UK CV vs US Resume: Critical Differences That Cost You Jobs

By Suhaib Karimbanakkal | 2026-01-22

I've been recruiting for over 15 years across both the UK and US markets, and I can tell you this: submitting a US resume to a UK employer (or vice versa) is like showing up to a meeting with the wrong dress code. It doesn't disqualify you, but it signals you didn't do your homework.

The worst part? Most candidates don't even realize these differences exist. I've seen brilliant professionals get filtered out in the first round simply because their document didn't match what the hiring manager was expecting.

This guide isn't about SEO optimization or keywords. It's about what actually works in real recruiting processes—based on reviewing thousands of CVs and talking to hiring managers on both sides of the Atlantic.

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE: IT'S NOT JUST FORMATTING

Here's the thing that surprises most people: the UK CV and US resume aren't just different formatting choices. They reflect fundamentally different approaches to how employers evaluate candidates.

In the UK, a CV is seen as a comprehensive document. Employers expect it. They want to know more about you. Length isn't a dirty word—depth is valued. A 2-3 page CV is standard and expected, especially for mid-career professionals.

In the US, a resume is deliberately concise. One page is the holy grail for early-career professionals. Two pages is acceptable for those with 5+ years of experience. The philosophy: if you can't explain your value in that space, you're not communicating effectively.

LENGTH REQUIREMENTS (THE PRACTICAL REALITY)

I've watched countless candidates lose out because they tried to cram a UK CV's worth of detail into a US resume format. The hiring manager scrolls down, sees the third page, and thinks, "This person doesn't know how to be concise." That's the last impression you want.

SECTION HEADERS & WHAT GOES IN THEM

UK CV - Standard Sections:

1. Personal Profile: 3-4 line summary of professional identity.
   Example: "Results-driven Marketing Manager with 6 years in digital transformation. Specialized in B2B campaigns and team leadership across multinational environments."
2. Contact Information: City/Location (No full address).
3. Key Skills: 10-15 bulleted list, organized by category if relevant.
4. Employment History: Achievements AND responsibilities. 3-5 bullets per role.
5. Education: Degree class (e.g., 2:1) is expected. Include institution and year.
6. Additional Information: Hobbies/Interests (shows personality and cultural fit).

US Resume - Standard Sections:

1. Professional Summary: 2-3 lines max; focus on what you bring to THEM.
   ❌ Bad: "Seeking a challenging position in marketing where I can grow."
   ✅ Good: "Digital marketing professional with proven track record in driving 40%+ growth in customer acquisition for B2B SaaS companies."
2. Core Competencies: 8-12 job-critical technical skills only. Soft skills are demonstrated, not listed.
3. Professional Experience: Results-focused; action verbs at start of each bullet. 4-5 bullets per role maximum.
4. Education: No GPA unless 3.8+; no high school. Degree, field of study, university name, graduation year.
5. Certifications: Only if job-relevant.

TONE & LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES

WHAT YOU MUST NEVER INCLUDE

US Resumes: Never include Photos, DOB, Marital Status, or Nationality. This is non-negotiable. US discrimination law is strict; companies delete resumes with this info to avoid lawsuits.

UK CVs: Hobbies and Interests are encouraged to show cultural fit. This humanizes you and helps recruiters understand your personality.

EDUCATION TRANSLATION: DON'T GET LOST IN TRANSITION

If you are a UK candidate applying to the US, listing "6 A-Levels" will confuse a US recruiter. Conversely, a US candidate listing a "GPA of 3.8" in the UK may seem boastful or irrelevant.

ATS OPTIMIZATION: THE TECHNICAL REALITY

Both markets use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they work differently.

• US ATS Logic: Often prioritizes "Keyword Density" and "Recency." Use industry keywords naturally throughout.
• UK ATS Logic: Generally more forgiving with length but highly sensitive to "Job Title Match."

REAL JOB EXAMPLES: UK CV VS US RESUME

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOWNLOAD PROFESSIONAL TEMPLATES

HOW ELITE RESUMES CAN HELP

At Elite Resumes, we specialize in market-specific expertise for the UK, US, Canada, and GCC. We don't just fluff; we take your achievements and translate them into the format that specific markets respond to.