CV Layout
The term CV layout refers to the design of the visual presentation. Although final recruitment decisions are not made on visual presentation alone, as opposed to content, the way information is assembled makes a very important first impression and could mean the difference between someone bothering to spend time with your CV - or moving on to the next one.
The Basics
A good layout needs good paper in white or cream - for the best results
and impression, use quality, heavyweight paper. Your CV should not be longer
than TWO pages of A4, unless you are a senior executive with decades of
relevant experience, in which case three pages is acceptable for UK job
applications. It can be one page if you are a recent school / college leaver
or if you do not have a great deal of employment experience, but make sure
that the one page is full. The CV should not look cramped - keep a
reasonable amount of white space and borders. The final result should be
easy on the eye and be neat - giving an impression of orderliness and organisation,
which will go a long way to impress the reader. It is also important to
make it readable. Long words may sound fancy but it is essential that the
CV is simple and accessible to the reader; a better impression will be made
if the reader feels comfortable with what they are reading. Be brief and
clear or you could bore the reader. However, do not be too brief: be concise
yet informative. Also, make sure that you have spell-checked at least twice,
and have excellent use of punctuation and grammar - get a friend to check
it reads properly for you and do not just rely on your computer’s
spell-checker.
How to Organise your Information
There are two main ways: Chronological (listing your experience by date
order) and Functional (your skills and experience). This will be expanded
upon later. Information should be displayed in a consistent manner. This
means keeping headings, margins, typeface and the justification the same
throughout the CV: Do not mix styles.
CV Presentation
Make it interesting to look at - emphasise key information with bullet points,
bold text and capitals. However, it is important that this is done strategically
and is not making the page look too busy. Do not use any gimmicks! These
include using coloured paper, text and photographs (unless requested of
course). They do not work and can actually make you look desperate to impress.
Your CV should sell itself - no extra work required!
N.T. 7-1-06
Our job application and CV expert has offered CV writing services to job seekers ranging from students and recent graduates through to executive level professionals earning over £250,000. As well as UK standard CV's, he has written resumes for overseas professionals that meet the differing requirements of other jobs markets.
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