When it comes to landing your next role, your CV layout can make or break your chances. Even the most qualified candidate can be overlooked if their CV is poorly formatted or hard to read.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we help jobseekers stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a graduate, switching careers, or applying for high-paying roles in competitive industries, understanding the best practices for CV layout is crucial.
Here are the essential dos and don’ts to follow when formatting your CV:
CV Layout: The Dos
1. Keep it concise and focused
Aim for no more than two sides of A4. Highlight your most relevant skills and experience without going into unnecessary detail.
2. Use a clean, professional font
Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman ensure your CV is easily readable. Avoid decorative fonts—clarity is key.
3. Structure your CV logically
Organise your content into clear sections (e.g. Personal Details, Work Experience, Education, Skills). Use reverse chronological order to show your most recent achievements first.
4. Tailor the format to your strengths
If you’re early in your career, lead with your education. If you have strong experience, put that front and centre. The order should reflect what’s most relevant to the role.
5. Use bullet points for key achievements
Bullet points make your CV skimmable. Highlight quantifiable achievements rather than vague duties numbers and results speak volumes.
6. Include essential contact details
Add your full name, professional email address, and phone number at the top. Make sure your email address is appropriate for job applications.
7. Check formatting and grammar
Use consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and spacing. Always proofread or have someone else review your CV for spelling and grammar errors.
CV Layout: The Don’ts
1. Don’t cram everything in
Trying to fit too much onto your CV by shrinking the font or margins only makes it harder to read. White space is your friend it improves readability and professionalism.
2. Avoid including irrelevant information
Stick to skills and experiences that relate to the job. If hobbies or interests don’t support your application, leave them out.
3. Don’t write a career autobiography
Your CV isn’t a life story. Focus only on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor it to each role.
4. Don’t skip the cover letter
Even if it’s optional, a tailored cover letter gives you another chance to stand out. It supports your CV and provides a personal introduction.
5. Avoid gimmicks
Bright colours, unusual fonts, graphics, and photos distract from your skills. Keep it professional and polished. A simple layout with clear headings will always perform better.
6. Don’t add references unless requested
References take up space and aren’t usually needed at this stage. Simply state “References available on request” if necessary.
Final Thought
Your CV is your first opportunity to impress an employer so how it looks matters just as much as what it says. By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can create a professional CV that showcases your skills effectively and gets noticed for the right reasons.
Still need help polishing your CV? Explore our expert CV templates and career resources on the Resource Provider Ltd website, or contact us for personalised support.