CV writing guidance for international students

In the UK, the terms 'CV' (curriculum vitae) and 'resume' mean the same thing. CVs are more commonly used in the UK.    

Your CV is a personal marketing tool to communicate your academic qualifications but also your skills, strengths, and work experience to potential employers. The main aim of your CV is to persuade an employer to shortlist you for interview.

How to start building a UK CV

Before writing your CV use the job to understand what the employer is looking for. Tailoring your CV to the job opportunity and sector to which you’re applying is really important.

• Watch our video on tailoring your CV for more information

What a UK CV looks like

The chronological CV format is the most popular style for new graduates. Education, work experience and other CV headings are listed in most recent date order. There are other CV formats such as skills based CVs and academic CVs for those pursuing a career in academia. Refer to our Writing a CV guide for examples.

The basics

• Common in other countries, photos are not included in UK style CVs and employers do not expect them.   
• Include only basic personal details – your name, your UK contact address, email, phone number and optional platforms such as LinkedIn.   
• A standard CV should be one or two full pages long.  Avoid half pages.   
• Keep the layout of your CV clean and simple.  It can be tempting to use pre-made CV templates with complex designs and tables; however, these may not pass automated Applicant Tracking Systems.   
• Avoid blocks of text and instead use bullet points to convey your skills, experience and achievements.   

Structure

Personal details

Your name and contact details. Including 'Curriculum Vitae. at the top of your CV is not recommended. 

A personal profile

A short introduction summarising your knowledge, skills and experience and including what you’re looking for. Reflect on your unique strengths rather than using tired phrases such as dynamic, hardworking, and honest individual.  This enables you to really tailor your CV and encourage the employer to read on.             

Key skills

Avoid including lists of skills, instead use the job advert as a guide to highlight the top 3 or 4 key skills and give examples of when you have developed those.  

Education

List your current or most recent course and move backwards to secondary school qualifications.

Work experience

Include any type of work including part time, temporary, and volunteering. Remember to demonstrate the transferable skills you have developed.

Additional information

Include additional skills and activities such as:

• Student societies
• IT skills
• Languages
• Professional memberships
• Awards

Interests

Interests are optional but can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

References

Be sure to include the phrase “References available on request” at the end of your CV, unless full details are requested in the job advert.   

You only need to supply references when the employer asks you for them. It is common for an employer to request references following a final interview.