A clear, well-structured CV and application can make a real difference in a competitive job market. This page explains how to present your experience for UK employers and highlights common issues faced by international candidates. ← Back to ATAS Career Guidance Hub
What UK Employers Expect in a CV
In the UK, a CV is usually 2 pages (sometimes 1 page for early-career roles). Employers expect a concise summary of your experience, skills, and achievements – not a full biography.
Typical CV Sections
- Contact details – name, email, phone, location (city/region only).
- Profile / Summary – 3–4 lines summarising who you are and what you offer.
- Education – degrees, institutions, dates, key modules or achievements.
- Experience – roles, responsibilities, and achievements (paid or unpaid).
- Skills – languages, IT, technical skills, relevant certifications.
- Additional information – volunteering, publications, professional bodies.
You do not need to include a photo, marital status, date of birth, or national ID information for UK applications.
Tailoring Your CV and Cover Letter
A generic CV is much less effective than one tailored to the role. Employers want evidence that you understand the job and can meet its requirements.
How to Tailor Effectively
- Read the job description carefully and highlight key requirements.
- Mirror relevant keywords and skills in your CV and cover letter.
- Use concise bullet points to show how you meet each requirement.
- Prioritise experience most relevant to the role – even if it is unpaid or voluntary.
Use the STAR Method
When describing your experience, use STAR (Situation – Task – Action – Result) to show impact. Focus on what you achieved, not just what you were responsible for.
Common Issues for International Candidates
International students and professionals often have strong skills but are unsure how to present them in a UK format. Common issues include:
- Overly long CVs (3–5 pages) that repeat information.
- Describing duties but not achievements or outcomes.
- Unclear timelines or gaps with no explanation.
- Too much focus on grades and not enough on skills or results.
Try to:
- Keep your CV to 1–2 pages, even for PhD graduates.
- Show how your experience in another country translates to UK employers.
- Explain briefly if your job titles or education system differ from UK norms.
Academic CVs vs. Industry CVs
Academic CVs (for PhDs, postdocs, or lectureships) can be longer and include publications, conferences, and teaching. Industry CVs need to be shorter and more focused on skills, outcomes, and transferable experience.
Academic CV
- May be 4+ pages, especially after a PhD.
- Detailed lists of publications, conferences, and teaching.
- Research profile and grants, where applicable.
Industry / Non-Academic CV
- Ideally 2 pages.
- Leading with skills relevant to the role.
- Clear evidence of impact and problem-solving.
Writing a Strong Cover Letter
A cover letter is your chance to connect your CV to the specific job. It should be no longer than one page and clearly structured.
- Introduction: who you are and which role you are applying for.
- Why this role and organisation: show that you have done some research.
- Why you: 2–3 paragraphs linking your skills and experience to the job.
- Closing: restate your interest and invite them to review your CV.
ATAS CV & Application Clinics
ATAS offers practical workshops where we review example CVs, cover letters, and application forms. These are particularly helpful if English is not your first language. Check Upcoming Sessions
Further Resources
For more detailed guidance, you can also consult:
- Your university careers service (many support alumni as well as current students).
- My World of Work – CV tools, job profiles, and interview guidance.
- Skills Development Scotland – Scotland’s national career service.