FoliumHow to write a CV for jobs in the UK
In the UK it's called a CV, and employers expect a clear, two-page document without a photo, date of birth or marital status, opening with a short personal statement. If your CV follows another country's format, Folium lets you hide the photo with one click, pick an ATS-friendly template and create an English copy of your existing CV.
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What a UK CV usually includes
A typical UK CV has:
- Contact details: name, phone, email, town or city and LinkedIn — no photo, date of birth, marital status or full address needed.
- A personal statement of three or four lines: who you are, what you offer and what you're looking for.
- Work experience in reverse-chronological order, with achievements rather than duties, then education and skills.
- About two pages in British English — one page is fine for school leavers and recent graduates.
A tailored cover letter is usually expected. “References available on request” is no longer needed — employers will ask. If you're applying from abroad, say whether you have the right to work in the UK or will need a visa, as many application forms ask about it.
How Folium helps with a UK CV
| What UK employers expect | In Folium |
|---|---|
| No photo | Hide the photo in any template with one click |
| An English CV | “Translate CV” creates an English copy of your CV (free account) |
| A clear, ATS-friendly layout | Real-text PDFs; Classic, Modern, Swiss or Harbor for strict systems |
| Keywords from the job advert | ATS checker with a match score (free account) |
| A tailored cover letter | AI draft from your CV and the job advert (free account) |
| PDF or Word | Both free, no watermark |
See also ATS-friendly resume templates and which countries expect a photo on a CV.
Build your UK CV
ATS-friendly templates · photo off in one click · English copy · free
Start building — freeFrequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on a UK CV?
No. UK employers generally don't expect a photo, date of birth or marital status, and leaving them out helps avoid bias. In Folium, switch off “Show photo on the CV” for your UK version; the photo stays saved for other applications.
How long should a UK CV be?
Two pages is the norm for most experienced candidates; one page is fine for school leavers and recent graduates. Academic CVs can be longer.
What is a personal statement on a CV?
A short paragraph of three or four lines at the top that sums up who you are, your key strengths and the kind of role you want. Tailor it to each application.
Should I include references on my CV?
Not usually. “References available on request” is considered unnecessary today; employers ask for referees later in the process.
What's the difference between a UK CV and a US resume?
Both leave out the photo and personal details. A UK CV is usually two pages and opens with a personal statement; a US resume is often one page, especially early in a career, and uses American spelling.