Why the Layout of Your CV is similarly as Important as the Content
Whether you are on the hunt for human resources jobs or publishing jobs, it is your CV that determines whether or not you will be considered for the position. With this in mind, it makes sense to pay attention to the information that you include in said CV. However, did you know that the layout of your CV is just as important as the content? Not only does it need to cover all of the important details regarding your education, work experience and skills, it also needs to be laid out in a logical and easy-to-read manner. Let us investigate why layout is such an imperative aspect of your CV and how best to go about perfecting it in an effort to make a positive impression on your potential future employer.
The layout of your CV is as important as its content purely because it says plenty about who you are both as a person and as a professional. A messy CV that doesn’t flow and isn’t consistent in terms of font and spacing says that you are probably a lazy person with poor attention to detail. A long-winded CV might cause you to come across as arrogant, whereas a CV that is too short will make it seem as though you are underqualified. The key lies in finding a balance and ensuring a logical progression of information.
Ultimately, the way in which you lay out your résumé will largely depend on your industry. For example, in the media and advertising industry, colourful and creative CVs are always welcome. However, in the banking or finance industry, a clear, concise and standardised version is best. While the overall design of your CV may differ from industry to industry, the order in which you present your potential future employer with important information about yourself remains the same.
Cover Page
It is essential that you include such details as your full name, contact number(s) and email address.
Cover Letter
A cover letter should be addressed directly to the person who posted the job ad. If the name of this person is unknown, simply address it to ‘to whom it may concern’. Personalise this letter by writing about why you believe you should be considered for the particular vacancy, briefly highlighting your strengths/skills/work experience according to the requirements mentioned in the ad.
Education
List your education information in reverse chronological order to ensure that the qualifications which are most important are the first ones that your potential future employer sees.
Work Experience
Again, list your work experience in reverse chronological order and be sure to include some details regarding your responsibilities at each company.
Skills
Avoid clichés and include skills most relevant to the position first.
References
Two references should suffice. Be sure to include the full names, phone numbers and email addresses of both references.
