Understanding UK CVs and cover letters
Writing your CV and Cover Letter for the UK
If you're an international student, applying for work in the UK can feel unfamiliar, and that's completely normal. UK employers expect a particular style of CV and cover letter, and a few small differences from what you may be used to at home can make a big difference to your applications. This page is here to help you get it right with confidence.
We've put together clear, straightforward guidance alongside real examples, so you can see exactly what a strong UK CV and cover letter look like.
On this page you'll find a simple guide to what UK employers expect from your CV and cover letter, written with international students in mind. It includes:
- the differences that catch people out most often, such as not including a photo or personal details, using British English, and explaining your home qualifications in UK terms
- three sample CVs with matching cover letters included in the guide, each tailored to a different goal: a part-time job alongside study, an application for a degree-related role with limited or no industry experience, and an application presenting former professional experience from a student’s home country
- a quick checklist to run through before you send your CV
Take your time exploring the guidance and examples and use them as a starting point for your own applications. When you're ready, the Student Futures team is here to help.
Download the Full Guide to UK CVs & Cover Letters (PDF, 250KB)