Previously, we’ve looked at what a well-written CV should include. Today, we’re focusing on how to format a CV or resume. After all, a CV needs to look professional, so its formatting is almost as important as its content. And with that in mind, our top tips for formatting a CV include:
For more on how to format a CV or resume, check out our tips below.
The type of CV or resume you pick will affect its presentation. As such, it’s important to know the differences between the main types of CV:
In addition, some people distinguish between a CV (i.e. a full account of your professional history) and a resume (i.e. a one- or two-page summary of your career and skills). This is more common in the USA than in the UK, but it’s worth checking so you know how much information to provide.
Now, though, let’s move on to the nitty-gritty of how to format a CV.
You may not usually give much thought to the margins in a document. But when you need to fit a lot of information into a limited space, without sacrificing clarity, they can make a difference.
Ideally, then, the margins of your CV or resume should be around 2.54cm (one inch) on all sides. If you need to save space, you can reduce this to a minimum of 1.25cm (half an inch) on all sides. Make sure to leave some space in the margin, though, as otherwise your CV will look cramped.
There are several fonts you could use in a CV or resume. Any font you use, though, should meet two requirements:
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Typically, the best fonts are the ‘boring’ ones everyone uses (e.g. Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman). But whatever you do, don’t write a CV using Comic Sans if you want it to look professional. The best font size, meanwhile, may depend on the font you’ve chosen. But 10-12pt is a good guideline.
A good CV or resume will be divided into several sections (e.g. Contact Information, Skills, Work Experience). And to make the structure clear, each section should begin with its own heading.
To ensure these headings stand out, you may want to use a slightly larger font and/or bold formatting. But however you format the headings in your CV, make sure to apply one style consistently for each heading type.
As well as adding headings, there are a few things you can do to make your CV easier to skim read. These include the following:
This can make a big difference to readability. And as recruiters may have to read hundreds of CVs every day, this can be important.
Finally, once you’ve formatted your CV or resume, don’t forget to have it proofread. Any errors could cost you your dream job, as typos may suggest a lack of attention to detail, so a little proofreading can go a long way.
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