Applying for jobs in the UK in 2026 is highly competitive. UK employers receive hundreds of applications for a single role, and most CVs are reviewed for less than 10 seconds before a decision is made.
For international candidates, particularly Nigerian professionals and graduates, one of the biggest barriers to securing interviews is not lack of skill, but using a CV format that does not meet UK recruitment standards.
UK recruiters assess CVs differently from many other countries. Details commonly included in Nigerian CVs can actually reduce your chances of progressing in the UK hiring process. Let’s guide you on what UK recruiters expect in 2026, common mistakes international applicants make, and how to position yourself for success.
A UK CV is:
- Concise (maximum 2 pages)
- Achievement-focused, not descriptive
- Reverse-chronological
- Tailored to each role
- Optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
UK recruiters prioritise skills, outcomes, and relevance, not personal background.
What Makes a UK CV Different?
A UK CV is:
- Concise (maximum 2 pages)
- Achievement-focused, not descriptive
- Reverse-chronological
- Tailored to each role
- Optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
UK recruiters prioritise skills, outcomes, and relevance, not personal background.
Correct UK CV Structure (2026 Standard)
1. Personal Details (Minimal)
Include only:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email
- Location (city + country only)
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
Do NOT include: Date of birth, Gender, Marital status, Religion, Nationality, Photograph. Including these details can lead to automatic rejection.
2. Professional Summary (3–4 Lines)
This is not an objective statement.
A strong UK summary highlights:
- Your role or specialisation
- Years of experience
- Key skills
- Value you bring
Example:
Results-driven Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years’ experience supporting UK and international brands across SEO, paid media, and content strategy. Experienced in data-led campaign optimisation and remote collaboration with cross-functional teams.
3. Key Skills Section
List 8–12 relevant skills, aligned with the job description. Use Bullet points and Keywords used in UK job adverts
This section helps your CV pass ATS screening used by recruitment companies in London and across the UK.
4. Work Experience (Reverse Chronological)
For each role include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Dates
- Achievements (not duties)
Use metrics where possible.
Weak: Responsible for managing social media accounts.
Strong: Managed social media accounts across three platforms, increasing engagement by 42% within six months.
5. Education
List your: Degree or qualification, Institution and Graduation year
For Nigerian qualifications, UK employers are familiar with:
- BSc / MSc degrees
- HND (when well-positioned)
- Professional certifications
6. Certifications & Professional Development
Highly valued in the UK.
Examples include:
- Google certifications
- CIPD
- ACCA
- AWS
- Scrum
Common CV Mistakes International Applicants Make
- Using more than 2 pages
- Including personal details
- Listing responsibilities instead of results
- Sending the same CV to every role
- Poor formatting that ATS cannot read
These mistakes reduce visibility with UK recruiters and offshore hiring partners.
CVs and UK Recruitment Agencies
UK recruitment agencies work for employers, not candidates. Their role is to shortlist candidates who meet employer criteria quickly.
This means your CV must be role-specific, It must match job descriptions, It must demonstrate immediate value
Understanding this is crucial when applying through overseas job recruitment agencies in Nigeria or directly to UK employers.
Conclusion
Writing a CV for UK job applications in 2026 requires strategy, clarity, and alignment with recruiter expectations. A UK-standard CV opens doors; a poorly structured one closes them.
SEA-FAJ Consults works closely with UK employers through recruitment outsourcing and offshore hiring models. This means CVs are assessed from an employer and recruiter perspective, not guesswork.
Candidates aligned to UK standards are more likely to Secure interviews, Pass screening stages and Be matched to long-term opportunities.
Hiring or applying with CVs that don’t convert?
SEA-FAJ Consults supports UK employers with recruitment outsourcing and helps align candidate profiles to UK hiring standards.
📩 Contact us on www.sea-fajconsult.com to discuss recruitment or hiring needs.
FAQs
1. How long should a UK CV be?
Maximum two pages.
2. Should I include a photo on my UK CV?
No. Photos are discouraged.
3. Is a Nigerian CV format accepted in the UK?
Not usually. It should be adapted to UK standards.
4. Do UK recruiters use ATS?
Yes, most do.
5. Can a good CV guarantee a job?
No, but it significantly improves interview chances.
