UK CV Template 2026: The Essential Guide for Job Seekers
11 August 2026
Download a free UK CV template for 2026. Learn the correct UK format, layout, and what to include. Perfect for any job.
What Makes a UK CV Different?
A UK CV follows specific conventions that differ from US resumes or European CVs. Most notably, UK employers do not expect a photograph, date of birth, or marital status – these are considered irrelevant and could lead to discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010. The typical UK CV is two pages long, uses a reverse-chronological structure, and begins with a short personal profile. Spelling follows British English (e.g., 'organise', 'colour', 'specialise'). Understanding these nuances is essential for impressing recruiters and avoiding common mistakes that can cost you an interview.
UK CV Structure: Section by Section
A standard UK CV has clear sections. Start with your name and contact details at the top – email, phone, and LinkedIn (no full postal address, just town/city). Next comes a personal profile: two or three sentences summarising your experience, key strengths, and career goals. Then list your work experience in reverse chronological order, with bullet points for achievements. Follow with education and qualifications, again most recent first. Add a skills section to highlight technical, language, or soft skills. Finally, state that references are available on request. Keep headings bold and use a clean, readable font like Arial or Calibri.
How to Choose the Right CV Format
In the UK, the reverse-chronological CV is the most common and preferred format. It lists your most recent job first and works well if you have a consistent work history. The functional (skills-based) format is useful for career changers or those with gaps, as it focuses on transferable skills rather than job titles. A combination (hybrid) format balances both. For most UK job applications, especially through recruiters and ATS systems, the reverse-chronological format is safest. If you have extensive experience, keep to two pages; if you are a graduate or have less than five years' experience, one page is acceptable.
UK CV Writing Tips for 2026
To make your CV stand out in 2026, tailor it to each job description by including keywords from the advert – this helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use active verbs like 'led', 'delivered', and 'improved', and quantify achievements with numbers, such as 'increased sales by 20%'. Avoid generic phrases like 'hardworking' and 'team player' – show it through examples. Stick to UK spelling and date formats (e.g., 'January 2024' not '01/24'). Proofread carefully, and save your CV as a PDF with a professional filename like 'YourName-CV.pdf' to preserve formatting.
Free UK CV Template Example
Here is a simple outline to follow: [Name] – [Town, UK] – [Email] – [Phone] – [LinkedIn]. 'Professional Summary: Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience...'. 'Work Experience: Marketing Executive – ABC Ltd (2022–Present) • Achieved...'. 'Education: BA Hons in Business Management – University of Manchester (2018–2021)'. 'Skills: SEO, Content Marketing, Google Analytics'. 'References: Available upon request'. This template is ATS-friendly and complies with UK recruitment norms. Adapt each section to your background, and use bullet points for readability. Download a full free template from trusted UK career sites like Prospects or the National Careers Service.
FAQ
No. In the UK, it is standard practice to exclude a photograph from your CV. Including one can lead to unconscious bias and is generally discouraged by recruiters. The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination based on age, race, gender, and other characteristics, so UK employers focus purely on your skills and experience. Unless an employer explicitly asks for a photo (rare), leave it off.