UK CV format: what British employers expect

In the UK the document is called a CV, not a resume, and it runs to two pages for most experienced candidates. The structure is close to a US resume, with a few differences that matter.

The layout

1. Name and contact details: phone, email, town or city, LinkedIn. No full address needed.
2. Personal statement: three to five lines on who you are, what you offer and what you want next.
3. Work experience: newest first, with job title, employer, dates and bullets.
4. Education: degree and university, then A-levels or equivalent if you are early in your career.
5. Skills, and where relevant, certifications and languages.

What to leave out

The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination on grounds such as age, race and sex. GOV.UK's guidance for employers says they must not ask candidates whether they are married or have children, and can ask for a date of birth only when the job has an age requirement. The National Careers Service says to leave out your age, date of birth, marital status and nationality. Leave out:

• A photo. Prospects, the UK graduate careers site, says you don't need one unless you are applying for acting or modelling work.
• Date of birth or age.
• Marital status, children or nationality, unless the job needs your right to work stated, in which case one line does it: "Full right to work in the UK."
• "References available on request" when space is tight. Prospects notes that most employers assume it.

Spelling and paper

Use British spelling (organised, programme, licence) and A4 paper. Prospects recommends a CV of no more than two A4 pages, and three only for high-level roles. A Letter-size PDF prints with odd margins in a UK office.

Personal statement example

"Chartered accountant with six years in audit at a mid-tier firm, most recently leading fieldwork for clients with turnover up to £80m. Looking to move in-house into a financial reporting role in the retail sector."

In Dossier Resume, choose the UK format when you start and the document name, paper, date style and personal fields switch to match. See a solicitor CV example for a UK CV filled in.

Applying in Ireland? The format is the same; the Irish CV format covers referees and the Irish equality law. You can also start a UK CV with the UK / Ireland format already set.