How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews in the UK

October 13, 2026

To write a CV in the UK, keep it to two pages, open with a short personal statement, then list your experience in reverse order with clear achievements rather than duties. Tailor every CV to the job advert, use a clean CV template and check it carefully before you apply.

Key Takeaways

Two sides of A4 is the usual length for a UK CV.
A short personal statement tells employers who you are and what you offer.
Show achievements and results, not just a list of duties.
Tailor your CV for each job application using words from the advert.
No experience yet? Lead with education, volunteering, projects and transferable skills.

Your CV has one job: to persuade an employer that you are worth meeting. Recruiters often have many applications to read, so a CV that is clear, relevant and easy to scan stands a much better chance. Whether you are applying for your first role, returning to work or changing career, these practical tips will help you write a CV that gets interviews in the UK.

Know What UK Employers Expect

A UK CV is usually two sides of A4. It differs from a US style resume in a few ways, and there are some details you should leave out. You do not need to include a photo, your date of birth, marital status or nationality. Keep the focus on your skills, experience and what you can offer.

Choose a Clean, Simple Layout

Good design helps your content shine, but it should never get in the way. Aim for:

A clear, readable font in a sensible size
Consistent headings and spacing
Plenty of white space so the page does not feel crowded
Your name and contact details at the top

Many employers use applicant tracking systems to sort applications, so avoid putting key information inside images. A well structured template, like those in our CV Template Set, saves time and gives you a professional starting point.

The Key Sections of a UK CV

Contact Details

Include your name, phone number, a professional email address and your town or city. A LinkedIn profile link is a nice extra if it is up to date.

Personal Statement

This short paragraph sits at the top and sums up who you are, what you bring and what you are looking for. Keep it to a few lines and tailor it to each role. Avoid tired phrases such as hard working team player. Instead, be specific about your skills and experience.

Work Experience

List your roles in reverse order, starting with the most recent. For each one, include your job title, employer, dates and a few bullet points describing what you achieved.

Education and Qualifications

Include relevant qualifications, such as degrees, A levels, GCSEs or professional certificates. The more experience you have, the shorter this section can be.

Skills

Highlight skills that match the job, such as software you know, languages you speak or a full UK driving licence if relevant.

Show Achievements, Not Just Duties

This is where many CVs fall short. Listing your duties tells an employer what you were supposed to do. Showing achievements tells them what you actually did. Compare these two lines:

Responsible for customer emails
Reduced customer response times by introducing a shared inbox system

The second is far more convincing. Start bullet points with strong action words such as led, created, improved, organised or delivered, and include real results where you have them.

Tailor Your CV for Every Application

Sending the same CV to every job rarely works well. Read each job advert carefully and note the skills and experience it asks for. Then adjust your personal statement and reorder your bullet points so the most relevant details come first. Using some of the same language as the advert also helps your CV get through automated screening.

Handle Gaps Honestly

Career breaks are common, whether for caring, study, health or travel. You do not need to hide them. A short, positive line explaining the gap, along with any skills you developed, is usually enough.

Check Every Detail

Spelling mistakes and inconsistent formatting can undo all your hard work. Before you send your CV:

Read it aloud to catch errors
Ask a friend to look over it
Check dates and job titles are correct
Save it as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format
Give the file a clear name, such as your full name and CV

Do Not Forget the Cover Letter

Where a cover letter is requested, keep it short and specific. Explain why you want this role at this company and point to one or two achievements that make you a strong fit.

Give Yourself the Best Start

Writing a CV takes effort, but a clear and tailored one makes every application stronger. With a professional layout and well chosen achievements, you give employers every reason to invite you in.

Want a head start? Our CV Template Set gives you polished, easy to edit layouts designed for UK job applications. Download it instantly and have your new CV ready today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a CV be in the UK?

Most UK CVs are two pages. School leavers and graduates can often fit everything on one page, while very senior roles may run slightly longer.

Should I put a photo on my CV in the UK?

No, a photo is not expected on a UK CV for most jobs, and leaving it off keeps the focus on your skills and experience.

How do I write a CV with no experience?

Lead with a personal statement and your education, then add part time work, volunteering, school or university projects and the skills they show, such as teamwork and reliability.