Summary: A concise, results-focused CV gets you shortlisted faster. Use this UK-specific checklist to structure a two-page CV that passes ATS scans and impresses hiring managers.
The quick rules
- Length: 1–2 pages (2 for 5+ years’ experience).
- Format: clean, consistent, ATS-friendly (no tables/graphics).
- Focus: outcomes and impact, not task lists.
- Language: UK spelling, clear, concise, active verbs.
Contact details (top of page)
- Full name, city/region (e.g., “Solihull, West Midlands”), phone, professional email.
- LinkedIn URL and portfolio/GitHub (where relevant).
- Do not include photo, date of birth, marital status, or full address.
Personal profile (3–4 lines)
A short, tailored summary that states your role, domain strengths, and the value you bring. Example: “Management Accountant with 5+ years improving reporting accuracy and cash forecasting; advanced Excel and Power BI; partner to operations and sales.”
Core skills (6–10 bullets)
- Make them scannable and relevant to the role.
- Blend technical and soft skills (e.g., “AWS, Terraform, Python, Stakeholder Management, Agile, Cost Control”).
Experience (reverse-chronological)
- Job Title — Company, Location (Month YYYY – Present)
- 1–2 lines describing scope (team size, budgets, stack, products).
- 3–5 bullets of achievements. Lead with a strong verb + metric:
- “Reduced time-to-resolution by 28% by introducing a new triage workflow.”
- “Delivered £450k cost avoidance by renegotiating supplier terms.”
- “Improved patient throughput 18% via rota redesign and e-rostering.”
- Keep older roles brief; prioritise the last 5–7 years.
Education
- Degree, Institution, Grade (if strong) — Year.
- Include key modules/projects only if early-career or highly relevant.
Certifications & training
- List current, role-relevant qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, NEBOSH, ACCA, CISSP, AWS Associate).
- Include expiry dates where applicable.
Projects & achievements (optional, high impact)
- Short case snippets for notable work, open-source, publications, awards.
- Use outcomes, not responsibilities.
Keywords & ATS optimisation
- Mirror the job advert’s key terms (tools, frameworks, regulations).
- Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills).
- Avoid text in images, complex columns, or heavy icons.
Formatting that works
- Font: 10.5–12pt (Inter, Calibri, Arial, Verdana). Headings 0.5–1pt larger.
- Margins ~1.5–2cm, generous white space, consistent bullet style.
- File name: Firstname-Lastname-Role-UK.pdf. Keep a .docx version for portals.
What not to include (UK)
- Photo, age, nationality, full address, NI number.
- References on request (state this only if asked).
- Salary history; keep expectations for later stages.
Tailoring checklist (per application)
- Update the profile line to mirror the role’s outcomes.
- Shuffle skills so the most relevant 6–8 come first.
- Swap in 2–3 achievements that prove you can deliver their goals.
Final pre-submit checks
- Spellcheck with UK English; read aloud for flow.
- All dates and job titles aligned; no unexplained gaps (brief note if needed).
- Links (LinkedIn/portfolio) work; contact number and email are correct.
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