CV layout

Aim
Good and appropriate CV layout is critical to show effectively how your skills match the requirements for a particular post. In the first instance, the employer is looking at your ingenuity in addressing the challenge of making the connection between yourself and their job.

Focus
Your CV layout itself demonstrates motivation and respect for the employer. The person reading the CV will usually be the person who wrote the job specification or newspaper advertisement. If your layout is focused on the information they provided, they will be more likely to shortlist you. The care you take to target, interpret and prioritise your experiences also demonstrates effective written communication skills.

Accessibility
The employer will probably scan rather than read the CV, so it’s essential that the layout makes it easy to navigate. This means a strong internal logic with headings and consistent use of effects. Make sure you’re giving the reader strong visual signals about how the CV should be read.

To make it look good
Ideally the font size of regular text should 11 or 12. Don’t be tempted to cram in more text in a smaller font. You should be able to hold your CV at arm’s length and still read it comfortably.
Use headings likely to engage the employer such as ‘Relevant Skills & Experience’.
Better still, use headings taken from the employer’s original advertisement or job specification.
Avoid large blocks of text that won’t be read.
Split information into individual focused bullet points.
Start sentences with competency-based words that emphasise the skill, quality or attribute you’re presenting.
CVs should be two pages maximum, unless you’re applying for an academic research position.
Use good quality paper.
Always check spelling and grammar. Ask a careers adviser or third party to read through the final version.
In the main, graphics and gimmicks are to be avoided.
Using tables and charts can make a CV look cluttered and detract from the information given.
Overall, try to use a consistent style and format and don’t overdo underlining and capitals.
Try a different or larger font for headings and use bold for emphasis.
For some creative roles, an alternative approach may be appreciated but keep it original and professional.