Professional CV Writing

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CV Writing – CV Layout

There are many views and mixed opinion about the content of a CV but very little debate about CV layout. Most career experts will tell you that a CV contains the following headings – Personal Details, Education & Training, Work History, Hobbies & Interests and References which should be placed on the CV in that order. These views go against my thoughts on CV layout and below I will outline potential problems. I believe that a CV is a fluid document and I feel that this standard layout is flawed. It limits the ability of jobseekers to market themselves effectively and leads jobseekers to believe that one CV fits all jobs. I believe that content is the most important aspect of CV preparation but where this content is situated on a CV is equally important. Important and relevant information must make front page.

The role of a CV

The purpose of a CV is to provide the initial communication between jobseeker and employer. It is a marketing document that tells a potential employer “I’ll help you capitalise on opportunities” or “I can solve your problem”. A CV has to make an impact and sell the owner or there will be no opportunity to sit in front of the employer at interview. A CV is not an excuse to ramble and list everything you ever done under a set of predetermined headings.

Job Specifications & CV Layout

Therefore the employer has a big say on CV layout. They outline job specifications and this description should determine not only the content of your CV the layout of your CV. Why hide important information and the end of your CV? In a buoyant job market there is less competition and less CV’s for the employer to read so you might get away with poor layout. In a slower job market employers will not invest as much time per CV as there will normally be more to read. With this in mind the second page of many CV’s never get read. If you want the job you have 30 seconds to make an impact so don’t cut corners on your CV.

CV Layout Scenario

A job is advertised in the Irish Times for a sales executive with a not for profit organisation (charity). The job is seeking candidates with a minimum of 5 years sales experience in the similar environment and a business degree. You read the advert and email your CV to the client. You meet all the requirements except for the fact that you do not have a business degree. The hiring manager scans your CV reading Personal Details first and then Education. No degree in business so the CV is rejected for which there can be no arguments as the CV did not meet the requirements. Sadly you had 5 years working in a sales role for a charity and you volunteered much of your spare time to voluntary and charity work. As the reader did not take the time to read on this important info was not read representing a missed opportunity. It could have generated enough information before the employer read about the lack of qualifications. Effective layout could have resulted in an interview. I agree that the employer may still have rejected the CV but effective layout maximises the possibility of interview.

Don’t limit you job prospects believing that there is a standard CV layout. A CV is a fluid document with layout and content dictated by the employer.

This article was provided by Measurability. Measurability offer Professional CV Services to jobseekers across Ireland.