CV vs resume: what UK employers expect

If you've read US-focused advice, you may be optimising for the wrong document. In the UK, the norms differ in a few ways worth knowing.

'CV' is the standard term

UK employers ask for a CV, not a resume, and usually mean a two-page document covering your work history, education and skills.

Length: usually two pages

Unlike the US one-page resume convention, two pages is normal and expected for most UK professionals.

No photo, age or personal details

UK CVs generally omit photos, date of birth and marital status. Including them isn't expected and can work against you.

Spelling and tone

Use UK English - organise, centre, programme - and a measured, evidence-led tone. US spellings can subtly signal a copied-over resume.

Same core, different conventions

The principles - relevance, evidence, clarity - are universal. Just apply the UK conventions on top.

Not sure your CV reads right for the UK market? Book a free CV review.