How to Write a CV in the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

British recruiters look for very specific things on a CV, and the conventions are different from American résumés or European Europass formats. This guide covers everything you need to write a strong UK CV in 2026.

1. Get the structure right

The standard order on a UK CV is: contact details, personal statement, key skills, work experience (reverse-chronological), education, and additional sections (languages, certifications, interests). Stick to this order, recruiters scan in this sequence.

2. Write a strong personal statement

Your personal statement is the four to six lines underneath your contact details. It's the single most-read part of your CV. Lead with your job title, years of experience and one quantified achievement that proves your value.

3. Two pages of A4, almost always

91% of UK recruiters prefer a two-page CV. Graduates and school leavers can use one page; senior executives may extend to three.

4. Use British English

Spell "organisation", "specialise" and "centre" the British way. Use DD Month YYYY for dates ("06 May 2026"), and always say "CV" rather than "resume".

5. Quantify everything

Instead of "responsible for managing a team", write "Led a 12-strong team that delivered £4.2m of projects with 92% on-time delivery". Numbers move recruiters.

6. Tailor for every application

Mirror three to five keywords from the job advert in your personal statement and skills section. UK ATS systems (Reed, Totaljobs, NHS Jobs, Civil Service) score CVs heavily on keyword match.