When creating a CV, how you present it is just as important as the content. You can have all the necessary experience and skills, but if it’s presented sloppily, recruiters will not focus on it too much. Having a neat and clean layout will help them to find information easily and determine what kind of candidate you are. Here are six top tips on how to present your CV.
- Title
A common mistake is adding a title to your CV other than your name. There is no need to add “Curriculum Vitae” or “Resume” to the top of your page. The document is somewhat self-explanatory and anyone reading it will be able to establish what it is in a matter of seconds.
Adding a title like this can take up valuable space on your page which could otherwise be used to sell yourself further as a candidate. Use this space for your name in a relatively large typeface. Allow the recruiter to find out about you, rather than find out what the sheet is.
2. Consistency
Like anything, consistency is key. Be sure to use the same style for each of your section headings, such as Experience, Education and Skills.
Keep your type and font size the same and use bold for these headings. You can vary the appearance of headings and subheadings, but ensure that they are consistent regardless.
3. White Space
White spaces are essential when it comes to marketing. Your CV is a way of marketing yourself which means that white spaces are needed. Adequate white spaces around your text will allow important information to be grouped together.
Using margins of 2.5cm is ideal for keeping your CV neat. However, two pages is the length you want for your CV. This means that if your margins are making it become three pages, reduce them. Only do this once you have shaved down the CV content and if you still need space, cut the margins down slightly.
4. Font
Do not change the font in the middle of your CV. Stick to the same type and try to choose one that is familiar to most people. For example, Times New Roman or Arial are common and neat fonts.
There are certainly other options apart from these two, but remember to keep it formal. Don’t forget that Comic Sans is not your friend when it comes to CVs. Not only is it informal, but you may also give off the impression that you are not taking the job seriously.
5. Imagery
It’s important to remember that you do not need images on your CV. Photos of yourself or indeed clip art can distract the recruiters from your ability and relevant content. It could also leave your CV looking rather unprofessional.
Instead, focus on your experience, skills and education. Use this to set you aside from others rather than your looks.
6. Present
After you’ve laid your CV out in a neat and clean way, it’s time to print it out. Where possible, use high-quality paper. If you are photocopying it, make sure that it’s high quality to ensure that all the text is clear.
When posting it out or even handing it into places, use A4 envelopes. Do not fold it up into a smaller one as this can make it look messy and can take away from some of the text. You want your CV to land on someone’s desk in a professional manner. It’s possible that it could end up in the bin if it’s not presented well.
Have you any tips on how to present a CV? Let us know down in the comments. Here's a list of more Dos and Don'ts when creating a CV!