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How you present your CV layout is just as important as what you actually write in it. Making sure that the content and information is displayed in an easy to read and concise manner will not only help the hiring manager reading your CV, it can also impress them with your presentation and communication skills.
In a CV you have to choose your words and where you place them very carefully. Help the employer as much as you can by making key data and important information easy to find. |
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What type of fonts to use
You should always use fonts that are conservative, is easy on the eye and professional looking. Times New Roman and Arial are good examples. Also ensure that the font size does not exceed 12, unless you want to emphasise a point, for instance is you wish to place sub headings. Ensure that only one font style is used throughout your CV template.
Bullet points and making power words stand out
Use these to highlight those points you want to get noticed, they could be single words or they could be a short sentence. Throughout your CV layout try to highlight keywords and phrases which are relevant to the roles you are applying for. Do this by using:
- Bullet points.
- Making them bold.
- Underlining them.
- Having them in a different colour.
Below is a typical layout of a CV
Personal details
These are traditionally at the top of your resume and should include your name, address, home / mobile telephone numbers and email address.
Personal profile or summary
Before you begin writing ask yourself the following questions:
- Firstly what work experience does the vacancy require?
- Secondly how can you best highlight your achievements and experience in these areas?
Now write a brief statement and description of yourself and your career achievements, include your career objectives, aims and what you consider to be your strongest personal traits. Also explain what sort of role you are looking for and also why.
Career history
Give a breakdown of your employment history, starting with the most recent or present. Include the following information:
- Employers name.
- Location where you were based.
- Employment dates.
- Job title.
- Duties and responsibilities.
In it list those skill sets and career achievements which you feel are relevant to your industry or to the job that you are applying for. To emphasis particular keywords consider making them bold or underlining them.
Giving details or present and previous employment
If you have a long career history then only mention in detail the most recent ones, there is no real need to explain in detail what you did 20 years ago. There is not need to go into lengthy descriptions of your previous employment. Instead use bullet points to list key responsibilities and duties that relate to the vacancy you are applying for. Try to keep them as brief, relevant and simple as possible, remembering to highlight any keywords.
Areas of expertise and work experience
Focus on showing key data and facts that can benefit the employer. If possible give examples of your achievements. Focus on showing that you are an accomplished hard worker who can bring many positive attributes to your new place of employment.
Academic qualifications
List your academic qualifications including the certificates, dates, locations, colleges or universities and grades.
References
This section is usually placed at the end of your CV and to save valuable space should just be a short sentence saying 'References available on request'. There is no need to include the details of your references. If required you can supply these later on.
Related topics:
What not to put in your CV
Why CVs are rejected
Writing a career objective statement
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