British CV Templates & Tips: Build a Strong UK CV

Creating a strong British CV is essential for standing out in the competitive job market. A well-structured UK CV not only showcases work experience clearly but also aligns with what British employers expect. With the right British CV templates, you can instantly present relevant skills in a polished, professional format that attracts attention.

This guide covers every step: from getting the British CV format right to understanding what UK employers want – so you can make a CV that genuinely sets you apart.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

Looking for different CV templates? See these guides:

• How to Write an English CV: Template & Expert Tips
• Basic & Simple CV Templates
• Best CV Designs for Any Profession
• Blank CV Templates for Any Job
• Creative CV Templates You May Like
• Free CV Templates to Download Now
• Modern CV Templates That Look Really Good
• Visual CV Templates & What Are They
• Word CV Templates You Can Use With Ease

8 British CV templates for all professions

Below you’ll find an in-depth look at each template: what it’s best for, why it works, and how it supports you in making a strong British CV. Let’s jump right in!

1. Modern 8

A clean, contemporary British CV layout with strong visual separators.

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Modern 8 is perfect for candidates who want a sharp, modern design without compromising readability. Its balanced use of spacing, bold headings, and subtle accents helps key sections – like skills and experience – stand out at a glance.

Best for: retail, hospitality, admin, customer service, HR, mid-level roles

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Very easy to scan for recruiters
• Modern design, but still ATS-safe
• Looks polished even with minimal editing

Try it for free: Open the LiveCareer UK CV builder so you can fill it in and experiment with the layout at no cost; pay only a small fee when you’re ready to download your finished CV.

2. Modern 3

Sleek, elegant, and minimal.

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Modern 3 uses clear structure and subtle styling to achieve a clean, professional look. Its balanced columns are ideal for candidates with strong skills and experience who want everything to appear organised and well presented.

Best for: office, administration, marketing, sales, customer support

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Creates a professional impression instantly
• Two-column layout maximises space
• Works well for applicants with both experience and skills

Try it for free: Test different versions of your CV for free in LiveCareer UK CV builder; pay a small fee only when you want to download it.

3. Professional 8

Classic, elegant, and unmistakably “corporate.”

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Professional 8 features a highly structured layout with traditional formatting, making it ideal for UK employers who prefer a familiar, no-nonsense style in British CVs. It ensures your experience and achievements remain the focal point.

Best for: finance, operations, management, logistics, administration

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Trusted, traditional look aligns with UK corporate expectations
• Very easy to adapt
• Strong visual hierarchy improves readability

Try it for free: LiveCareer UK CV builder lets you build and preview your CV for free; download it for a small fee when you're satisfied.

4. Creative 1

Bold, modern, and eye-catching without feeling unprofessional.

Classic, elegant, and unmistakably “corporate.”

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Creative 1 uses stylish visuals and strong typography to show personality while maintaining clarity. It's perfect for job seekers in industries that value creativity but still require a clean, structured CV.

Best for: design, marketing, retail, visual merchandising, creative roles

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Eye-catching without being over the top
• Highlights summary and key skills effectively
• Perfect for showcasing individuality

Try it for free: Test colours, content, and structure at no cost in LiveCareer CV builder; pay only a small fee to download your polished CV.

5. Creative 2

Minimalist creativity with professional balance – the epitome of British style in CVs.

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Creative 2 blends modern design with a softer aesthetic. It offers visual interest without distracting from your content, ideal for candidates who want creativity with a refined, understated style. A stellar example of what a good CV should look like.

Best for: education, marketing, customer-facing roles, service industry

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Balance of personality and professionalism
• Soft, modern graphics draw attention to sections naturally
• Great for young professionals and career changers

Try it for free: Customise it freely; download your final CV from the LiveCareer UK CV builder for a small fee.

6. Professional 5

Structured and easy to read, with a strong classic layout.

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Professional 5 is ideal for candidates who want a traditional UK CV that’s structured, easy to follow, and recruiter-friendly. It presents experience in a clean hierarchy, making it the perfect British CV template for more formal industries.

Best for: management, admin, public sector, banking, customer service

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Clear headings and excellent spacing
• Works especially well for long experience histories
• ATS-friendly structure

Try it for free: Build your British CV in the LiveCareer UK CV builder for free; pay a small fee only to download.

7. Professional 6

A hybrid of modern and professional styling – a perfect example of a British CV.

