Looking for a job in the UK can be overwhelming, especially for immigrants facing recruitment practices that are new to them. Employers usually expect you to submit a CV (curriculum vitae) and a cover letter that demonstrate your skills and experience. Dealing with these requirements can be tough—from English grammar to local formatting, it’s a lot to manage, especially when you’re already worried about visas and finances.
Putting effort into a good CV and cover letter can improve your chances. This latest Remitly guide covers everything from layout and style to common mistakes, helping you stand out confidently in the UK job market.
How to Create a UK-style CV
Understanding the UK CV format
In many parts of the world, a CV can run to several pages, listing every qualification or placement you’ve ever had. However, UK employers expect a focused, two-page document. Unlike a résumé in some countries, a UK CV emphasizes:
- Clarity
Straightforward language, with minimal fluff. - Relevance
Content aligned to the specific job description. - Brevity
Ideally one or two pages for mid-level roles. Senior professionals might stretch to three if necessary.
The National Careers Service advises keeping it short and clear. Put key facts like your contact details, work experience, and education at the start. Prospects also says that employers often skim CVs in seconds. So, use strong bullet points or headings to highlight your best attributes concisely.
Structuring your CV effectively
A typical UK CV may follow this structure:
- Contact details
Your name, phone number, and professional email address. You don’t need to add a photo, date of birth, or marital status. This is common in some countries but not usual in the UK. - Personal profile or summary
A short paragraph (three to four lines) describing your key strengths, top achievements, and perhaps career goals, particularly if they specifically relate to the role you’re after. Keep it punchy and relevant. - Key skills
Emphasise skills that fit the role, such as data analysis, leading teams, or speaking foreign languages. - Work experience
Start with your most recent work role, listing your job title, organisation, location, and dates. Use bullet points to emphasise achievements and responsibilities. - Education
List your highest or most relevant qualification first. Include school/university names, location, and graduation dates. Space is always a consideration, so you don’t need to go right back to the start of your educational career. - Additional sections
You can include volunteering, hobbies, or interests that highlight your leadership or teamwork skills. - References
You can state “Available on request” instead of providing contact details, saving space and time.
Key sections to include in your CV
In many UK recruitment settings, employers value not just the tasks you’ve undertaken in your professional life, but the impact you’ve had. Here’s how to refine key sections:
- Profile/personal statement
Write about your main skill set, your motivation for the industry, and your general style of working. Employers want to see how you ‘fit’. - Work experience
Instead of simply listing duties, highlight achievements. If you improved process times by 20% or increased sales by 15%, mention those specific outcomes. - Achievements
Some CVs include a short bullet list of key awards—like ‘Employee of the Month’ or ‘Led a team of five to complete a major project’. - Education
If you studied outside the UK, give an overview of your degree’s equivalency. It’s useful to research how to get your international qualifications recognised in the UK before applying to roles.
The University of Brighton’s resource on writing a CV emphasises that a strong structure aligns your experiences with the employer’s listed requirements. This approach helps them see, at a glance, that you have the right skills or background for the role.
Highlighting education and work experience
In the UK, recruiters want to see continuity. They look for how your past jobs or education led to the role you want. If you have gaps, like a long trip or job search, mention them positively. You could say you ‘travelled internationally, improving language skills and cross-cultural awareness’ for example.
The key is honesty and a forward-looking stance:
- Details
List your exact job titles in English, along with brief descriptions if needed. - Accomplishments
If you’ve faced a challenge, like leading a multi-lingual team or working in a multinational setting, be sure to highlight it. - Adaptation
Highlight how your foreign experience would be an asset in a UK workplace. For example, you might offer strong communication skills, an understanding of managing diverse team members, or speak several languages.
Tips for Writing your CV
Your CV will be the first impression the employer gets of you. So it’s worth spending time making it as well-structured and targeted at the specific role as possible.
Tailoring your CV for the job application
Rather than sending the same CV for every vacancy, adjust it to address each role you apply for. For example, for a marketing job, you could highlight your social media campaign experience. Or for a finance role you could emphasize your skills in data analysis or budgeting.
