According to a 2024 LinkedIn UK report, over 60% of job seekers were rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) due to poorly formatted or generic CVs. In 2025, the format has become more streamlined, results-driven, and tailored to employer needs. Let’s walk through the structure, must-have elements, and formatting rules for a winning UK-style CV format in 2025.
UK Resume Format: Section-by-Section Breakdown
1. Contact Information (Top of the page)
- Full Name
- Phone number (UK format: +44…)
- Professional Email
- LinkedIn (optional)
- Location (e.g., Manchester, UK – full address not needed)
2. Personal Profile / Summary (3–4 lines)
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A concise summary of who you are, what you bring, and what you're seeking.
| Example: Analytical MSc Data Science graduate with a strong foundation in Python, SQL, and machine learning. Experienced in developing predictive models and data visualisations. Currently seeking a data analyst role in a growth-focused tech firm. |
3. Key Skills (Bullet points or short phrases)
List 6–10 relevant hard and soft skills, tailored to the job description.
| Example: • Data Analysis | Python | Excel | SQL | Tableau • Communication | Problem-Solving | Time Management |
4. Work Experience (Most recent first – Reverse Chronological)
Format:
Job Title – Company Name, Location
Month Year – Month Year
- Bullet points describing responsibilities and measurable achievements
| Example: Marketing Intern – Leap Scholar, London June 2024 – Sept 2024 - Created social media content that increased follower engagement by 45% - Conducted market research and helped organise a 3-day study abroad webinar with 1,000+ attendees |
5. Education
Format:
Degree – University Name, Location
Month Year – Month Year
- Include honours, coursework, or dissertation if relevant
| Example: BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University of Manchester Sept 2021 – July 2024 |
6. Projects or Volunteering (Optional but highly recommended)
Highlight relevant extracurricular work, freelance projects, or volunteering.
| Example: Volunteer – Tech for Good Hackathon Feb 2024 Developed a mobile app to help elderly users access healthcare services |
7. Certifications & Courses (If applicable)
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – 2025
- Google Data Analytics Certificate – 2024
8. Languages (Optional)
- English – Fluent
- Hindi – Native
- French – Intermediate
Formatting Tips for UK Resume
- Font: Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt)
- Margins: 1 inch all around
- File Type: Save and send as PDF unless stated otherwise
- Avoid: Tables, photos, flashy colours, unnecessary personal info
- Name Your File Properly: (Firstname_Lastname_CV_2025.pdf)
Below are two UK-style resume (CV) samples and one customisable template—all tailored for 2025 and designed with recruiter expectations and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) in mind.
Sample 1: UK CV for a Recent Graduate (Marketing Role)
| Emma Patel Manchester, UK emma.patel@email.com | +44 7911 123456 | linkedin.com/in/emmapatel Personal Profile Recent BA (Hons) Marketing graduate from the University of Leeds with a passion for digital campaigns and content strategy. Proven ability to manage social media platforms and analyse performance metrics. Seeking an entry-level marketing role to contribute to brand growth and engagement. Key Skills • Digital Marketing | Content Creation | SEO | Google Analytics • Social Media Management | Canva | Email Marketing | Team Collaboration Work Experience Marketing Intern – Leap Scholar, London July 2024 – Sept 2024 Scheduled and managed Instagram and LinkedIn posts, increasing engagement by 30% Assisted in launching a study abroad webinar attended by 800+ students Wrote weekly blog posts optimised for SEO Student Ambassador – University of Leeds Sept 2022 – May 2023 - Conducted campus tours and presentations for prospective students - Represented the university at national recruitment fairs Education BA (Hons) Marketing – University of Leeds Sept 2021 – July 2024 - First Class Honours - Dissertation: “The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Gen Z Purchase Behaviour” Certifications • Google Ads Certification – 2024 • HubSpot Content Marketing – 2023 Languages English – Native Gujarati – Fluent |
