How many pages should a good CV be?

While two pages is the standard for mid-career professionals, a one-page CV is often sufficient for graduates. Executive CVs may extend to three pages if the depth of strategic value justifies the length.

Should I include 'References available upon request' on my CV?

No. In the 2026 UK market, this phrase is considered redundant. Employers only request references at the final stage of the application process; omitting this line saves valuable space for your achievements.

Does my email address affect my CV's success?

Yes. Legacy email domains like aol.com or hotmail.com can inadvertently signal a lack of technical currency. A professional @gmail.com or @outlook.com address is recommended to avoid subconscious age bias.

What Makes a Good CV? The CV Store's 2026 Guide

In today's competitive job market, your CV is more than a list of previous jobs - it is a marketing tool designed to sell your potential to an employer. While the fundamentals of a professional CV remain, the "rules" have evolved to meet the demands of AI-driven screening and a skills-first economy.

📊 The 2026 ATS Reality

"According to Forbes Advisor research, over 75% of CVs are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before they ever reach a human eye. A 'good' CV in 2026 must be as readable for an algorithm as it is for a recruiter / HR Manager."

The Foundational Do's

Following these core steps will dramatically improve the quality of your application and ensure your document meets the technical standards expected by modern recruiters:

Optimise for AI (ATS) Keep your layout clean and use standard fonts. Avoid heavy graphics or complex tables that confuse AI scanners, as this often leads to instant rejection before a human even sees your work.
Professional Digital Identity Use a neutral email address. Be mindful of "legacy" domains; using aol.com, hotmail.com, or btinternet.com can inadvertently signal a lack of technical awareness. A modern @gmail.com or @outlook.com address is ideal.
Contextual Keyword Mapping Compare your CV against the job specification. If an employer prioritises "Project Management" or "Digital Transformation," ensure those exact phrases are woven into your career history.
Meticulous Proofreading Grammatical errors suggest a lack of attention to detail - a trait few employers will overlook. Always ask a third party to review your final draft or use professional proofreading tools.
Accuracy of Contact Details It sounds obvious, but incorrect phone numbers are a leading cause of missed opportunities. Ensure your mobile number and LinkedIn URL are current and hyperlinked for ease of access.

What to Include

Reverse-Chronology: Your most recent (and relevant) role must lead the experience section.
Recent Education: Focus on your highest or most recent qualifications.
Quantified Wins: Use percentages and numbers to prove the impact you made in previous roles.

What to Leave Out

References: Do not state "References available upon request." References are requested at the final stage of an application.
Personal Data: Photos, marital status, and religion have no place on a modern UK CV.
The Jargon: Avoid industry-specific jargon that might be missed by an HR generalist or an AI scanner.

How to Write a High-Impact Personal Statement

Your personal statement (often called a personal profile) is your "elevator pitch." It should be a short, punchy paragraph at the start of your CV that showcases your value proposition.

Expert Insight:

"Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds on the initial scan. If your profile doesn't tell them exactly what problem you solve, they won't read the second page."

Avoid clichés like "works well in a team or alone." Instead, use quantifiable achievements: "A results-driven Project Manager who reduced operational costs by 15% through the implementation of new CRM software."

Personal Information: A Regional Divide

A common mistake is listing date of birth, nationality, or marital status. In the UK, these details are entirely unnecessary and can even lead to unconscious bias during the shortlisting process. We recommend omitting them entirely to keep the focus on your professional ability.

🌍 Applying abroad? If you are applying for roles in the Middle East, personal information requirements differ significantly. You can find a specific breakdown of those requirements in our guide to Writing a CV for the Middle East.

How Many Pages Should a CV Be? Context is Key

While you've likely been told not to exceed two pages, there is no hard limit. A one-page CV is ideal for graduates, whereas an Executive CV can easily run to three pages. The rule isn't "how many pages," but "how much relevant value."

CV vs. Résumé: The Definitive Difference

In the UK, we use the term Curriculum Vitae (CV), meaning "the course of life." In the US, a Résumé is a summary tool, whereas an American CV is a massive document used for academic or medical fields listing every publication and credential.

Ultimately, whether you call it a CV or a Résumé, it is a marketing tool designed to entice employers to offer an interview - not a job. Your goal is to spark enough curiosity to get that phone call.

Lee Tonge

Founder of The CV Store and award-winning CV specialist with 20+ years of experience in the UK recruitment market.