Layout
The layout of your CV is as important as the contents. The reality is that employers are very busy, and if your CV does not grab their attention immediately it probably will not be read at all.
You can use layout and typography to ensure the document looks professional, makes the contents easy to follow, and leads the reader’s eye to the strengths and skills you want to highlight.
Before you start planning your layout, remind yourself of who you're sending this to - people in different industries will respond to different formats. More info on targeting.
Tips for the layout:
- Your CV shouldn’t be more than two pages - some employers such as the media industry, like a one-page CV
- Remember, the information on the first page has more impact
- Place the sections in an order that ensures that your strengths stand out
- Be consistent in font, spacing, text alignment
- Have clear headings
- Avoid long paragraphs
- Use white space between items – if the page is crowded it's harder to read
- Be sure the document photocopies well and is email-able
Designing Your CV
If you wanted to add design elements to your CV to reflect your style and showcase your creative abilities, there are a number of ways you could do this:
Branding
Students targeting design positions may create a strong visual identity for themselves by incorporating the same house style or logo into their CV, covering letter and business card.
3-Dimensional
CVs For industries such as packaging where 3-dimensional design skills are key to the job, a 3-D CV can show that you have innovative ideas. Always consider your budget as the cost of production and mailing will be higher, and a 3-D CV will be harder to email, or photocopy.
Unique CVs
If you have an unusual idea you can create a unique CV. Examples we have seen include a tee shirt with eye-catching comments, a CV printed on a brown paper bag and a Heinz soup label converted into a CV. A unique CV cannot fail to make an impact, but consider carefully if it is appropriate to the employer, as well as the cost of production and difficulties of posting and photocopying.
Including Images
If done well, incorporating visual examples of your work in your CV will make it stand out and instantly show an employer your style and abilities. However, you must ensure that the visuals retain their quality, compliment the overall look of the CV, and do not make the text difficult to read.