Sample 2: UK CV for an Experienced IT Professional
| Ravi Khanna London, UK ravi.khanna@email.com | +44 7400 987654 | linkedin.com/in/ravikhanna Personal Profile Experienced software engineer with over 5 years of experience in full-stack development and cloud-based architecture. Adept in Python, React, and AWS. Looking to join a fast-paced UK tech company to build scalable applications and lead development teams. Key Skills • Python | React.js | Node.js | AWS | Docker | Git • Agile Development | CI/CD | Unit Testing | System Design Work Experience Software Engineer – TCS, London Jan 2021 – Present - Designed and implemented scalable backend APIs using Python (Flask) - Migrated on-prem systems to AWS, reducing downtime by 40% - Mentored 3 junior developers and led daily stand-ups in Agile environment Junior Developer – Cognizant, Pune July 2018 – Dec 2020 - Developed UI features using React and integrated with backend APIs - Participated in sprint planning and conducted code reviews Education BTech in Computer Science – VIT University, India July 2014 – June 2018 Certifications • AWS Certified Developer – 2024 • Scrum Master (PSM I) – 2023 Languages English – Fluent Hindi – Native |
Customisable UK CV Template (2025)
You can copy-paste and edit this directly:
| [Your Full Name] [City, UK] [Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile] Personal Profile [2–3 sentences summarising your background, skills, and job goals. Tailor this to each job.] Key Skills • [Skill 1] | [Skill 2] | [Skill 3] | [Skill 4] • [Skill 5] | [Skill 6] | [Skill 7] | [Skill 8] Work Experience [Job Title] – [Company Name], [City] [Month Year – Month Year] [Achievement 1 with result] [Achievement 2 with metrics] [Task or responsibility] [Previous Job Title] – [Company Name], [City] [Month Year – Month Year] [Achievement or responsibility] Education [Degree Title] – [University Name], [City] [Month Year – Month Year] [Honours / GPA / Relevant modules] Certifications • [Certification Name] – [Year] • [Certification Name] – [Year] Languages [Language 1] – [Proficiency] [Language 2] – [Proficiency] |
Top 10 Tips for an Effective UK Resume (2025)
1. Stick to 1–2 Pages
- Keep your CV concise, 1 page for freshers, 2 pages max for experienced professionals.
- Employers often spend just 6–8 seconds on an initial scan, make every word count.
2. Use British English
- Use UK spellings (e.g., “organise,” “analyse,” “programme”).
- Avoid Americanisms like “resume” or “GPA” stick with “CV” and “Degree Classification.”
3. Don’t Include a Photo
- Unlike some countries, the UK CV format discourages profile photos to avoid unconscious bias.
- Also, omit date of birth, gender, marital status, or nationality unless required.
4. Customise for Each Role
- Tailor your Personal Profile, Key Skills, and Work Experience to each job.
- Use keywords from the job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
5. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties
- Go beyond listing responsibilities and show results.
Instead of: "Managed social media"
Write: "Increased social media engagement by 35% in 3 months"
6. Use a Clean, ATS-Friendly Layout
- Stick to standard fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) and avoid tables or graphics.
- Save and submit your CV in PDF unless otherwise requested.
7. Include a Strong Personal Profile (Summary)
- Write a 2–4 line summary at the top highlighting your experience, key skills, and what you’re seeking.
- This is your elevator pitch to grab recruiter's attention.
8. List Skills That Match the Role
- Add a Key Skills section with 6–10 keywords relevant to the job.
- Mix hard skills (e.g., Python, Excel) with soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication).
9. Keep Work Experience in Reverse Chronological Order
- Always start with your most recent job.
- Format consistently: Job Title – Company, Location | Dates
10. Proofread Thoroughly
- Spelling or grammar mistakes can cost you an interview.
- Ask someone to review it, or use a tool like Grammarly (but adjust for UK spelling).
