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Posted on: 16/05/2012 11:05.
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How to layout and present your CV

Where do I put the sections on the pages for maximum impact?

Most UK CVs are two pages long although exceptions are made for academic CVs and those who have extensive employment or other experience.  Some employers e.g. some areas of the media, like a one page CV and this may also be acceptable for first year students who have limited work experience.

In the case of a standard two page UK CV, in order to get the employer’s attention you need to ensure that the most important information is placed in certain sections.  The top of each page is important space as it has the most impact on the reader and the first page has more impact than the second.  Make sure you put key information in these places.  Less important information should go at the bottom of the second page and hence why referee details are often here.  Avoid splitting an important section across the two pages, where possible.

Have a look at our examples if you are unsure of what we mean by this.

What about the font, colour etc?

• DON’T use a Microsoft (or any other) template or wizard to produce your CV.  You are unique and your CV should be unique too.
• Think about whether or not to justify the text or leave it left aligned.
• Think carefully about use of colour – it can be a very effective tool if used professionally – a disaster if not!  But remember also that most employers will photocopy or print your CV or and covering letter on a black and white printer.
• Use a simple to read font e.g. Ariel, Garamond, Verdana, Tahoma, Times New Roman and use bold, italics, underline etc to emphasise.
• It is unwise to have your font size smaller than 11 point but don’t be afraid of maybe using a larger size for headings or specific information.

Guidelines

Have a look at our CV Guidelines template.  It will give you an idea of what information you should put where, and how a professional CV should look.

In addition, the examples and useful resources section will also give you ideas on layout, content etc for different types of CV, as well as lists of useful words and phrases.

How do I send my CV to an employer?

Always send a covering letter together with your CV and check how they want your information sent in – by email? By post?

Email

• Most CVs and covering letters are now sent by email and when sending, we suggest you add both documents as attachments, rather than typing the covering letter in the email itself.  The reason for this is that when you print out emails they can look rather messy and the formatting all over the place.  It is essential your letter looks like a proper business style letter.
• Attachments should be sent in the form of Microsoft Word documents as these are often the easiest format for the reader to access.  Alternatively you can use the Adobe Acrobat format i.e. a pdf if you can be sure that the receiving computer system can read it.  Make sure to name your attachments clearly using your name i.e. ‘Chris Jones CV’, ‘Chris Jones covering letter’.
• Although email can be an informal method of communication, you must keep it formal, professional and concise when applying for a job.  Always follow the employer’s instructions and quote any references they require.  You also will need to say that your CV and covering letter are attached.
• Think about your email address - best not to use Hotsexystuff@hotmail for job applications!

Post and fax

• Post is still commonly used but requires that you use good quality white or cream paper and a high-resolution printer to give a professional impression.
• Post early to ensure you meet the closing date and to allow for delays with the postal service!
• If faxing, phone first to let the employer know when you are about to send it to avoid it getting lost amongst other faxes.

What about posting my CV on the Internet?

Many people will choose to put their CV on the web in the hopes of maximising their job seeking potential.  If you are using an on-line recruitment consultancy or job search sites then there are usually two ways of posting your information.

The first is to complete the site’s own on-line CV form and the second is to upload your CV as a Word document or pdf.  There may be advantages in using the on-line CV form as opposed to uploading your CV.  These sites can often manipulate the form based information for employers seeking particular skills.

If you choose to develop your own web pages or use a social networking site e.g. LinkedIn, our recommendations for the CV page you create are as follows:

• It needs to clearly state on your web pages that this is a CV.
• Be clear about whether you are seeking employment or freelance opportunities.
• Be aware that different web browsers may vary in the way they display your page.
• Avoid using lots of “over the top” graphics unless you are seeking a job in graphic / web design and even then they should be simple.  Graphics intensive CVs may load slowly for some people and you don’t want to annoy or lose any potential readers.
• Be careful about revealing your personal contact details as there are some strange people out there!  You could just use your e-mail as the contact point and provide your telephone number and / or home address at a later date.

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