CV Format

[24mmy]

Hi

Hoping someone can help (PH always has someone who can)

What is the best way to format a CV, I have stuck to the same format and layout on my CV since first working but after 7 years I think its finally time I got rid and created a new one.

In what order should I put things like Introduction. Work Experience, Qualificiations etc.

Thanks for the help.

[rog007]

Whilst there is an industry standard for both layout and format, this can be tailored, particularly if you have limited employment history. If you'd like to pass it across I'd happily give some feedback. HTH.

[24mmy]

Thanks Rog007, i will send it over now. I think my biggest problem is using the right words to describe what i actually did in jobs.

[koolchris99]

there's an industry standard??

most cv's I see look ste, insert a bit of good design into them and you'll stand out..

or be chucked in the bin for not using times new roman

[Fatman2]

koolchris99 said:

there's an industry standard??

most cv's I see look ste, insert a bit of good design into them and you'll stand out..

or be chucked in the bin for not using times new roman

Really? I've been using Comic Sans for years

Seriously though my CV's have been presented in Arial for years and I'm not overly sure about my design either, although I think it looks clean, logical and free from fuss/lines/borders etc.

I don't suppose you care to give an example of a well designed CV by any chance?

[davepoth]

koolchris99 said:

there's an industry standard??

most cv's I see look ste, insert a bit of good design into them and you'll stand out..

or be chucked in the bin for not using times new roman

Before going with the flashy stuff, make sure you've got the basics down; spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are going to be a bigger turn off for most employers.

[koolchris99]

Fatman2 said:

Really? I've been using Comic Sans for years

Seriously though my CV's have been presented in Arial for years and I'm not overly sure about my design either, although I think it looks clean, logical and free from fuss/lines/borders etc.

I don't suppose you care to give an example of a well designed CV by any chance?

I will tomorrow just for you , to be honest it got a good reception with most finance chaps,

[Fatman2]

koolchris99 said:

I will tomorrow just for you , to be honest it got a good reception with most finance chaps,

Thanks, that would be much appreciated and will also be interesting to see how far off I am.

In truth I've not had many problems getting work but have tended to use a similar format. It's difficult to know what is right so have stuck to the 'if it ain't broke' philosophy.

However, whilst it's worked, it could also be as dull as ditchwater so will be good to find out just how dull it is

[rog007]

koolchris99 said:

there's an industry standard??

There is, but that's just a few do's and dont's re layout. The key to a high impact CV is making it outcomes based, with evidence and demonstrating impact. This takes time and plenty of reviewing and rewriting to make it the best it can be. Once complete, it must be reviewed regularly to keep it up to date and relevant. If I'm assisting a client on CV design, it can take a good 2-4 hours to come to a successful conclusion having started with a home made CV.

[Frances The Mute]

Sorry to jump on the back of this, but seeing as it's a new topic, there was no point in starting another.

I've got to overhaul mine for a new application in the next few days. I's a new position within the same company but seeing as my current CV design is nearly 6 years old and previously submitted to them, I figured it could do with replacing.

I'm from the 'less-is-more' camp in terms of design so fuss is kept to an absolute minimum. However, I'm not sure what is considered de rigueur these days. Does anyone know for decent templates that can be used?

[rog007]

You're right re less is more (2 pages max of text only, nothing else). Re template, it's more about the content, although structre does help. Happy to have a look if you wish to pass a copy across.

[Frances The Mute]

Cheers rog007 - much appreciated.

I'll finish my updating and pop it over to you.

[rog007]

Done! Hope you find it helpful.