How to write a CV in English?

Writing a CV in English is an essential step for anyone wishing to work in the UK. This document differs somewhat from CV formats in other countries, particularly in terms of structure and the information it contains. British recruiters expect a CV that is clear, precise, and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on professional skills.

Learn how to adapt your CV to meet the standards of the UK job market and maximize your chances of landing an interview.

Structure of a CV in English

Length and format

A British CV should generally fit on 2 pages maximum, even for experienced profiles. It's important to use a simple and clear format, with well-defined sections and a classic font like Arial or Calibri to facilitate reading.

Main sections

The key sections to include in an English CV are as follows:

Contact Information

This section should include your name, email address, phone number, and possibly a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Example:

John Smith
Email: john.smith@email.com
Phone: +44 7911 123456
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Location: London, UK

Personal Statement

This is a short paragraph summarizing your skills and objectives. You should mention what you bring to the employer and why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Example for an experienced profile:

Experienced digital marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in developing and executing successful online campaigns. Proven ability to increase web traffic and conversion rates by 25% through SEO and PPC strategies. Looking to apply my expertise to support XYZ Ltd in expanding its digital footprint.

Example for a beginner profile:

Recent business graduate with strong skills in project management and data analysis. Eager to bring fresh ideas and a strong analytical approach to the role of Junior Analyst at ABC Corp.

Work Experience

List your jobs starting with the most recent. For each position, mention your role, the company name, the employment period, as well as your main responsibilities and quantifiable achievements.

Example:

Marketing Manager
ABC Corp, London
June 2020 – Present
- Developed and implemented digital marketing strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in web traffic in one year.
- Managed a budget of £100,000 for PPC and SEO campaigns, optimizing cost-per-click and conversion rates.
- Led a team of 5 digital marketing specialists, improving overall team performance by 15%.

Education

Detail your degrees and training starting with the most recent, mentioning the dates and institutions.

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration  
University of Manchester, UK  
2015 – 2018  
Graduated with First-Class Honours

Skills

List your technical skills (mastery of tools, languages spoken) as well as your "soft" skills (ability to work in a team, leadership).

Example:

- SEO & SEM (Advanced)
- Data analysis using Google Analytics and Excel
- Bilingual in English and French
- Project management (Agile methodology)

References

You can choose to include professional references or simply mention that they are available upon request.

Example with a specific reference:

References
Dr. Emily Johnson
Marketing Director, XYZ Ltd
Email: emily.johnson@xyzltd.co.uk
Phone: +44 7900 123456

Simple example with references available upon request:

References available upon request.

CV title

Unlike customs in some countries, there is no need to write "Curriculum Vitae" at the top of the document in a British CV. Recruiters already know they are reading a CV. Instead, start directly with your name and a professional title that best describes your profile or reflects the position you are applying for. This approach allows the recruiter to quickly identify your role and tailor their reading accordingly.

Title examples:

John Smith
Marketing Manager

or if you are at the start of your career:

John Smith
Junior Business Analyst

Errors to avoid in an English CV

Writing a CV in English requires more than just translating a CV from another language. Some common mistakes can quickly work against you with British recruiters:

• Including personal information: do not mention your age, nationality, marital status, or religion in a British CV. Unlike in some other countries, this information is considered irrelevant and can even be seen as discriminatory.
• Too much detail: a British CV should be concise and to the point. Avoid describing every task you have performed in detail, focus on concrete achievements and results.
• Adding irrelevant "hobbies": including hobbies or interests is not necessary unless they add value to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a position in tourism and mention traveling or language learning, these activities can be an asset.

Misrepresenting or overcomplicating your qualifications

When applying for jobs in the UK, it's important to use the correct terminology that aligns with local expectations. Certain terms may have different meanings or connotations in the UK, and using the wrong term could confuse recruiters or misrepresent your qualifications:

• Executive vs. Manager: in the UK, "Executive" typically refers to a high-ranking leadership position, such as "Chief Executive Officer" (CEO), while "Manager" is more appropriate for mid-level or senior management roles. Ensure that you use the term "Manager" unless you're applying for an executive-level role.
• Technician: terms like "Senior Technician" or "Advanced Technician" are more appropriate in a British CV to describe someone with high-level technical skills. Avoid using terms like "Superior Technician," which can imply authority rather than technical expertise.
• Degree titles: in the UK, a "Bachelor's Degree" refers to an undergraduate qualification, while a "Master's Degree" indicates postgraduate education. Avoid confusing these with terms like "License," which in English refers to a permit, such as a driving license.
• Project Manager: for those with experience managing projects, use the term "Project Manager". The title "Chief" (as in "Chief of Project") is generally reserved for higher-level executive roles, like "Chief Executive Officer".
• Internship or Work Placement: in the UK, the term for a period of work experience is "Internship" or "Work Placement". Be careful not to confuse this with "Stage," which refers to a platform in a theater rather than a learning experience in a professional setting.

Using unfamiliar terminology

When applying for jobs in the UK, it's essential to present your qualifications in a way that aligns with local expectations. British recruiters are accustomed to specific terminology when it comes to academic and vocational qualifications, so it's important to use terms that are widely recognized and understood:

• Clarity and precision: instead of focusing on direct translations of your qualifications, aim to present them in a way that British employers will easily recognize. For example, if you have a three or four-year university degree, refer to it as a "Bachelor's Degree", which is the standard term in the UK.
• Consistent terminology: use terms that are familiar to recruiters, such as "Bachelor's Degree" for undergraduate education or "Master's Degree" for postgraduate studies. If you have technical or vocational qualifications, it may be helpful to compare them to the "Higher National Diploma" (HND) or "NVQ Level 3", but keep the explanation brief.
• Avoid Over-explaining: there's no need to dive into detailed explanations of foreign qualifications unless they are highly specialized. The goal is to make your CV as accessible and straightforward as possible, ensuring that recruiters can quickly understand your educational background.

