Software engineer CV for the United Kingdom
For software engineer jobs in the United Kingdom, Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2 pages (longer for academic and senior medical CVs). Employers there usually leave out a photo, date of birth and marital status. If you are not a citizen, your right to work or visa status is usually stated.
Build a software engineer CV for the United KingdomYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important |
|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended |
| Technical skills | Recommended |
| Experience | Expected |
| Projects | Recommended |
| Education | Recommended |
Length: 2 pages (longer for academic and senior medical CVs).
Personal details in the United Kingdom
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages (longer for academic and senior medical CVs) |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Single column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Usually left out |
| Date of birth | Usually left out |
| Nationality | Usually left out |
| Marital status | Usually left out |
| Right to work / visa status | Usually included |
| References | “References available on request” is fine |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- In the United Kingdom, the Equality Act 2010 lists age, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation among its protected characteristics. Source: legislation.gov.uk
- UK employers must check that a new employee has the right to work in the UK before the job starts. Source: gov.uk
- In the United Kingdom, Acas guidance on age discrimination covers recruitment, including how job applications are assessed. Source: acas.org.uk
- In the United Kingdom, work with children or vulnerable adults usually needs a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS); Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes. Source: gov.uk
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Group technical skills (languages, frameworks, cloud, tools) at the top for quick scanning.
- Each bullet: what you built, the stack, and the impact (users, latency, cost, revenue).
- Link GitHub, a portfolio or live projects.
- Keep it to 1–2 pages even with many years of experience.
- No photo, date of birth or marital status: age, sex and marriage are protected under the Equality Act 2010, so employers generally prefer CVs without them.
- Open with a short personal profile (3–4 lines) aimed at the role.
- If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, state your right to work (e.g. Skilled Worker visa, settled status).
- Two referees are normal; “references available on request” is fine on the CV itself.
Questions
What should a software developer CV for the United Kingdom lead with?
Lead with technical skills and experience after a short profile. Group technical skills (languages, frameworks, cloud, tools) at the top for quick scanning. Then list your experience with the most recent role first, keeping each bullet to one line with a concrete result. CV Atlas applies the local layout for the United Kingdom and checks the sections employers in this field expect.
Should a software developer CV for the United Kingdom have a photo?
No. Leave the photo off a software developer CV for the United Kingdom. Employers there don’t expect one and generally prefer CVs without it, and the CV Atlas readiness check flags a photo if you add one. Use the space for your experience and qualifications, and include a photo only if a job advert asks for one. No photo, date of birth or marital status: age, sex and marriage are protected under the Equality Act 2010, so employers generally prefer CVs without them.
How long should a software developer CV be in the United Kingdom?
Aim for 2 pages, the norm in the United Kingdom. Put your strongest recent work on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field skim for skills and results first, so lead with them. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a software developer CV for the United Kingdom need?
A software developer CV for the United Kingdom needs your contact details, experience. In the header, include your visa or right-to-work status. Leave out the photo, date of birth and nationality. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for the United Kingdom and Software & IT CVs in any country.
Other jobs in the United Kingdom: Doctor, Nurse, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker.
Software engineer CVs for other countries: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your software engineer CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.