Ten tips for a perfect CV layout

 Here are the 10 golden rules for a perfect CV layout:

1. Keep to two pages maximum

Your CV shouldn’t be longer than two pages, otherwise the recruiter will never read it through to the end. If you do not have much experience, don’t try to make your CV longer by adding useless information. You have many things to mention? Then try to select the most important information.

2. Use clear headings

Put your headings and sub-headings in bold or in a bigger font. This will help recruiters quickly understand the structure of your CV and find the specific information they are looking for. You can also put some keywords in bold inside the text so that they stand out better. However do not overdo it.

3. Use indents and bullets

For a better structure you can also use indents and bullets – they will make your CV lighter and clearer but again, don’t overdo it.

4. Choose a legible font

The content of your CV is essential and you must do everything so that the recruiter can read it without difficulty. So, use the same font in your CV and cover letter to stay coherent. Preferably choose font size 12 for the text (headlines can be larger): this is the perfect size and also the most commonly used. And choose a standard font available on all computers otherwise the recruiter may literally be unable to read
your CV.

5. Make your contact details visible

Put your name and address in the header at the top of the page so that they are immediately noticeable and are displayed automatically on all pages. The recruiter will be able to contact you more easily for a first interview.

6. Keep a sober design

Do not use too many different colours in your text – preferably stick to black. Applying for a creative function? Then you can dare to use colours and an original design.

7. Print on white paper 

If for any reason you need to print your CV use ordinary white paper. Applying for a job is a serious matter, so coloured paper is not recommended.

8. Use wide margins

Set wide margins and use the same margins on each page. But do not overdo it as too much empty space on your CV will show the interviewer that there is not much content.

9. Be consistent

The key is to be consistent, both in terms of the content and the format of your CV. Print your CV before sending it, and check that you have used the same structure, titles and font throughout.

10. Do not exaggerate

This is the golden rule to apply to each of these tips. Do not exaggerate by using too many bullet points, too many bold words, too many upper-case letters … Use common sense and make sure that your CV is nice and neat, and that the recruiter can find all the key information, such as your education and experience.