CVs can become outdated, much like decor and 1980s sitcoms. You might think your CV is still relevant, but upon closer inspection, you’ll often find it needs an update. The most crucial step in crafting an effective CV is not to reuse the one from last time or the time before. Take the time to revamp your CV, and you’ll be well on your way to making a better impression.
How Long Should My CV Be?
Generally, a CV should be two pages of A4. Shorter is fine—one page of impactful content is better than two pages filled with padding. Avoid stretching margins and reducing font sizes to fit everything onto one page. Conversely, a CV longer than two pages is unlikely to be read unless you’ve been asked to describe specific experiences in detail. A 1½ page CV looks unfinished, so if you need two pages, use two full pages.
Is There a Correct Font for a CV?
No single font guarantees better results. Research is inconclusive on whether certain fonts perform better. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana to ensure your CV renders correctly on any device. Keep the font size legible—12pt is ideal. While there’s no perfect font, avoid using Comic Sans, Chiller, or similar styles if you want to be taken seriously.
What About Layout?
Keep the layout simple. Spending hours on shading and boxes might look great on paper, but once your CV goes through email systems, the formatting can easily get distorted.
What Should I Put in My Personal Statement?
Your personal statement is your chance to set the scene—show who you are, what you stand for, and the difference you can make to a prospective employer. Avoid rehashing information from the rest of your CV; instead, inject some personality. A single paragraph, or two short ones, should suffice.
How Much Career Detail Should I Include?
Employers are interested in your achievements, so focus on showcasing the impact you’ve made rather than listing tasks you performed. This approach also helps keep your CV concise.
What Order Should Information Appear on My CV?
Place the most important information on the first page for maximum impact. While your hobbies like rock climbing, scuba diving, or stamp collecting are interesting, they are less important to a prospective employer than your career history. Always start your career section with your current or most recent role and work backward.
Be Your Own Harshest Critic
If a piece of information doesn’t add value to your CV, remove it. Eliminate repetition and irrelevant details. Aim to convey more with fewer words. If your CV still runs to three pages, consider cutting less important or less recent elements.
Check It!
Proofread your CV thoroughly. If you don’t catch that embarrassing typo, someone else will. Print your CV and read it slowly, out loud. This method will help you spot more errors.
By following these guidelines, you’ll create a CV that stands out and effectively showcases your qualifications and achievements.
