Are you looking for a job in the UK? You’ll need a great resume to catch employers’ eyes. But writing a resume that stands out isn’t always easy. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a resume that will make UK employers sit up and take notice.
Why Your Resume Matters
First things first – why is your resume so important? Well, it’s often the first thing an employer sees when you apply for a job. It’s your chance to make a good first impression and show why you’re perfect for the role. A strong resume can open doors and get you interviews. A weak one? It might land you in the ‘no’ pile before you even get a chance to shine.
Understanding UK Resume Basics
Before we dive into the details, let’s cover some UK resume basics. In the UK, we usually call it a CV (short for curriculum vitae) rather than a resume. But don’t worry – they’re basically the same thing.
UK CVs are typically a bit longer than American resumes. While in the US, you might keep it to one page, in the UK, two pages is standard. For more senior roles or academic positions, it might even be longer.
Another key difference? In the UK, it’s not common to include a photo on your CV. In fact, many employers prefer CVs without photos to avoid any bias.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating your standout UK CV.
Steps To Write A Standout Resume For UK Jobs
1. Start With Your Contact Details
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people get it wrong. At the top of your CV, include:
• Your full name
• Your email address (make sure it’s professional!)
• Your phone number
• Your location (city and country is enough – no need for your full address)
You might also want to add links to professional profiles, like LinkedIn. But only if they’re up-to-date and showcase your skills.
2. Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Next up is your personal statement. This is a short paragraph that sums up who you are, what you can offer, and what you’re looking for. Think of it as your elevator pitch – you’ve got just a few seconds to grab the employer’s attention.
Keep it short and snappy – aim for about 3-4 sentences. Focus on your key skills and experiences that match the job you’re applying for. And try to avoid clichés. Instead of saying you’re a “hard-working team player,” give a specific example that shows these qualities.
3. Highlight Your Work Experience
This is where you get to show off your work history. Start with your most recent job and work backwards. For each role, include:
• The company name
• Your job title
• The dates you worked there (month and year is fine)
• A bullet point list of your key responsibilities and achievements
When writing about your achievements, use the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result. What was the situation? What did you do? What was the outcome? And wherever possible, use numbers to show your impact. For example, “Increased sales by 20% over six months” is more impressive than just “Increased sales.”
If you’re just starting out and don’t have much work experience, don’t panic. Include any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These all count as valuable experience.
4. Showcase Your Education
After your work experience, list your education. Start with your highest level of education and work backwards. Include:
• The name of the institution
• The degree or qualification you earned
• The dates you studied
• Any honours or high grades
If you’re a recent graduate, you might want to put your education before your work experience. And if you have any relevant coursework or projects, don’t be afraid to mention them.
5. Highlight Your Skills
Next, create a section for your skills. This is especially important if you’re changing careers or if the job requires specific technical skills.
Split your skills into categories. For example:
• Technical skills (like coding languages or software you’re proficient in)
• Language skills
• Soft skills (like communication or leadership)
Be honest about your skill level. If you’re fluent in Spanish, say so. If you’re still learning, that’s okay too – just be upfront about it.
6. Include Any Relevant Achievements or Awards
Have you won any awards? Completed any special training? This is the place to brag about it. Create a section for additional achievements that don’t fit elsewhere on your CV. This could include, Professional certifications, Industry awards, Published work and Speaking engagements.
These extras can help you stand out from other candidates with similar work experience.
7. Add Your Interests
In the UK, it’s common to include a short section on your interests or hobbies. This can help show your personality and make you more memorable. But choose wisely – “watching Netflix” probably won’t impress anyone. Instead, focus on interests that show positive qualities or relate to the job in some way.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, mentioning that you write a popular blog could be relevant. Or if you’re going for a leadership position, talking about your experience captaining a sports team could be a plus.
8. Choose the Right Format
Now that you’ve got all your content, it’s time to make it look good. A clean, professional layout is key. Here are some formatting tips:
• Use a clear, readable font like Arial or Calibri
• Keep your font size between 10 and 12 points
• Use bold for headings to break up the text
• Keep plenty of white space – don’t cram everything in
• Be consistent with your formatting throughout
Remember, your CV should be easy to read at a glance. Recruiters often skim CVs, so make sure your key information stands out.
9. Tailor Your CV for Each Job
Here’s a secret: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all CV. To really stand out, you need to tailor your CV for each job you apply for.
Read the job description carefully. What skills and experiences are they looking for? Make sure these are prominent in your CV. You might need to tweak your personal statement or shuffle your skills section to highlight the most relevant information.
This doesn’t mean you should lie or exaggerate. It’s about presenting your genuine skills and experiences in the most relevant way for each specific job.
10. Use Action Words
Want to make your CV more dynamic? Use action words. These are verbs that convey achievement and responsibility. Instead of saying you were “responsible for managing a team,” say you “led a team of 10 people.”
Some powerful action words include:
• Achieved
• Improved
• Launched
• Negotiated
• Transformed
Using these words can make your CV more engaging and show that you’re a proactive, results-driven candidate.
11. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Nothing undermines a great CV faster than spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. They suggest a lack of attention to detail – not a quality most employers are looking for.
So, once you’ve finished writing, proofread your CV. Then proofread it again. And then get someone else to proofread it. Fresh eyes can often spot mistakes you’ve missed.
12. Consider the ATS
Many large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they even reach human eyes. These systems scan for keywords related to the job.
To get past the ATS:
• Use keywords from the job description in your CV
• Avoid fancy formatting or graphics that might confuse the system
• Don’t try to trick the system by hiding keywords in white text – it’s unethical and you’ll likely get caught
13. Keep It Updated
Your CV isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. You should update it regularly, even if you’re not actively job hunting. Add new skills as you learn them, update your job responsibilities as they change, and include any new achievements or qualifications.
This way, when an opportunity does come up, you’re ready to go with an up-to-date CV.
14. Be Honest
It might be tempting to exaggerate your skills or experiences to make yourself look better. Don’t. Many employers do background checks, and if they catch you in a lie, you’ll lose the job opportunity – and potentially damage your professional reputation.
Instead, focus on presenting your genuine skills and experiences in the best light. If you’re missing a required skill, express your willingness and ability to learn.
15. Consider a Skills-Based CV
If you’re changing careers or have gaps in your work history, a skills-based CV might be a good option. This format puts your skills front and center, rather than focusing on your chronological work history.
In a skills-based CV, you’d have an expanded skills section near the top of your CV, grouping your skills into relevant categories. You’d then have a shorter work history section.
This can be a great way to highlight your transferable skills and show how they apply to the new role you’re seeking.
Conclusion
Writing a standout CV takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Your CV is your ticket to getting an interview, and potentially landing your dream job. By following these tips, you can create a CV that showcases your skills, highlights your achievements, and makes UK employers want to meet you.
Remember, your CV is a living document. As you grow in your career, your CV should evolve too. Keep it updated, keep refining it, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from mentors or trusted colleagues.