No photo on the CV

Unlike certain practices in other countries, it is strongly discouraged to include a photo on a CV intended for the UK market for several reasons:

• Prevention of discrimination: recruiters in the UK are subject to strict anti-discrimination laws. Including a photo could introduce unconscious bias based on appearance, age, or gender, and could even lead to accusations of favoritism or prejudice. To ensure a fair evaluation based solely on skills and experience, it is preferable not to provide a photo.
• Professional standards: in a British professional context, a CV without a photo is the norm. Recruiters are more interested in your qualifications, skills, and achievements than your appearance. This approach allows them to focus their attention on the elements relevant to the position.
• Compatibility with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems): applicant tracking systems, often used to sort CVs, are not designed to handle graphic elements like photos. Including a photo could cause readability issues or prevent the correct analysis of your CV by these systems.

Adapting your CV to each job offer

A generic CV has little chance of catching the attention of British recruiters. It is crucial to customize your CV for each job application by incorporating specific keywords from the job description:

• Use of keywords: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are commonly used in the UK to filter CVs. To pass this initial screening, identify the keywords in the job listing (technical skills, specific software, etc.) and ensure they are included in your CV.
• Personal profile customization: the "Personal Statement" should reflect the employer's needs. For example, if a company is looking for someone with project management and communication skills, tailor your profile to highlight these aspects.

Focus on skills and achievements

British recruiters place great importance on professional achievements and how your skills can benefit the company. It is not enough to list skills; you must also show how they have been successfully applied.

Highlight "Soft Skills" and "Hard Skills"

• Soft Skills: these are interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, or leadership. They are highly valued in a British work environment. Mention situations where you have demonstrated these skills (for example, managing a team during a crucial project).
• Hard Skills: these are technical or specific skills, such as proficiency in computer tools, particular software, or language skills. Be precise about your level of expertise and the results achieved thanks to these skills.

Quantify results

British recruiters like to see quantifiable results that clearly demonstrate your impact in previous roles. For example, instead of saying "I managed a team.", prefer "I led a team of 10 people and implemented new work methods, which resulted in a 15% increase in productivity." This approach provides concrete evidence of your effectiveness and measurable contributions.

Example of a quantified achievement:

Increased sales by 20% in Q2 2023 by implementing new digital marketing strategies.

Best practices for optimizing your CV in English

Using action verbs

British recruiters expect candidates to demonstrate not only their skills but also their ability to deliver tangible results. Using action verbs in your CV allows you to dynamically showcase how you have contributed to the success of your previous employers.

Starting each job description with an action verb adds more dynamism to your CV. Use verbs like "managed”, "developed”, "created”, "increased”, which show that you have taken initiatives and achieved results:

Managed

This verb reflects skills in leadership and team or project management. It shows that you have taken responsibility for a task or team and achieved results.

Examples:

Managed a team of 15 developers, resulting in a 25% increase in project completion rates within deadlines.

or

Managed a £500,000 annual budget for marketing campaigns, optimizing cost-efficiency and increasing ROI by 20%.

Developed

This verb illustrates your ability to innovate or improve existing processes. It highlights the strategic or technical improvements you have brought to your company.

Examples:

Developed a new client onboarding process, reducing onboarding time by 30% and improving customer satisfaction.

or

Developed and implemented a digital marketing strategy that led to a 50% increase in online traffic within six months.

Created

This verb is powerful for showing that you have initiated something new, whether it's a product, strategy, or service. It emphasizes your ability to innovate and provide concrete solutions.

Example:

Created a new onboarding process that reduced employee turnover by 15% within the first year.

Increased

Use this verb when you can demonstrate quantified results (e.g., increase in sales, traffic, profits). It highlights the measurable impact of your work.

Example:

Increased sales by 20% in Q2 2023 by implementing new digital marketing strategies.

Language and spelling check

Flawless spelling is crucial. Have your CV proofread by a native English speaker or use correction tools like Grammarly to avoid any mistakes that could harm your application. Additionally, ensure that the language used is consistent (British English vs American English) according to the targeted company.

Additional resources for writing your CV in English

Online CV creation tools

To help you structure your CV according to British standards, several platforms offer tailored CV templates and creation tools:

• Standout CV: provides CV examples optimized for the UK market, along with tips for writing an effective CV.
• Reed.co.uk: offers detailed advice on CV presentation and layout, as well as free downloadable templates.
• Prospects.ac.uk: provides advice on how to avoid common mistakes and prepare your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Tips for non-native speakers

If English is not your first language, it might be useful to use professional proofreading or translation services to avoid errors and improve the fluency of your CV. Tools like Grammarly can also help you check grammar and spelling.

Job sites in the UK

• LinkedIn: an essential professional social network for job searching in the UK and building a professional network.
• Indeed: one of the largest job listing sites, with numerous opportunities in the UK.
• Reed.co.uk: a major UK job search site, also offering advice and resources on CV writing.

Writing a CV in English tailored to the expectations of the UK market requires particular attention to detail and customization for each job offer. By following these tips, you will increase your chances of catching the recruiters' attention and moving to the interview stage. Always remember to adapt your CV to the specifics of the targeted position and highlight your quantifiable achievements to stand out from other candidates.