How to Write a CV UK — Complete Guide 2026

Writing a great CV in 2026 requires more than listing your jobs in reverse order. With applicant tracking systems (ATS) filtering out most applications before a human reads them, and recruiters spending an average of 7 seconds on each CV they do see, every decision — from format to font — matters. This guide covers everything you need to know.

How Long Should a CV Be UK?

The standard UK CV length is two A4 pages. One page is acceptable for graduates or those with less than two years of experience. Three pages is only justified for very senior roles with extensive relevant experience. More than two pages is rarely beneficial — edit ruthlessly.

UK CV Format — What Sections to Include

1. Personal details: Name, phone, email, location (city/region only — not full address), LinkedIn
2. Personal statement / profile: 3–5 sentences summarising who you are and what you bring
3. Work experience: Reverse chronological order — most recent first
4. Education: Degrees, A-Levels (include grades), professional qualifications
5. Key skills: Technical and soft skills relevant to your target role
6. Interests (optional): Only include if they're genuinely interesting or relevant

What to Include Under Work Experience

For each role, include the job title, company name, dates (month/year), and 3–5 bullet points. Crucially, focus on achievements not duties. "Managed a team of 5" tells employers what you did. "Managed a team of 5, delivering three major product releases on time and under budget" tells them how well you did it. Use numbers and percentages wherever possible.

Should I Include a Photo on My UK CV?

No. Unlike in some European countries, including a photo on a UK CV is not standard practice and can actually work against you by introducing unconscious bias. Keep your CV photo-free unless you are applying for an acting or modelling role.

What Not to Include on a UK CV

• Date of birth or age
• Marital status or children
• National Insurance number
• Photo (standard roles)
• References — write "Available on request" instead
• Reasons for leaving previous jobs
• Salary history or expectations (unless requested)

CV Personal Statement UK — How to Write It

Your personal statement (also called a profile or summary) sits at the top of your CV and is the first thing a recruiter reads. Keep it to 3–5 sentences. Cover who you are professionally, your key strengths, and what you are looking for. Tailor it to the type of role you are applying for — a generic personal statement helps no one.