If you’re applying for roles in different industries, you might have transferable skills even if you don’t have direct experience.
Using keywords from the job description
Using keywords from the job description, such as ‘team leadership’, ‘Excel proficiency’, or ‘client management’, is helpful. Using these keywords from the job advert can help get past automated tracking systems.
However, avoid copy-pasting entire lines from the advert. Instead, adapt them to your experiences or achievements. If you have a LinkedIn profile, keep it consistent with your CV, so employers don’t see conflicting details about roles or dates.
Avoiding common CV mistakes
Grammar and spelling errors can spoil your application. Recruiters might interpret them as a lack of attention to detail. If English isn’t your first language, use tools like proofreading software. You can also ask a native-speaking friend to check your phrasing, if you have one.
Some other mistakes to avoid:
- Too long
Stick to two pages max unless you have a senior-level or research-based experience that requires more. - Irrelevant personal info
Employers in the UK generally don’t expect your photo, age, or marital status. - Vague terms
Instead of describing yourself as a ‘people person’, terms like “I led weekly team-building sessions, which improved staff satisfaction by 15%” provide specific and relatable information about your skills. - Poor layout
Fancy fonts, bizarre colours, or complicated layouts can be distracting. Keep it clean with headings, bullet points, and consistent spacing.
How to Write a Cover Letter for the UK Job Market
A cover letter could be the difference between you and another candidate getting an interview with the employer. So, it’s essential to showcase why you’re the best candidate for the role.
The purpose of a cover letter
Your CV lists your experiences, but a cover letter adds a personal touch. It explains your motivation and shows how your background fits the employer’s needs. In the UK, most roles require a cover letter, especially if you’re not applying through an online form.
- Introduce who you are and your interest in the company.
- Highlight two or three key achievements or skills relevant to the role.
- Show that you’ve researched the organisation and understand its values or mission.
- Conclude with a polite sign-off inviting further discussion or an interview.
Online platforms like Grammarly take you step by step through the process of writing a cover letter. A strong and organised letter can set you apart.
Structuring your cover letter
A typical UK cover letter runs about one A4 page, with three or four paragraphs. You might follow this format:
- Introduction
State the role you’re applying for and how you found it. For example, “I am writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at X Company, advertised on your website.” - Body
Summarise your relevant experiences or skills, referencing two or three points from the job description. Provide short examples in a bulleted list or a concise paragraph. - Alignment with the company
Show you know their brand, mission, or key projects. If you’re an immigrant, highlight how your multicultural perspective or bilingual skills could benefit them. - Closing
Emphasise your enthusiasm, request an interview, and sign off.
Addressing the cover letter
Where possible, address your letter to a real person. Searching LinkedIn or the company’s website might reveal the hiring manager’s name. If the job ad doesn’t clarify, you can phone the company for a general HR contact.
“Dear Sir/Madam” is accepted but less personal; “Dear Hiring Team” is a bit warmer. Always end with a formal salutation that matches your opening—see our tips below for what that means.
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a great way to add more personality to your application. When writing your cover letter you want to make sure that you highlight exactly why you’re a match for the role.
Customising the cover letter for each application
Just like with your CV, avoid sending a generic template letter to multiple employers. Instead, tailor the letter to address each company’s unique demands. For instance:
- Do your research
Look at their website, social media, or annual report. If the company cares about sustainability and you’ve done volunteer work on an environmental project, mention it. - Role-appropriate phrasing
If the role highlights ‘excellent interpersonal skills’, use that phrase when sharing your volunteer or teamwork experiences. - Stay relevant
Avoid listing random hobbies. Only include those that show relevant skills, like leadership or communication.
Ending your cover letter professionally
Finish by expressing your excitement again. Also, mention your availability for an interview or your readiness to share more details. Here’s a standard closing:
“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to [Company Name].”
Sign off with “Yours sincerely” if you used a specific name at the start. If you used “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” end with “Yours faithfully.” Then, type your name.
