United Kingdom

CV templates for the UK

A UK CV follows its own conventions. It is called a CV, not a résumé. It is printed on A4 and usually runs to two pages. It opens with a short personal statement, and it leaves out personal details like your photo, date of birth and marital status. Employers expect British spelling and a reverse-chronological work history.

Every template below works on A4 (switch paper size with one click if a template opens on US Letter) and reads cleanly in the online application systems many UK employers use. Pick one, type your details in, and download a PDF and an editable Word file. There is also a matching cover letter, which most UK employers still expect.

Free to edit online. US$12 (about £9) one-off to download, with no subscription.

What UK employers expect

Length: Two sides of A4 for most people; one side for school leavers and many graduates. Senior and academic CVs can be longer.
Personal statement: A short paragraph at the top, around 50 to 150 words, saying who you are, what you offer and what you are looking for.
No photo or personal details: Leave out your photo, date of birth, age, marital status and nationality. Under the Equality Act 2010 employers should not select on these, and most prefer not to see them.
References: Don’t list referees’ names and contact details. Employers ask for them later, usually after an offer. “References available on request” is optional.
Education: Give your degree classification (First, 2:1, 2:2), and A-level grades and GCSE maths and English if you are early in your career.
Right to work: If you are on a visa, or your history is mostly overseas, one line such as “Full right to work in the UK” saves a recruiter from wondering.