AI Prompt for a UK Resume (CV) – 2025 Edition
Here's a refined and professional AI prompt you can use to get the best results for a UK Resume (CV) in 2025. This version is precise, detailed, and aligned with UK hiring standards, ensuring that any AI tool delivers an output that’s tailored, structured, and recruiter-friendly.
| Prompt |
|---|
| You are a UK-based recruitment expert with deep experience in writing professional, ATS-optimised CVs that align with 2025 standards. Create a UK-style CV for a [job title] applying in the [industry name] sector. The candidate is a [recent graduate / mid-level professional / experienced candidate] with [X years of experience] and holds a degree in [degree title] from [university name]. The CV should include: - Full name and contact details (no photo, no date of birth, no gender or nationality). - A compelling personal profile (2–4 sentence summary tailored to the target job). - A key skills section (6–10 bullet points, combining technical and soft skills relevant to the role). - Work experience in reverse chronological order, with each role including job title, company name, location, dates, and achievement-driven bullet points (quantified where possible). - Education details: degree name, institution, dates, and any notable modules or honours. - Certifications (if any). - Languages (if applicable). Ensure the CV follows UK conventions: - Use British English. - Keep the formatting clean, minimal, and compatible with ATS—avoid tables, columns, or decorative graphics. - Keep the CV to one page for freshers and a maximum of two pages for experienced professionals. - Tailor the CV using keywords from the job description. - Focus on accomplishments and impact, not just responsibilities. The final CV should be written in plain text and structured for clarity and ease of scanning by both humans and applicant tracking systems. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Does UK CV require photo?
A. No, a UK CV does not require a photo. In fact, adding one is discouraged as it may lead to unconscious bias and violate fair hiring practices. The standard UK resume format recommends focusing solely on your qualifications, skills, and professional experience. Personal information like your photograph, date of birth, gender, or marital status should also be omitted.
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Q. What is the UK style of resume?
A. The UK Resume Format style is generally called a CV (Curriculum Vitae), a comprehensive document that outlines a person's academic and professional achievements, qualifications, and experiences. A CV is usually more detailed than a resume and is typically used in educational and research positions.
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Q. How long should a CV be in the UK?
A. The length of a UK CV can range from one to two pages, depending on the level of experience and the job requirements. However, it is recommended to keep the CV concise, preferably no more than two pages long.
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Q. How do I structure my CV in the UK?
A. To structure a UK Resume format, it is essential to highlight the most relevant information first, starting with a personal statement, followed by work experience, education, and skills. It is crucial to tailor the CV to the specific job requirements and to keep it clear, concise, and easy to read.
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Q. What are the skills of a CV UK?
A. The skills section in the UK Resume Format should be tailored to the specific job requirements, highlighting the applicant's most relevant skills. This section can include hard skills, such as technical abilities and qualifications, and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.
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Q. How long should a UK CV be?
A. The UK Resume Format should be concise and to the point, with no more than two pages. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as the size of your CV may vary depending on factors such as your level of experience and the specific requirements of the job you're applying for. It's essential to balance providing enough detail to showcase your skills and knowledge while also being mindful of the reader's time and attention.
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Q. What is the objective of Resume UK?
A. The objective of a UK CV is to showcase the applicant's qualifications, experiences, and skills to potential employers. It should provide a clear and concise overview of the applicant's background and suitability for the job.
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Q. What are the three different styles of resume?
A. There are three different styles of UK Resume Format: chronological, functional, and combination. A chronological CV lists work experience and education in reverse chronological order, an available CV highlights skills and achievements, and a combination CV combines both styles.
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Q. How do you make a CV for a university application?
A. To make a CV for a university application, it is essential to highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant skills. The CV should demonstrate the applicant's potential to succeed in the educational environment.
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Q. How to make a CV for a UK work visa?
A. To make a CV for a UK work visa, it is important to highlight skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience. The UK Resume format should showcase your suitability for the job and demonstrate your ability to contribute to the UK economy.
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Q. What does a good CV look like in 2024 UK?
A. A good CV in 2023 UK should be visually appealing and easy to read, with a clear structure and relevant information. It should be tailored to the specific job requirements and highlight the applicant's most relevant skills and experience.
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