How to Write a UK Standard CV

Landing your dream job in the UK often starts with a strong CV (Curriculum Vitae). Unlike a resume, a UK CV is a more detailed document showcasing your skills and experience. Here's how to craft a compelling CV that will grab the attention of recruiters:

 

Structure and Formatting

• Keep it concise: Aim for a maximum of two A4 pages. Recruiters are busy, so prioritise impactful information. Some jobs may require you to submit a one-page CV. It is important to read the requirements carefully.
• Reverse chronological order: List your most recent experience first, working backwards under both your education and work experience sections.
• Clear headings: Use bold headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to make your CV easy to navigate.
• Professional font: Opt for classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in a size between 10 and 12 points.
• Consistency is key: Maintain consistent font size, style, and spacing throughout your CV.

 

Essential Sections

1. Contact Details: 

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location (city and maybe county). Avoid unnecessary details like home address or date of birth.

2. Work Experience: 

List your work history in reverse chronological order. Include:

• Job title, company name, and location
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• 3-5 bullet points outlining key responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable results using action verbs.

Example:

Marketing Assistant, ABC Ltd. (London, UK) - Jan 2023 - Present

• Increased website traffic by 20% through targeted social media campaigns.
• Developed engaging content calendars that resulted in a 15% rise in follower engagement.
• Managed email marketing initiatives, achieving a 10% improvement in open rates.

3. Education & Qualifications: 

List your educational background in reverse chronological order. Include:

• Qualification name (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in Marketing)
• University/College name and location
• Dates of attendance (month/year)
• Relevant coursework or projects (optional)
• If you graduated and achieved a good result, you can also include your grades, like 2:1 or GPA 3.6/4

Example:

University of Manchester (Manchester, UK) - Sept 2019 - Dec 2022

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Marketing
• Key modules: Marketing Management, Social Media Marketing, Business Studies

4. Skills: 

Showcase your skills relevant to the job you're applying for. Include both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (interpersonal). Use a mix of bullet points and keywords.

Example:

• Social Media Marketing
• Content Creation
• SEO & Analytics
• Communication & Teamwork
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability

 

Additional Sections (Optional):

1. Personal Statement: 

Briefly introduce yourself and your career in 2-3 sentences. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences for the target position. This section should be at the beginning of your CV.

Example:

"Highly motivated Marketing Graduate with a strong track record in social media management and content creation. Eager to leverage skills in building brand awareness and engaging online communities."

2. Training & Courses: 

Include relevant professional development courses or certifications. This section is advised if your training or certificates are relevant to the job.

3. Volunteering: 

Highlight volunteer experience that demonstrates transferable skills. Employers often like to see some sort of volunteering activities on your CV.

4. Languages: 

List any languages you speak with proficiency levels (e.g., French - Fluent). This section is also advised as it demonstrates your global acumen.

5. Right To Work:

If you need visa sponsorship to work in the UK, at the end of your CV, you can add a Right To Work section and explain your current visa or situation.

Example:

Currently hold the right to work on a Graduate Visa expiring on (date) and will need visa sponsorship from the employer after (date).

Or

Need visa sponsorship from the employer to work in the UK.

 

Proofread and Tailor:

• Carefully proofread your CV for typos and grammatical errors.
• Tailor your CV to each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences mentioned in the job description.

By following these guidelines and showcasing your strengths effectively, you can create a UK standard CV that will make a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember, your CV is your chance to shine, so put your best foot forward and land that dream job!

If you need further guidance and have your questions answered by UK Visa Jobs career advisors, you can also register and attend one of our CV writing sessions. 

If you are a student or a recent graduate, you can read our guidance for students and graduates too.