How long should a CV be in the UK?

Two sides of A4 is the usual limit. One page can suit a school leaver or graduate. Senior or academic roles can be longer.

Should I put a photo on my CV in the UK?

No, unless the job specifically calls for one, such as acting or modelling.

How far back should a CV go?

Usually the last 10 to 15 years in detail. Older roles can be summarised in a line or left out if your dates stay honest and continuous.

UK CV format: what a CV should look like

By CV Ready · Updated 30 October 2026

The short answer

A UK CV is usually no more than two sides of A4. Start with your name and contact details, then a short profile, key skills, work experience with your newest job first, education, and anything relevant such as certificates. Leave out your photo, date of birth and marital status.

What order should a UK CV go in?

Name and contact details: phone, email, town or city, and LinkedIn if you use it.
Profile: three or four sentences aimed at the job.
Key skills: the ones the advert cares about, most relevant first.
Work experience: newest first, with job title, employer, dates and achievements.
Education and qualifications.
Other relevant sections: certificates, languages, volunteering.

What should you leave off a UK CV?

A photo, unless the job is one where it's expected, such as acting.
Date of birth, marital status and nationality. Employers don't need them to judge your application.
Your full home address. A town or city is enough.
"References available on request". It's assumed.
Old or irrelevant detail, such as every GCSE grade once you have years of experience.

How do you explain a gap on your CV?

Don't blur your dates. List the gap honestly with a short line if it helps: caring for a relative, travelling, retraining or looking for work are all things employers see. Be ready to say what you did and why you're ready now.

Is a UK CV the same as a US resume?

They're similar but not identical. UK employers use the word CV and generally expect up to two pages. A US resume is often one page. Spelling and date formats differ too, so write in British English for UK jobs.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a CV be in the UK?: Two sides of A4 is the usual limit. One page can suit a school leaver or graduate. Senior or academic roles can be longer.
Should I put a photo on my CV in the UK?: No, unless the job specifically calls for one, such as acting or modelling.
How far back should a CV go?: Usually the last 10 to 15 years in detail. Older roles can be summarised in a line or left out if your dates stay honest and continuous.