The UK CV format, with a free builder
Employers in the UK expect an A4-size CV with no photo and no personal details. This page covers what to include, then hands you the templates to write it in.
The UK CV format at a glance
Paper
A4
Photo
No photo
Personal details
No date of birth or nationality
Length
One page, or two when they earn their place
- A short summary, then your work history with dates, most recent first
- The skills that match the posting, near the top where they are read
- Results with numbers: how much, how many, how fast
- Education and certifications, as far as they serve the role
- Date of birth, marital status and nationality
- A photo — employers in the UK do not expect one
- Salary expectations, reasons for leaving and references
- Anything you would not want to be asked about in the interview
Templates that follow the UK CV format
A4 paper, no photo and quiet type: these designs are ordered for applications in the UK.
UK CV questions
Does a UK CV need a photo?
No. Photos are left off a UK CV to avoid discrimination. Add one only if an employer asks for it.
What paper size is a UK CV printed on?
A4. It is the standard size outside North America, and a US Letter page prints with the wrong margins.
How long should a UK CV be?
One page early in a career, two for most people. Recruiters skim, so cut anything that does not support the application.
Which language should a UK CV be written in?
English, unless the posting itself is in another language.
Ready to make your next application?
Open a template and start typing. The first PDF is free, and so are the ones after it.
