The Best British CV Templates (PDF) & UK CV Layout

How to use a British CV template

Before you start filling in your chosen template, it’s important to understand what to include in a CV. A British CV has a well-established structure that helps recruiters quickly scan your information and decide whether you’re a strong fit.

• Contact information

  Your contact details should sit at the very top of your CV and be easy to find at first glance. This section is purely practical but absolutely essential. If recruiters can’t reach you, the rest of your CV won’t matter. Include:

  • Full name – avoid nicknames; use the professional version you’d want on official documents.
  • Job title – tailor this to the role you’re applying for (e.g., Mechanical Technician or Marketing Graduate).
  • Phone number – your personal, active mobile number.
  • Email address – keep it professional, ideally firstname.lastname@email.com.
  • Location – city and postcode are enough; no need for your full address.
  • Professional links – such as LinkedIn or an online portfolio, if relevant to the role.

• Personal statement

  The personal statement (sometimes called a CV profile or summary) is the first impression recruiters will have of you beyond your contact details. It’s a short paragraph, usually 3–5 sentences, that sums up who you are, what you offer, and what you’re aiming for. When writing your personal statement:

  • Tailor it to the role – highlight qualities and experience that match the job description.
  • Include a quantified achievement – recruiters love measurable results, such as “reduced production downtime by 25%” or “increased sales revenue by £50,000 annually.”
  • Keep it concise – no more than 100 words. Clarity and impact are more valuable than length.
  • Show your value – rather than what you want, focus on what you can deliver for the employer.

• Work experience

  Your work experience is often the most important part of a British CV. This section shows recruiters how your past roles have prepared you for the position you’re applying for. List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each role, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.

  To make your CV stand out, don’t just list duties — focus on achievements. The best way to do this is by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This allows you to clearly show what challenge you faced, what you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.

  Always cross-check your bullet points with the job description. Tailor your examples to highlight the skills and achievements the employer is looking for. Three to six bullet points per role are enough to demonstrate your impact without overwhelming the reader.

• Skills section

  The skills section of a British CV is your chance to showcase the abilities that make you a strong candidate. This section is especially important if you’re early in your career or changing industries, as it highlights what you can do even when experience is limited. There are two main types of skills to include:

  • Hard skills – These are technical, job-specific abilities that can be measured or proven, such as data analysis, coding, bookkeeping, or proficiency in software like AutoCAD or Excel.
  • Soft skills – These are interpersonal qualities that describe how you work with others and manage tasks. Examples include communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.

  When listing your skills:

  • Tailor them to the job description, emphasising the ones the employer values most.
  • Support key skills with short evidence, if possible, such as “Project management – led a team of 5 to deliver a system upgrade two weeks ahead of schedule.” This step is necessary if you’re writing a skills-based CV.
  • Aim for 6–10 well-chosen skills, grouped logically if your template allows.

• Education section

  The education section is a core part of a British CV, particularly for students, recent graduates, or professionals applying to roles where qualifications are essential. Employers want to quickly see your academic background and how it supports your suitability for the role. Include the following details for each qualification:

  • Degree or qualification title – e.g., BSc Mechanical Engineering or A-Levels in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • Institution name and location – keep it clear and concise.
  • Dates of study or graduation – month and year are usually enough.
  • Grades or results – list your grade if it strengthens your application (e.g., First-Class Honours or AAB).

  If you don’t have much work experience, you can expand this section by including relevant coursework, research projects, or dissertations to demonstrate knowledge and transferable skills. However, if you’re more experienced, keep it brief and prioritise your work history instead.

• Bonus sections

  While not mandatory, bonus sections can make your British CV more compelling by highlighting additional strengths beyond your core qualifications and work history. Common bonus sections to consider include:

  • Certifications – Professional credentials such as PRINCE2, CIPD Level 5, or First Aid Certification add credibility.
  • Languages – List any additional languages you speak, ideally with a recognised framework like CEFR (e.g., Spanish – B2).
  • Volunteering – Community work or unpaid experience demonstrates transferable skills such as teamwork, organisation, or leadership.
  • Awards and honours – Academic prizes, industry recognition, or workplace awards can help set you apart.
  • Projects – Major personal or professional projects that show relevant expertise, such as launching a website or leading a research initiative.
  • Professional memberships – Organisations like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) demonstrate engagement with your field.

  When adding bonus sections, keep them concise. 2–4 bullet points per category is usually enough. Always prioritise the ones most relevant to the role you’re applying for.