Recommended UK CV order
Contact details, personal profile, key skills, professional experience, education, certifications, projects, languages, interests.
UK CV Format
The UK CV format that stays clear for recruiters and ATS systems.
A practical guide to formatting a UK CV with the right section order, readable layout, and job-specific evidence.
Two-page UK CV guidance
ATS-readable headings
Recruiter-friendly layout rules
Use a simple section order
For most UK candidates, the safest order is contact details, profile, key skills, experience, education, and then optional sections.
- Use standard headings
- Keep contact details at the top
- Place strongest evidence above the fold
Keep the layout clean
Avoid tables, heavy graphics, unusual columns, and decorative icons when ATS compatibility matters.
- Use readable spacing
- Prefer text over images
- Export as a clean PDF when requested
Format around relevance
Your format should help the recruiter find proof that you match the role quickly.
- Prioritise recent relevant roles
- Use bullet points, not paragraphs
- Show numbers where possible
Examples
Copy the structure, then tailor it to the role.
Best CV length
Most UK CVs should be one to two pages. Senior candidates can use two pages when the extra space adds relevant evidence.
ATS-safe formatting
Use standard headings, normal text, clear dates, common fonts, and simple spacing so parsing systems can read your CV.
FAQ
Quick answers for UK CVs.
How long should a UK CV be?
Most UK CVs should be one or two pages. Graduates can often use one page, while experienced candidates usually need two pages if the content is relevant.
What is the best font for a UK CV?
Use a readable font such as Arial, Calibri, Inter, Times New Roman, or another clean professional font. Avoid decorative typefaces.
Is a two-column CV ATS-friendly?
A simple two-column CV can work, but a single-column layout is safer when ATS parsing is critical.
Turn the guidance into an ATS-friendly CV.
Build your CV, switch templates, check ATS alignment, and generate application materials from the same workspace.