If you’re emailing the letter, you could also place a digital signature below your typed name for a finishing touch of professionalism.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Just as with CVs, it’s wise to proofread your cover letter carefully. Some mistakes that can cost you:
- Excessive length
Keep it to one A4 page, maximum. - Irrelevant detail
Don’t rehash your entire CV. Focus on how your experiences match the job. - Using the wrong company name
If you’re applying for many roles, double check that you haven’t left another employer’s name in the letter. - Overly casual tone
The UK generally appreciates politeness and clarity. Avoid slang or overly personal disclosures.
Match your letter’s style to the tone of your chosen sector. A creative startup may embrace a slightly warmer style, while a formal legal firm might prefer a more conservative approach. Show you understand the organisation before deciding on your tone.
Examples of CVs and Cover Letters
Researching CVs and cover letters from your industry is helpful. It shows you what other candidates do and what employers expect.
Reviewing examples for inspiration
Online platforms such as Indeed, Prospects, and local university careers pages provide examples of CVs and cover letters. Looking at their structure can help you organise your bullet points and highlight your achievements. Remember, these samples are usually for student or hypothetical situations so adjust them to show your own journey.
But, never copy them verbatim. Employers prefer authenticity. If your text reads like it’s come from a template, they might even question if your application is genuine or serious.
Adapting examples to fit your needs
Overselling can lead to awkward moments if you land an interview and the employer asks for details.
- Be honest
If you improved a small process, say so, but emphasise the measurable benefit or skill used. - Local context
If you’re new to the UK, highlight how prior roles in another country taught you transferable competencies, like cross-cultural communication or swiftly learning new systems. - Check legalities
Claiming qualifications you don’t have can be seen as deception. Stick to the facts.
Final Tips: CVs, Cover Letters, and Personal Statements
Before sending your CV and cover letter make sure you review it carefully, and ask a friend or a professional for help.
Integrating personal branding into application documents
CV and cover letter synergy can reflect a consistent personal brand. If you’re detail-oriented, mention that in your CV’s bullet points and show it in your letter’s organised layout.
If you emphasise communication skills, ensure your writing flows smoothly, free of mistakes. Also, keep your style consistent across your LinkedIn profile.
Personal branding matters in interviews. Employers want proof that your professional image matches your real achievements.
Leveraging professional help if needed
If you’re uncertain about English nuances or grammar, consider asking for professional help. Some UK charities or local councils run free job clubs offering CV editing services. If you have signed up with your local job centre, they can offer help too.
Many universities also help alumni, including international grads, refine their application materials. You can also pay for professional CV writers or editors if your budget allows. You can also find lots of online courses and tips to help with improving your English in a professional setting.
Ensuring your documents are error-free
Finally, proofread extensively:
- Read aloud
Spot awkward phrases that might slip through a quick read. - Check specifics
Confirm you have the right job title, the correct contact details, and matching references to the organisation. These things matter and getting them wrong could immediately put you out of the running. - Ask for feedback
Even a friend or housemate can help see issues you might miss. It’s best not to proofread it straight after you’ve written it—you’ll see what you think you wrote, not what you actually did. So, even if you’ve asked somebody else to check it, come back later and give it another read yourself.
For more advice on how to find work in the UK, check out our guide here. Good luck on your job hunt!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a CV in a UK format?
Keep it concise, preferably two pages. Focus on achievements, list recent experiences first, and omit personal details like age or marital status. Include a short profile, bullet-point skills, and your relevant educational or work experiences.
How should your CV look in the UK?
It should be clear, well-structured, and visually pleasing but without excessive flourishes. Use a consistent font, standard headings, and align text properly. Don’t add photos or flamboyant colours.
How do I make my CV stand out in the UK?
Tailor it to each role, referencing the job description. Show quantifiable results—like “Cut costs by 15%” or “Managed a £5,000 monthly budget.” Emphasise unique achievements, highlight relevant skills, and ensure there are absolutely no grammar or spelling errors.
Does the UK use cover letters?
Yes. Most employers expect a cover letter with your CV. The letter elaborates on your motivation, summarises why you fit the role and can address key details not included in the CV.