CV Layout / format

Has something happened to job board CV databases? We have had a whole load of questions recently about CVs not uploading to job board CV databases and one of the causes seems to be formatting, particularly when backgrounds and text boxes etc have been used. We dont advocate use of particularly Microsoft Word functionality in displaying graphics on CVs but for all those interested, below are our comments about CV layout or format.

CV Layout - Good CV Layout adds significantly to the visual appeal of a CV and provides structure that aids the recruiter to quickly find relevant information.

CV layout should concentrate on making the most important and relevant information obvious to the reader, both in the style of presentation and in the position it carries on the page.

Fonts used for CV layouts

The popular fonts for CV layout are Arial, Tahoma, Verdana and Times New Roman. When choosing a font it is important to ensure the font itself and the sizes chosen look clear on screen and on paper and reproduce clearly when scanned.

10 or 11 pt is the normal size for text and 12 pt for headings. Major heading can be underlined but too much underlining makes a CV layout look cluttered. Itallic fonts should preferably be avoided as they often cause drop outs when scanned. The font used on this web page is Tahoma and Tahoma or Verdana are our preferred choices for CV layouts since they are both very easy to read and have a little more "style" than eg Arial. In some countries it is usual to add a signature to a CV with a statement of accuracy; Brush Script is the best font for the signature or scan in an actual signature at the foot of the CV layout.

Highlighting for CV Layouts

Care should be taken when using Microsoft Word facilities for highlighting sections of a CV since the formatting is likely to be lost when the CV layout is uploaded to, for example a job board CV database or library. The "Text Box" in particular should not be used and coloured text should be used with extreme care. Simple surrounds and background colour, ideally a neutral colour e.g. grey are usually OK but it is best to avoid white text on a darker background.

Order of Information in CV Layout

For most situations the order of information on a CV should be:

Name and Contact Detail
Summary of Skills,
Achievements etc Career History (Employers)
Explanations that may be Required
and finally Qualifications, Vocational Studies and for more junior posts Interests and Hobbies

The exception to this layout for a CV relates to new graduates and school leavers where the CV layout should highlight Education and Qualifications

This information about CV layouts should be read alongside advice provided in our CV Tips page where more specific detail about CV content is described. CVs by their nature are reasonably formal documents and the CV layout should therefore be similarly formal and business like. However, some market sectors and some job functions are characterised by less formality e.g. marketing, media, web design etc and this can be reflected to a greater degree in the CV layout or format.

e CV Layout

For those professions and market sectors where visual representation of skills helps paint a more complete picture to a recruiter, e.g. grahic or fashion design etc, e CVs can provide a CV layout electronically that allows greater freedom of expression. Graphic design, use of logos and greater selection of text style and presentation can have dramatic impact on a recruiter and the e CV is becoming very popular for these reasons.