US Resume vs UK CV: Key Differences Explained [2026 Guide]

If you're applying for jobs in both the United States and United Kingdom, understanding the differences between US resumes and UK CVs is crucial. This guide breaks down every key difference to help you tailor your applications correctly.

The Fundamental Difference: Name

Length Expectations

US Resume

• Entry-level to 10 years experience: 1 page (strongly preferred)
• Senior professionals (10+ years): Up to 2 pages
• Executive level: 2 pages maximum
• Brevity is valued - "less is more"

UK CV

• Standard length: 2 pages
• Graduate: 1-2 pages
• Experienced: 2 pages
• Senior/Executive: 2-3 pages acceptable
• More detailed content expected

Paper Size

When creating digital documents, set your page size appropriately for each market.

Personal Information

US Resume - Include:

• Name
• City, State
• Phone number
• Email
• LinkedIn URL

US Resume - Never Include:

• Photo
• Date of birth
• Age
• Marital status
• Nationality
• Social Security Number
• Full address

UK CV - Include:

• Name
• City/Town, County
• Mobile number
• Email
• LinkedIn URL

UK CV - Optional (increasingly omitted):

• Date of birth
• Driving licence status

UK CV - Don't Include:

• Photo (generally)
• Marital status
• National Insurance number
• Full address

Opening Section

Education Section

US Format:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | May 2020
GPA: 3.8/4.0 (optional, typically only if 3.5+)

UK Format:

BSc (Hons) Marketing, 2:1
University of Manchester | 2020

A-Levels: Mathematics (A), Economics (A), English (B)
Anytown Sixth Form College | 2016

Key Differences:

• Grading: US uses GPA (4.0 scale); UK uses degree classification (1st, 2:1, 2:2)
• A-Levels/GCSEs: UK often includes; US doesn't list high school for graduates
• Terminology: "College" means university-level in US; secondary/sixth form in UK

Terminology Differences

Spelling Differences

Date Formats

Tip: Spell out months to avoid confusion (January 2024 works in both markets).

Currency and Metrics

References

US

Never include references or "References available upon request" - it's assumed and wastes space.

UK

"References available upon request" is acceptable, or you can include referee names with their permission.

Additional Sections

Interests/Hobbies

• US: Generally not included (considered unprofessional)
• UK: Brief mention acceptable, especially for graduates

Volunteer Work

• US: Include if relevant to role
• UK: Welcome, shows community involvement

Quick Conversion Checklist

Converting US Resume → UK CV:

1. Change "Resume" references to "CV"
2. Expand to 2 pages
3. Change spelling to British English
4. Add personal profile if not present
5. Convert currency to pounds (£)
6. Add A-Levels/GCSEs if recent graduate
7. Consider adding brief interests section
8. Set page size to A4

Converting UK CV → US Resume:

1. Change "CV" references to "resume"
2. Condense to 1 page if possible
3. Change spelling to American English
4. Remove date of birth if present
5. Remove interests section
6. Remove "References available upon request"
7. Convert currency to dollars ($)
8. Convert degree to GPA equivalent if needed
9. Set page size to US Letter

Conclusion

The differences between US resumes and UK CVs may seem minor, but they matter to recruiters. Using British spelling on a US application (or vice versa) signals that you haven't tailored your application - a red flag for any employer.

Create separate versions for each market, pay attention to the details, and your applications will demonstrate the professionalism that both American and British employers expect.

Need help creating both versions? Our resume builder can generate properly formatted US resumes and UK CVs from the same profile, with correct spelling and formatting for each market.