UK CV vs US Resume: Key Differences Every Job Seeker Should Know
Curriculum vitae UK format vs American resume — length, content, photos, spelling, and what to include when applying in the United Kingdom.
Applying for jobs in the United Kingdom? Your American resume may need significant changes. Understanding curriculum vitae UK format vs US resume conventions can be the difference between an interview and silence.
Terminology: CV vs résumé in the UK
In the UK, CV (curriculum vitae) is the standard term. "Résumé" appears in searches but British recruiters overwhelmingly expect a UK CV format document.
Length
- UK CV: Typically 2 pages (1 page for school leavers / graduates)
- US resume: Often strictly 1 page unless senior executive
Personal information
UK employers follow equality guidelines. Do not include:
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Photo (except specific industries)
- Full home address (city is enough)
Spelling and language
Use British English: colour, organisation, programme, licence (noun), centre, analyse.
Education section
UK CVs often list GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC, NVQs, and university classifications (First, 2:1, 2:2). American GPAs and SAT scores are less relevant for UK roles unless applying to US firms in London.
References
"References available on request" is common on UK CVs. You do not need to list referee contact details upfront.
Build the right document for UK employers
Use a united kingdom cv template on Resumika to ensure your document matches local expectations — then tailor each application to the role.
Build your UK CV free with Resumika
Use our free CV maker, pick a UK-friendly template, and check your CV structure before you apply.
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Resumika Team
The CVeezi team is dedicated to helping job seekers create professional resumes and land their dream jobs with AI-powered tools and expert career advice.