The plainest possible structure: bold name, one contact line, ruled section headings.
One column · IBM Plex SansUK CV template and format
In the UK, the document you send with a job application is usually called a CV. It is closer to a US resume than to an academic CV: a focused summary of your experience, skills and education, most recent first. Start from a template below and the editor uses UK settings: A4 paper, no photo and no personal details beyond your contact information.
At a glance
- Usually called
- CV
- Length
- Two pages is common; one page for graduates
- Paper
- A4
- Photo
- Usually left out
- Personal details
- Name, phone, email and town or city. Leave out date of birth, marital status and nationality
- References
- Not needed on the CV; employers ask for them later
Common practice, not fixed rules. Employers differ, so follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
Sections to include, in order
- Contact details. Name, phone, email, town or city, and a LinkedIn or portfolio link if it helps.
- Personal profile. Three or four lines on who you are, what you do well and the role you want.
- Work experience. Most recent first. Job title, employer, location, month and year, and points that show results.
- Education. Degree, university and year. Add A levels or GCSEs only early in your career.
- Skills. Tools, methods and languages that match the job ad.
- Optional sections. Certifications, volunteering, projects or languages when they support the application.
Tips
- Use British spelling (organise, programme) for UK employers.
- Write dates as month and year, for example Mar 2022 to Present.
- Explain a long gap in one line rather than leaving it blank.
- If you need a visa, some applicants add a short line about their right to work. It is optional.
Example personal profile
Operations manager with eight years in retail logistics. Led a team of 14 across two distribution sites and cut late deliveries by a third. Looking for a regional operations role with a growing business.
Templates that suit this format
Use template starts with United Kingdom & Ireland settings: A4 paper and no photo. You can change them in the editor at any time.
A conservative single column in serif type. One reading order with standard section headings.
One column · Source Serif 4Contemporary sans-serif type, a restrained accent color and headings in a slim left column.
One column, headings in a left column · IBM Plex SansA large serif name and section labels in a quiet left margin, like a magazine page.
One column, labels in a left margin · Fraunces + InterThe Standard structure in a classic serif with navy headings.
One column · Source Serif 4Generous whitespace and a quiet hierarchy that lets your experience speak for itself.
One column · Nunito SansQuestions
Is a UK CV the same as a resume?
For most jobs, yes. In the UK people say CV where Americans say resume. The main differences are A4 paper, British spelling and a CV that often runs to two pages.
Should a UK CV have a photo?
Usually not. Most UK employers do not expect one, and leaving it out keeps the focus on your experience. Acting and modelling are the common exceptions.
How long should a UK CV be?
Two A4 pages is common for experienced candidates. Graduates and people early in their career usually fit everything on one page.
Do I need to list references?
No. Employers usually ask for referees after an interview. You can leave the section out or add a short line saying references are available on request.
Already have a CV?
Upload it to the free ATS checker to see how it reads, then open it in the editor to change the format.