Leave these out
- Photo, date of birth or age, marital status, nationality and religion. UK equality law makes employers wary of anything that could suggest bias.
- Your full street address. Town or city and postcode area are enough, for example Leeds, LS6.
- National Insurance number, passport or ID numbers.
- The heading Curriculum Vitae. Put your name at the top instead.
- A references section. References available on request is optional and usually just takes space.
Include these
- Name, phone, email, town or city and a LinkedIn URL.
- A personal statement of four to six lines that mirrors the job title in the advert.
- Key skills that match the advert and are backed by your experience.
- Work history in reverse chronological order, with month and year.
- Education: degree and university; GCSEs and A levels only if you are early in your career or the advert asks for them.
- Right to work, if you are not a UK or Irish citizen, for example Skilled Worker visa holder or Graduate visa, valid to 2028.
Length and layout
Two sides of A4 is the norm. Graduates and school leavers can fit on one. Use a single column, clear headings and a standard font so applicant tracking systems read it correctly, and send it as Word or a text-based PDF.
Use British spelling throughout: organised, programme, licence, colour. Recruiters notice American spelling on a UK CV.
CV vs cover letter in the UK
Most UK employers still read a short cover letter, and public-sector and NHS roles often use a supporting statement instead. Write it against the person specification point by point, with one real example for each essential criterion.
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How long should a UK CV be?
Two A4 pages for most experienced candidates, one page for school leavers and recent graduates.
Should I put a photo on my CV in the UK?
No. Photos are not expected in the UK, except for acting and some modelling roles.
Do I need to include references on a UK CV?
No. Employers ask for referees later in the process. You can leave the section out entirely.