CV conventions in the United Kingdom.

1. The terminology

In the UK, "CV" (Curriculum Vitae) is the standard term for the short document used for industry job applications. This is what an American would call a "resume". "Resume" is understood in the UK but rarely used in job postings — it reads as an Americanism.

If a UK job posting asks for "a CV", it's asking for the short document (one to two pages). Only academic, medical, and research roles expect the comprehensive academic format.

2. Length

Two pages is standard in the UK, and unlike the US, a two-page CV is not considered excessive even for mid-level candidates. One page is common for entry-level candidates and for very focused roles.

Three or more pages are unusual for industry CVs and usually indicate either extensive relevant experience (rarely more than 2-3 pages) or padding.

3. Personal statement

UK CVs usually open with a "Personal Statement" or "Profile" — a short paragraph (typically 3-5 sentences) that summarises who you are, what you offer, and what you're looking for. This is standard practice in the UK, more consistently than in the US.

A UK personal statement is roughly equivalent to a US resume summary, though it's sometimes written in a slightly more formal tone.

4. Photo policy

UK CVs typically do not include a photograph. This is largely consistent with US practice, though the UK is slightly less strict about it than the US — a photo is not actively discouraged, just not expected.

Some UK recruitment agencies and some sectors (e.g. certain creative industries) may expect or accept a photo, but for most standard applications, leaving the photo off is safe.

5. Personal details

UK CVs typically do not include date of birth, marital status, or nationality. This is consistent with anti-discrimination practice. A UK CV includes name, contact details (including a UK phone number if applicable), email, and often a LinkedIn URL.

One specific UK consideration: for some roles, particularly in the public sector, a national insurance number or right-to-work status may be requested separately as part of the application. This is not part of the CV itself.

6. Structure

Standard UK CV sections:

1. Personal details — name, contact details.
2. Personal statement / Profile — short summary.
3. Work experience — reverse chronological, with bullet points focused on responsibilities and achievements.
4. Education — degrees, institutions, grades (sometimes), dates.
5. Skills — specific capabilities.
6. Additional information / Interests — certifications, languages, volunteer work. Some UK CVs include a "Hobbies and interests" section, which is more common than in the US.

7. Employment gaps

UK employers are generally more accepting of employment gaps than some other markets, and the practice of career breaks is well understood. A brief explanation or simply stating "Career break" with dates is usually sufficient.

8. Key differences from US resumes

• Terminology — "CV" not "resume".
• Length — two pages is more standard than one page.
• Personal statement — expected in almost all UK CVs.
• Interests / hobbies — more commonly included in UK CVs than in US resumes.
• Formality — UK CVs are often slightly more formal in tone.
• Referees — you may be asked to provide referee details, but "References available on request" is no longer expected.

9. Where conventions are shifting

UK CV conventions have loosened slightly in recent years. Design elements and colour are more accepted in creative and tech sectors. One-page CVs are increasingly common for junior candidates. The formal tone has softened in some industries, though the personal statement remains standard.

10. Final checklist

• Is your document called a "CV" in your correspondence?
• Is it one to two pages?
• Does it open with a personal statement / profile?
• Have you omitted a photo, date of birth, and marital status?
• Is the tone appropriate (slightly formal, but not stiff)?
• Have you considered whether to include a hobbies/interests section?