The CV maker opens with the Executive template and these rules already set. No sign-up, nothing uploaded, real PDF.
Open the CV makerThe rules at a glance
Each rule links to its source. "Common practice" means no official source says it.
| Leave out | Your age, date of birth, marital status and nationality National Careers Service |
|---|---|
| Photo | Not mentioned by the National Careers Service; left off by common practice common practice |
| Introduction | A few short lines below your name and contact details on who you are and what you want to do National Careers Service |
| Experience | Newest first: employer, job title, dates and 2–3 lines on what you did National Careers Service |
| Order | Early in your career: education after the introduction. A lot of experience: work history first National Careers Service |
| Length | No page count is given. "Clear and to the point"; two pages is common practice National Careers Service |
| Font | A clear font such as Arial or Calibri, size 11 or larger National Careers Service |
Sections, in order
- Contact details. Name, phone, email and a link to a professional profile such as LinkedIn.
- Introduction (personal statement). Three or four lines that show you fit this job: what you do, your experience and what you want next.
- Work experience. Newest first. Placements and volunteering count.
- Education. Qualification, school or university, and dates.
- Skills. Use the job advert's own words where they are true for you. (Our advice.)
- References. Optional. Don't list referees' contact details; "References available on request" is enough.
Tips
- Use the STAR method in your experience: the situation, your task, what you did and the result (National Careers Service).
- Hobbies are not a standard section. Add them mainly if you have little work history and they show a skill (National Careers Service).
- Have someone else check the spelling and grammar (National Careers Service).
FAQ
Should I put my date of birth on a UK CV?
No. The National Careers Service says not to include your age, date of birth, marital status or nationality.
Should a UK CV have a photo?
The National Careers Service doesn't mention photos. By common practice UK CVs leave them off, and our UK templates have no photo.
How long should a UK CV be?
The National Careers Service gives no page count and says to be clear and to the point. Most UK CVs are one or two pages.
Should I write my visa status on a UK CV?
If you need sponsorship or already have the right to work, a short line such as "Skilled Worker visa required" or "Full right to work in the UK" saves the recruiter a question. (Our advice.)
Sources
Checked 26 October 2026. Hiring conventions change and employers differ. Where rules vary, check the job advert and the official source.