Writing an Effective CV for International Students Coming to Study in the UK

UK Study Bridge Academy – Academic Skills Series

Introduction

International students arriving in the UK often find that the style, expectations, and conventions of CV writing differ significantly from their home countries. A well-structured and context-appropriate CV is a critical academic and professional tool, particularly for applications to part-time jobs, internships, volunteering opportunities, and postgraduate programmes. This guide equips students with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to create a compelling CV aligned with UK standards, supported by recent research and career advisory guidelines.

Understanding the Purpose of a CV in the UK Context

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) in the UK serves as a concise document that highlights an individual’s academic history, work experience, achievements, and skills. Unlike a resume, which may be used in other countries and typically spans a single page, a UK CV can be two pages, particularly for students with experience or postgraduate ambitions (Prospects, 2023).

Key UK Expectations:

• Clarity and structure over creativity.
• Evidence-based content rather than general statements.
• Customisation to suit the target role or industry.

Essential Components of a UK CV

According to the National Careers Service (2023) and TARGETJobs (2022), a standard CV in the UK should include the following:

1. Contact Information
   • Full name, UK address (if available), email, and phone number.
   • Avoid including a photo, date of birth, or marital status – these are discouraged in UK CVs.
2. Personal Statement (Profile)
   • A short paragraph (3–4 lines) summarising your academic background, relevant skills, and career goals.
   • Tailored to the role or opportunity.
3. Education and Qualifications
   • List in reverse chronological order.
   • Include degree programmes, institutions, dates, and key modules or dissertation topics relevant to the job/study.
4. Work Experience / Volunteering
   • Include part-time work, internships, and voluntary roles.
   • Focus on transferable skills (e.g., teamwork, communication, problem-solving).
   • Use bullet points to describe achievements and responsibilities using action verbs (e.g., “organised,” “led,” “coordinated”).
5. Skills
   • Include language skills, IT proficiency, and other technical competencies.
   • Reflect soft skills, backed with examples where possible.
6. Additional Achievements
   • Scholarships, awards, student leadership roles.
7. References
   • “References available on request” is acceptable unless requested upfront.

Key Differences: Home Country CV vs. UK CV

Many international students from countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America include photos, detailed personal data, or elaborate designs in CVs. In contrast, the UK CV:

• Prioritises content over appearance.
• Avoids personal data to comply with equality laws (Equality Act 2010).
• Emphasises achievements, not just responsibilities.

Students must adapt by focusing on quantifiable outcomes and evidence-based achievements (University of Edinburgh Careers Service, 2022).

Formatting Guidelines

• Use a professional font such as Arial or Calibri, size 11–12.
• Keep margins consistent and ensure easy readability.
• Avoid colours, borders, or icons unless applying to creative industries.
• Save and send as a PDF unless otherwise requested.

Adapting CVs for Part-Time Jobs vs. Internships

International students often seek part-time work in retail, hospitality, or administrative roles. For these, CVs should:

• Focus on customer service skills, time management, and reliability.
• Include availability and right-to-work status.

For internships or academic positions:

• Emphasise research interests, academic achievements, and career aspirations.
• Tailor each CV with a specific focus – generic CVs are less effective (Burnett & Evans, 2021).

Using the STAR Technique

To strengthen work experience sections, use the STAR method:

• S – Situation
• T – Task
• A – Action
• R – Result

This technique helps demonstrate impact and relevance. For example:

“Organised a weekly study group (Action) to help classmates understand microbiology (Task), resulting in improved grades and peer feedback (Result).”

Digital Tools and Platforms

Students can use:

• Zotero/RefWorks for referencing academic achievements.
• Canva/VisualCV for design, where suitable.
• VMock and Fiverr (as buyers) for CV reviews.

Universities like Manchester and Nottingham also provide AI-based CV checks (University of Manchester Careers Service, 2023).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overuse of generic phrases (e.g., “hard-working,” “team player”) without evidence.
• Using the same CV for all roles.
• Including information not relevant to UK standards (e.g., age, gender, passport photo).
• Spelling and grammatical errors – always proofread or use Grammarly.

Conclusion

A CV is more than just a list of qualifications; it is a self-marketing document tailored for a specific context. For international students in the UK, mastering the art of CV writing can significantly enhance access to career-enhancing opportunities, both during and after their studies. By aligning their CVs with UK standards, students will present themselves more confidently and professionally.

References

• Burnett, B., & Evans, D. (2021). Designing Your Work Life. Knopf.
• Prospects. (2023). How to write a CV. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs
• National Careers Service. (2023). Writing a CV. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/cv-sections
• University of Edinburgh Careers Service. (2022). CV and Covering Letters Toolkit.
• University of Manchester Careers Service. (2023). CV Feedback Tools.
• TARGETJobs. (2022). CV tips and examples for UK graduates.