BEST CV TOOL
UK CV format
Use a role-specific CV that makes your relevant experience, skills and qualifications easy to find. Keep the contact details current and write a concise introduction. National Careers Service guidance advises leaving out age, date of birth, marital status and nationality.
Draft — needs local expert review. Updated .
What to include and leave out
| Include when relevant | Leave out by default |
|---|---|
| Name, phone, email, relevant professional profile, introduction, education, work history and skills. | Age, date of birth, marital status and nationality. Our default is also to leave out a photo unless you have a specific reason to include it. |
These are general drafting suggestions. Follow the employer’s application instructions and share personal information only when it is relevant. They do not establish legal requirements or work eligibility.
CV or resume?
CV. Adapt the order to your experience. A graduate can put relevant education and projects before paid work. Use accurate examples and ask another reader to check spelling and clarity.
Start with a sample layout
Open the suggested free CV template. It contains fictional preview content, not a verified example of a successful application. Replace the examples with your own information and review every page of the PDF.
A4 is the builder preset for this guide. You can change it to US Letter if the application requires it. Optional personal fields start off, and choosing a country preset does not fill in or infer your nationality, visa status or marital status.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the only accepted format in UK?
No. Employers, sectors and application channels differ. Follow the vacancy instructions and use a local reviewer for important applications.
Should I include a photo or personal details?
Use the include/leave-out guidance above as a starting point. Optional fields are off by default. Share only relevant information you choose to provide; never use a sample value as your own.
Will a high ATS score guarantee an interview?
No. The score is an English-oriented checklist, not an employer’s screening result. Review your experience, language and file format against the vacancy.
Source: career guidance used for this draft. Also see our editorial policy and ATS checklist.