Tips & Advice

Creating a Killer CV

Recruiting managers spend less than 15 seconds scanning your CV, so you want to do everything you can to ensure yours makes a good impression.

Read on for a few easy tips to spruce up a CV instantly and make your stand out from the crowd. 

BALANCE

As you start crafting your CV, you may wonder whether to go for content or design. The answer for a successful CV, of course, is both. Don’t be afraid to let your personality show through a little, and don’t include too much content - give employers a reason to meet you. 

RELEVANCE

You will always need the basics: full name, job title, contact details. And if you’ve got them, it’d be good to include a link to your online portfolio, technical and design proficiency, work experience, key clients, awards, qualifications, and interests. The key to remember when including these is that they are relevant to what you’re applying for. Try to keep it to the essentials - a recommended one or two pages at the most. And we know we mentioned it already... but don’t forget your contact details!

CLARITY

The same rules for good design apply here. Use readable fonts in 10 to 12-point type, consider kerning, and think about creating a visual hierarchy with your choice of different weights and sizes. Remember white space is important for guiding the eye. Be as clear as you can so the recruiter doesn’t waste any time noting accomplishments of interest. And keep a hawk's eye out for spelling mistakes or typos. Clarity is the key to earning a call-back.

AVOID WORD

If you’ve got the design skills, use your CV to show 'em what you’ve got. Microsoft Word is still the go-to for most professions but if you are a creative by profession then consider using InDesign, Illustrator, or another favourite design program to make your CV as slick as can be. Just remember to save the document as a PDF when you’re all done so that it works cross-platform, and be sure to include your name in the title so it doesn’t get lost in the system.

THINK OUTSIDE THE...

You will always need a traditional hardcopy of your CV, but if you think it will be a memorable (in a good way) for your application, why not think outside the box and experiment with another format as well. Video, infographics, words spelled out on donuts… it could be the extra step you need to snag that dream job.

SUMMARY

We promise prospective employers want to employ you. When they first get your CV, they’re looking for reasons to employ you, so help them out. Tailor your CV to the job description and highlight relevant experiences and skills while utilising good design principles.