Career · 6 min read
CV vs portfolio for marketing roles in 2026
Whether a young marketer should lead with a CV or a portfolio when applying for UK marketing roles in 2026 — and how to structure both.
By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 10 July 2026
The honest answer: portfolio opens the door, CV closes it. Here's how to structure both as a young UK marketer in 2026.
Lead with the portfolio
Personal domain in the first line of your CV. Hiring managers click before they read.
CV format that still works
One page. Reverse-chronological. Numbers in every bullet. Skills section listing tools, not adjectives.
Case study over course list
One paragraph on a real project beats ten certifications. Show taste, not just training.
Tailor per role
Change the top three bullets for every application. Generic applications get generic responses.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I include a photo on my marketing CV?
- In the UK, no. Standard convention is no photo on the CV; save it for LinkedIn.
- How long should my marketing CV be?
- One page under 5 years experience, two pages max otherwise.
- Do covering letters still matter?
- For senior roles and standout applications yes. For entry-level, a personalised first line often replaces the whole letter.
- Is a video CV worth making?
- For content and social roles yes. For most marketing roles the effort-to-outcome ratio is poor.