Make sure your CV is in the correct format for the UK
If you're looking for a great UK job and you feel your resume is in need of some work, don't worry, first of all look at our complementary CV template and guide and consider if your CV fits the criteria.
Why do you need a UK formatted CV?
- UK CV’s can be different from those in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
- UK recruiters receive thousands of CV’s each week – yours must stand out!
- A CV with errors or in the wrong format can end up in the bin
- There are few second chances in a competitive market
Use our CV Guide and UK CV Template to help you create a UK centric CV. Send it on to us and we’ll start job hunting for you.
Document: UK CV Template (36 kb)
Guide to writing that perfect CV!
Your CV is the first impression that you’ll make on a potential employer in the UK. Recruiters in the UK are used to seeing CV’s written in the UK style and we strongly recommend you adapt your CV to this style.
Your CV should be:
- Easy to read with space between each section.
- Usually no more than two pages long.
What should I definitely include?
Start with your personal details; your name, address and contact details.
Tailoring your CV to the job;Your CV shouldn’t be your life story but should be tailored for the job you’re applying for, focusing on the parts that are important. Look at the job advert or the person specification and think about what the job involves, and what the employer is asking for. Take some time to find out about the main activities of the employer.
Your personal profile
Underneath your personal details, your ‘Personal Profile’ outlines your skills and qualities, work background and achievements. It should only be a few lines but must spark the reader’s interest. For example, if the job involves working with people, you could say you’re a good team-worker and an effective communicator. Be brief - you can highlight examples of your skills in later sections.
Education and work experience
This part of your CV depends on your background and the type of job you’re applying for. Some jobs require experience, while for others your qualifications are more important. If you’ve been working for a while, put your employment history first; if you’re younger and don’t have much work experience, focus on your education and training.
Employment history
Start with your present or most recent job and work backwards, include:
- Each employer
- The dates you worked for them
- The job title
- Your main duties
Employers want to see how your experience will be of direct relevance to the role they are seeking, especially if the position is a contract one. Relevant jobs should be listed in more detail, showing not only your main duties and responsibilities but giving examples of the skills you used and what you achieved. This is the information the employer uses when deciding whether to interview you or not. Avoid unexplained gaps in your employment history, as employers may think you have something to hide! You can provide reasons for them further on where necessary.
Education and training
Start with your most recent study and go back to the qualifications you got at school. Using bullet points or a table. Include:
- The university, college or school you went to
- The dates the qualifications were awarded and any grades.
Hobbies and Interests
Some employers like to read about your interests, as it can give them an idea of your strengths and what you’d be like to work alongside. As with your employment history, it should be relevant in some way to the job. For example, if you’re involved in any clubs or societies this can show that you enjoy meeting new people.
Additional information
If you need to add anything else that’s relevant, such as a gap in your employment history for travel or family reasons, you could include a further section titled ‘Additional Information’ after your interests to explain this.
References
Finally, you should state that references are available if required, although you don’t need to include referees’ contact details on the CV. At least one referee should be work-related.
How should it be presented?
Print your CV on white A4 paper, using just one style and font. It should be concise and easy to read. Check it for spelling and grammar mistakes. You can use a computer spelling and grammar check but it’s also good idea to get it checked by somebody else.
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Email an Aus / NZ Consultant by clicking here, a UK Consultant by clicking here, or a SA Consultant by clicking here and we can discuss the above options in more detail