UK CV Format: Conventions, ATS, Photos, and Section Order (Not Europass)
What UK employers expect on a CV: two-page norms, Equality Act–aware presentation, GCSEs and degree classifications, and ATS-friendly structure — distinct from US resumes and EU Europass templates.
Key takeaways
- •UK hiring overwhelmingly uses the term CV; structure is close to a US resume but with British education labels and often two pages for experienced hires.
- •Photos on UK CVs are uncommon and can signal poor advice — skip unless the sector explicitly expects one.
- •ATS in the UK mirrors global tools (Workday, Greenhouse, Teamtailor); plain PDFs and standard headings parse best.
- •List GCSEs/A-levels when early-career or role-relevant; use predicted or achieved grades honestly.
- •For EU-wide Europass and institutional use cases, use our Europass guide — UK employers rarely want that template.
UK CVs vs Europass vs US resumes
This guide is country-specific intent: what a hiring manager in the UK expects to see. It does not replace the EU-wide Europass resource — for standardized EU applications and GDPR-focused format notes, see our Europass CV and ATS guide in the Resources section. UK CVs are typically free-form, two pages for experienced candidates, and photo-free by default.
Local conventions
- Label the document a CV (or Curriculum Vitae) in British English spelling where it appears
- Two pages is normal for 5+ years experience; one page for early career is fine if dense with impact
- Profile or Professional Summary at the top is standard — tailored to each role
- Interests section is optional; include only if it adds character or relevant skill
ATS expectations in the UK
Employers use the same global ATS families as elsewhere. Prioritize parseable text: one-column layout, headings like Work Experience and Education, consistent date formatting, and no critical content in headers, footers, or images.
Photo and contact details
Skip the photo for corporate, tech, finance, and public-sector roles. Include name, phone, email, LinkedIn URL, and location (city). Add a brief line about right to work only if the posting asks.
Education formatting
- University: institution, degree title, classification (e.g. 2:1, First), dates
- A-levels: subjects and grades if early-career or STEM-heavy applications
- GCSEs: summarise as '9 GCSEs A–C including English and Maths' unless listing individually matters for the role
- Professional qualifications (ACA, CIPD, etc.) in Education or a separate Qualifications section
Example section order
- Name and contact details
- Professional Profile (3–5 lines)
- Work Experience (reverse chronological)
- Education
- Core Skills (grouped: Technical, Leadership, Languages)
- Optional: Certifications, Volunteering, Interests
Run MatchResume on your resume
Get an instant match score and actionable improvements. Upload your resume, paste the job description, and close the gap.
Get started freeFrequently Asked Questions
Is a UK CV the same as a US resume?
Close cousins: reverse-chronological experience, impact bullets, no life-story. Terminology differs (CV vs resume), UK education labels differ (A-levels, 2:1), and two-page CVs are more accepted for mid-career than one-page absolutism in the US.
Should I put a photo on my UK CV?
Generally no — UK best practice under equality norms is photo-free unless you are in a field where portfolios include headshots (e.g., some acting). Recruiters rarely expect it for corporate roles.
Do I include my full address?
City and region are enough for most applications; full street address is increasingly omitted for privacy. Some online forms ask for full address separately.
Do UK companies use ATS?
Yes — especially larger employers and agencies. Use standard section titles (Work Experience, Education), avoid text in graphics, and export a text-selectable PDF.
Should I use Europass for UK jobs?
Rarely. UK employers expect a conventional UK-style CV. Europass is aimed at EU institutions and certain member states; it is not standard in the UK.
Related Articles
US Resume Format: Conventions, ATS, and What Not to Include
How US employers read resumes: one- to two-page norms, anti-discrimination contact rules, degree formatting, keyword-friendly ATS layout, and a section order template — without mixing in UK or EU CV habits.
CV vs Resume: What's the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
CV and resume are not the same. Learn the key differences in length, purpose, content, and when to use each — including regional expectations in the US, UK, and Europe.
What Is a Resume? Definition, Purpose, and Examples
A resume is a concise document that summarizes your work history, skills, and education for employers. Learn what to include, which format to use, and common mistakes to avoid.