CV Format: Does it matter?

While it may appear to be a little point, your CV format is quite significant in getting hired. Recruiters or employers are usually busy and don’t have time to sort through a disorganized layout to find the necessary information. It’s quite possible that the CV format you select will determine whether or not your CV is read.

A CV’s structure involves the number of pages, organization into sections, font type selection, and layout. It’s also crucial to maintain consistency. Many CVs contain formatting problems, such as using different font types or sizes, lines that are indented more than others, or irregular spacing. This gives the employers a negative impression. Why should they bother to read your CV if you can’t be bothered to spend the effort to perfect it?

The most crucial rule is to employ the CV format with the reader in mind. Even if you have the most experience, talents, and traits, if the recruiter needs to look for information, you may never be invited to an interview based on your present CV.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Standard CV Format

Keep one essential thing in mind when preparing a CV. It should be simple to read for both the hiring manager and the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many larger companies employ to handle their hiring process. Fonts like Calibri, and Times New Roman are the most likely to be read. Font sizes should range from 9 to 12. While reducing the font size to fit more information on the page may be tempting, resist the temptation! Anything that reduces the document’s legibility should be discarded.

Any color other than black and white should only be utilized in extreme cases. Color may be preferred in some creative fields, such as graphic design or advertising, but even then, you’re taking a chance. Section heads can be made larger, bolder, or italicized, but make sure to apply them consistently.

No matter how outstanding your experience and talents are, a company will not invite you for an interview if you do not use a suitable CV format. A recruiter will normally peruse a CV in less than 30 seconds. This is your only chance to persuade them to pursue their passion. Don’t waste your time with a bad layout or format.

Is Your CV Format Underselling You?

As we all know, the global job market is changing. As the expression goes, it’s a small world after all. The year is 2022, and recent events, such as covid, Brexit, expansion plans, and other watershed moments, have sparked a global demand for qualified labor. We may now apply for and acquire jobs that are hundreds of miles and time zones away from us.
However, our curriculum vitae is an important tool that represents us in this global market.
Recruiters, hiring managers, admission officials, and others use our curriculum vitae to make an impact and establish a perception of us. That is why it is commonly referred to as your PERSONAL BRAND.

Just like what we started earlier, what does your CV say about you? A recruiter can be impressed or turn away from CVs with just a glance. Would a recruiter throw away your CV or read it all the way through? Would your CV be matched or ranked highly in recruiters’ searches? These are questions that need to be in our minds.

Rebranding your CV is a long-term investment if you conduct a skill audit and determine what you truly want from your job.
Even though you are employed, you can still get recruiter calls and seek out relevant opportunities despite not updating your CV or LinkedIn in a year.

That way, even if you don’t want to stay, you can settle in without feeling rushed or anxious!