How to Make a CV for a Job in the UK (2026 ATS-Friendly Guide)

Your CV is the single most important document in your career. It’s not just a history of your jobs; it's your personal marketing brochure. This guide will show you how to make a CV for a job that satisfies both the ATS robot and the human recruiter, tailored specifically for the UK market.

UK CV Format: The 2026 Basics

Length: Two pages is ideal for a UK CV. One page is fine if you're early in your career.
Format: PDF. Always send a PDF unless explicitly asked for a Word document.
Font: Stick to professional, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond.
Layout: Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space. Do not use tables or columns.

Section 1: Contact Information

This should be at the very top. Include: Your Name, Phone Number, Email Address, and LinkedIn Profile URL.

Section 2: The Personal Statement

This is your 6-second pitch to hook the recruiter. It must be tailored to the job you're applying for. Focus on specific achievements.

Section 3: Work Experience

This is the most important section. List it in reverse chronological order. Show Achievements, Not Responsibilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to build your bullet points.

Section 4: Skills

Create a dedicated section for your hard and soft skills. This is vital for the ATS scan. Read the job description and make sure the keywords it uses are present in your skills section.

Section 5: Education & Qualifications

List your most recent and relevant education first. You don't need to include A-Levels or GCSEs if you have a university degree.

Final 5-Point Checklist

Is it a PDF?
Is it two pages or less?
Is it ATS-friendly (no tables, no columns)?
Is it tailored to the job spec?
Is it proofread?