CV Tips 03.10.24 (Updated)

UK CV Template

Certified Professional Career Coach and Résumé Writer

Are you applying for jobs in the UK and unsure about the correct CV format? Crafting a CV that aligns with UK standards is crucial to making the right impression on employers. In this article, we provide a UK CV template that follows local conventions and helps you showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, our template and expert tips will guide you through the process of creating a CV that stands out in the UK job market. Read on to ensure your CV meets the expectations of UK employers and boosts your chances of success.

Professional Profile

(A professional profile, or personal statement, is a brief section summarising who you are, your skills, and your career goals. Keep it concise and relevant to the role you’re applying for.)

Example:
An enthusiastic and hardworking recent graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration from the University of Manchester. Experienced in data analysis, project management, and customer service, seeking a challenging role in [specific industry/position] to utilise and further develop these skills.

Key Skills

(List 5-7 key skills that match the job description. Be sure to include a mix of soft and hard skills.)

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong data analysis and reporting skills
Team leadership and collaboration
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Project management with knowledge of Agile and Scrum methodologies
Fluent in Spanish (optional, if applicable)

Work Experience

(List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include key accomplishments, relevant tasks, and any quantifiable results.)

Job Title – [Company Name], [Location]
[Month, Year – Present]

[Briefly describe your responsibilities and key achievements, e.g., “Led a team of 5 to increase sales by 15% over a 6-month period.”]
[Mention relevant skills you applied, e.g., “Managed client relationships, ensuring a 90% customer satisfaction rating.”]
[Quantify results wherever possible, e.g., “Streamlined the inventory process, reducing errors by 25%.”]

Job Title – [Company Name], [Location]
[Month, Year – Month, Year]

[Responsibilities and key achievements]
[Skills applied or developed]
[Quantifiable outcomes or results]

Education

(List your qualifications in reverse-chronological order. Include degree classification if it’s a recent or relevant qualification. For older or less relevant qualifications, focus more on the degree title and institution.)

Degree Title (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in English Literature) – [University Name], [Location]
[Month, Year of Graduation]

Graduated with [classification, e.g., “First-Class Honours”]
Relevant Coursework: [List modules that relate to the job]

A Levels – [School Name], [Location]
[Month, Year]

Subject 1 (Grade)
Subject 2 (Grade)
Subject 3 (Grade)

GCSEs – [School Name], [Location]
[Month, Year]

[Number of GCSEs, including English and Maths (e.g., “10 GCSEs, Grades A*-C, including English and Maths”)]

Certifications & Training (Optional)

(Include any relevant certifications, licences, or additional training that complements the job you’re applying for.)

[Certification Title] – [Issuing Organisation], [Year]
[Training Program or Workshop Title], [Provider], [Year]

Voluntary Experience (Optional)

(This section can be added if you have any unpaid roles that highlight relevant skills or show your commitment to certain causes or areas.)

Volunteer Role – [Organisation Name], [Location]
[Month, Year – Present]

[Briefly describe your responsibilities and the skills you applied or gained]

Hobbies and Interests (Optional)

(A brief section to show personality and soft skills. Include hobbies that highlight teamwork, creativity, leadership, or relevant traits.)

Example:
Avid runner and member of a local running club, regularly participating in marathons and charity events. Also enjoy playing chess, which has honed my strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

References

(You can either list your referees or simply state “References available upon request.”)

Available upon request.

Notes on UK CVs:

No Photo: In the UK, it’s standard to avoid including a photo on your CV to prevent unconscious bias during the hiring process.
Two Pages Maximum: UK CVs should typically be no more than two pages long. Focus on relevant information and cut out non-essential details.
Personal Details: Include your contact details, but do not list age, marital status, or nationality—this is not necessary in the UK.
Education Section: If you are a recent graduate, place the Education section before Work Experience to highlight your academic achievements. For experienced professionals, prioritise your Work Experience.