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Professional 6 uses subtle colour accents and organised sections to communicate experience clearly. It’s perfect for job seekers who want their UK CV slightly more modern than a traditional template, without going fully contemporary.

Best for: HR, project management, tech support, retail leadership

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Blends modern visuals with corporate expectations
• Great layout for achievements and bullet points
• Consistent, clean design boosts credibility

Try it for free: Customise at no cost, with a small fee to download your final CV from the LiveCareer UK CV builder.

8. Contemporary

Polished, stylish, and balanced – perfect for today’s job market.

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Contemporary offers a spacious layout with bold headings and clean lines, giving applicants a smart, professional look. It’s one of the most versatile templates in the UK.

Best for: almost any industry – admin, customer service, retail, creative, tech

Why this British CV template is a great choice:

• Versatile for both early-career and experienced candidates
• Clean, modern design with excellent readability
• ATS-friendly, even with visual enhancements

Try it for free: Build and experiment for free in the LiveCareer UK CV builder; download your polished CV for a small fee.

British CV example

Here’s a British CV sample you can tailor to any professional situation and use as a template for your job application:

How to use a British CV template: Step-by-step guide

A British CV template gives you a reliable structure, but what matters most is how you fill it in. The UK job market has clear expectations around tone, clarity, and layout, so approach each section with purpose. A well-designed template supports you visually, but your content is what turns it into a job-winning CV.

1. Choose the CV format that suits you best

Before editing your template, decide which CV format better reflects your experience. Most British job seekers use a chronological CV, which lists the most recent work first. It’s ideal if you have a stable employment history or want to highlight promotions and progression.

A skills-based CV is better for career changers, graduates, and anyone with employment gaps. This format places skills and strengths at the top rather than dates and job titles.

Here’s how to decide on which British CV format to use:

• Use chronological if your experience is relevant and steady
• Use skills-based if you need to shift attention away from job titles or dates

Whichever you choose, the goal is to make your strengths immediately obvious.

2. Add valid contact information using UK conventions

The contact section must be clear, minimal, and include only relevant personal details. UK employers expect to see only the basics:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address

A photo, marital status, date of birth, nationality, or a complete home address are things you shouldn’t put on your CV. These are considered unnecessary in the UK and can give an impression of inexperience. A tidy contact section helps your CV feel professional and compliant with UK norms.

British CV example: contact information

3. Write a clear and focused personal statement

Your personal statement is the first substantial text on any CV, so it needs to work hard. In the UK, where competition is high and high unemployment rates often create a crowded job market, a strong opening summary can make the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked.

• Aim for three or four sentences that highlight your professional identity, strongest abilities, and the value you bring to an employer.
• Make your personal statement feels specific, confident, and directly relevant to the job.
• Focus on your professional qualities rather than personal interests, and keep the tone polished and purposeful.

UK recruiters appreciate statements that get to the point quickly, demonstrate clear alignment with the role, and show why you, among many applicants, deserve to move forward in the hiring process.

British CV example: personal profile

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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4. Present your work experience with achievements in mind

Your work experience section should do more than list responsibilities – it needs to show impact. After adding job titles, employer names, and dates, use short paragraphs or bullet points to describe what you accomplished.

Try to think in terms of results:

• Did you help customers faster?
• Did you improve a process?
• Did you support your team or increase efficiency?

Even small wins can demonstrate your value. Whenever possible, make your achievementsspecific and measurable, using numbers, percentages, or examples. Leading each job with your most substantial achievement also helps recruiters notice your best work immediately.

British CV example: professional experience

Customer Service Associate

Green Eco, Manchester

June 2021–December 2025

• Handled 60–80 daily customer enquiries in store and online, consistently maintaining a 95% satisfaction score through fast, friendly service.
• Processed transactions and managed Click & Collect orders with accuracy, supporting smooth store operations and meeting service KPIs.
• Trained and mentored new staff members in customer service procedures, helping shorten onboarding time and improve team performance.
• Collaborated with supervisors to resolve escalated issues, improving efficiency and ensuring positive outcomes for customers.

Key achievement:

• Recognised by store management with a Customer Service Excellence Award in 2023 for consistently high service ratings and problem-solving initiative.

5. Build a skills section that reflects the job you want

Your skills section should feel purposeful, not generic. Read the job description carefully and include skills that align with the employer's emphasis.

