A clear CV format for ATS and human review
A clear UK CV uses readable contact details, recognisable section headings, a coherent chronology, ordinary bullets and text that remains understandable when extracted from the document.
Published 25 July 2026 · Reviewed 25 July 2026
Which sections should a UK CV include?
Most employment CVs include contact information, relevant experience, education and supported skills. A focused profile, projects or qualifications can be included where they add evidence for the target role.
The order should help the reader find the strongest evidence. A recent graduate may give education and projects more space; an experienced applicant will normally lead with work.
Which design choices create parsing risk?
Important text inside images, complicated multi-column reading order, icons without labels and dense tables can make extraction unpredictable. Decoration should not be the only carrier of meaning.
Use consistent dates, ordinary bullet characters, sufficient contrast and a font size that remains comfortable when the file is opened or printed.
How should personal details be handled?
Include enough contact and location information for the application. A full street address is rarely necessary at the first stage, and unrelated protected or financial information should not appear.
Photograph and personal-detail conventions differ internationally. Follow the employer's instructions and the regional market being targeted rather than applying one country's template everywhere.
How should the final CV file be tested?
Export the intended Word or PDF version and read it from start to finish. Check page breaks, headings, dates, employer-specific references and the order produced by text extraction.
A clean editor preview is not the submitted file. The applicant should always inspect the actual document attached to the application.
Common questions
Is PDF or Word better for a CV?
Follow the employer's instructions. Both can work when generated cleanly and reviewed.
Can a CV use two columns?
A simple layout is safer. If using columns, test extraction order and keep critical evidence in ordinary text.
How long should a UK CV be?
Use the space needed for relevant evidence without retaining detail that does not help the target role.
Should references appear on the CV?
Usually not unless requested. Use the space for evidence relevant to the application.