request". It's assumed.
• Long paragraphs. Recruiters skim.

Make it readable by software

Many employers use applicant tracking systems that read your CV automatically. Use a simple layout with clear headings, avoid putting text in images or tables, and save as PDF or Word unless they ask otherwise.

Tailor it for each job

Move the most relevant skills and achievements to the top, and use the job advert's words where they truthfully apply. KindHire's CV builder can tailor your CV to any advert in about a minute.