Here are the two main types of professional skills that employers are looking for:

• Technical skills (tools, software, systems, etc.)
• Soft skills (communication skills, teamwork abilities, customer service, etc.)

Recruiters often compare the skills section directly with the job ad, so tailoring this part of a CV increases your relevance and helps pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

British CV example: skills section

• Customer service: Supported high-volume retail and e-commerce customers by resolving enquiries efficiently and maintaining strong satisfaction scores.
• Communication skills: Interacted with diverse customers daily and assisted colleagues by sharing product knowledge and handling escalated issues.
• Problem-solving: Resolved customer concerns by identifying issues quickly and offering appropriate solutions in line with company policy.
• Time management: Balanced multiple tasks such as service duties, Click & Collect preparation, and restocking during peak periods.
• POS systems: Used retail point-of-sale systems to process payments accurately and maintain secure cash handling standards.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Assisted colleagues on the shop floor, shared responsibilities during busy periods, and supported new starters.
• Attention to detail: Ensured accurate order fulfilment, tidy displays, and correct pricing across the store.

6. Add education in a clean, UK-friendly format

Education entries should be simple and easy to read. Start with your highest qualification, and include the institution, location, and graduation year. Early-career applicants can list A-levels or GCSEs, while experienced candidates can keep earlier qualifications brief.

The key is to highlight only what supports your application. UK hiring managers prefer concise, professionally formatted education sections.

British CV example: education section

BA (Hons) English Literature

Manchester Metropolitan University

October 2015–June 2019

• A-Levels: English Literature (A), Psychology (B)
• GCSEs: 9 GCSEs including Maths and English

7. Strengthen your CV with optional sections

Optional sections help personalise your British CV and highlight strengths beyond the main experience. Consider including certifications, language skills, courses, volunteering, projects, or professional memberships. These sections are especially helpful if you’re writing a career change CV or a no-experience CV.

Focus on sections that add credibility. For example, a technical applicant might highlight training courses, while a customer-facing applicant might emphasise languages or service-related achievements.

British CV example: extra sections

Certifications

• Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service
• Health & Safety in the Workplace (Level 2)

8. Polish the formatting and follow UK standards

Once your content is complete, give the document a final polish. A British CV should feel spacious, organised, and easy to navigate, with consistent headings and plenty of white space.

A few essential rules:

• Aim for a CV length of one to two pages
• Use a professional font
• Keep spacing consistent
• Avoid bright colours, photos, and decorative elements
• Save as PDF, unless the employer requests Word

A clean CV layout supports the impression that you’re professional, detail-oriented, and serious about the opportunity.

What UK employers look for in a British CV format

UK employers review CVs quickly, and they rely on clear signals to decide whether a candidate is worth shortlisting. They want documents that feel structured, professionally written, and relevant to the role. A strong CV shows that you understand both the expectations of the UK job market and the needs of the employer. Once a recruiter recognises this, they’re far more likely to read deeper into your experience.

Here’s what UK employers consistently look for:

• Clarity and structure: a CV that’s easy to skim, with short paragraphs and logical sections
• Achievement-focused writing: evidence of impact rather than a list of duties
• Relevance to the role: keywords, tools, and responsibilities that match the job description
• Professional presentation: a clean, understated layout that looks credible and polished
• ATS-friendly CV formatting: standard headings and simple structure to ensure your CV is machine-readable

How to take your CV for British job opportunities from good to great

A good CV presents professional experience clearly, but a great CV goes further by emphasising results, relevance, and confidence. The goal is to shape the information so your strengths are immediately visible. With a few targeted adjustments, your CV can feel dramatically more powerful and persuasive to UK hiring managers.

Here’s how to upgrade a good CV into a great one:

• Use the STAR method to strengthen achievement statements and give them impact
• Lead with accomplishments, so recruiters see your best work first
• Quantify results wherever possible to show scale, improvement, or efficiency
• Mirror the employer’s language to make your CV feel tailored and role-appropriate
• Remove irrelevant details so your CV feels focused, confident, and concise

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Thank you for reading my article on how to write a British CV. If you’d like to read more tips on CVs and other job search and career-related topics, head over to our blog for more inspiring articles!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• The Ladders (2018), Eye-Tracking Study
• Office for National Statistics (2025), Labour market overview, UK: November 2025