Country CV guide

UK CV Format: What the National Careers Service Actually Recommends

A UK CV looks similar to a US résumé at a glance, but the differences that do exist are exactly the ones that trip up international applicants — especially candidates coming from a market where a photo and personal details are standard practice.

This is what the National Careers Service — part of the UK government — actually recommends.

At a glance

Why, in detail

• Don't include your age, date of birth, marital status or nationality. The National Careers Service advises against all four explicitly.
• No photo. UK CVs don't carry one, and including it creates needless discrimination risk for the employer.
• Put a short introduction directly under your contact details — a few lines on who you are and what you're aiming for.
• Never put a referee's contact details on your CV. Write 'References available on request' instead.
• Early in your career, put education before work history. With substantial experience, lead with work history.
• City and county is enough — a full street address isn't expected.
• Two pages is the widely-followed convention, though the official guidance doesn't set a hard limit.