UK CV Format Guide
In the United Kingdom the document is called a CV, not a resume — and the expectations are specific. Two pages are standard and accepted, a short personal profile sits at the top, and education history matters more than in the US. Like the US, photos are not expected.
United Kingdom format at a glance
- Photo
- Not used ✗
- Date of birth
- Not used ✗
- Objective statement
- Not used ✗
- Max length
- 2 pages
- Date format
- MM/YYYY
- Section order
- contact → summary → experience → education → skills
Called a CV not a resume. No photo. 2 pages acceptable.
Do
- ✓ Write a 3–4 line personal profile at the top, tailored to the role
- ✓ Use two pages — UK recruiters expect slightly more depth than the US
- ✓ List degrees with UK-equivalent framing if your qualifications are foreign
- ✓ Include right-to-work status if you need visa sponsorship
Don't
- ✗ No photo — UK CVs follow the same no-image convention as the US
- ✗ Don't include date of birth or nationality (since 2010 discrimination rules)
- ✗ Don't list every job since school — the last 10 years matter most
- ✗ Avoid American spellings if applying to a British employer ("optimised" not "optimized")
United Kingdom CV format — FAQ
Is it a CV or a resume in the UK?
In the UK it is always a CV — a "resume" sounds American. The format itself is similar to a US resume but two pages are standard rather than one.
Do UK CVs need a photo?
No. UK employers expect a text-only CV. Photos are uncommon and can work against you.
Should I include GCSEs and A-levels?
Only if you are early-career or they are relevant. After your first role or two, your degree and experience are enough.
Format your resume for United Kingdom automatically
Legent AI applies every rule on this page — including the no-photo convention, MM/YYYY dates, and the exact section order — then tailors your resume to the job you're applying for.
Build My United Kingdom Resume