How to format and structure a CV [Get more interviews]

Summary

This video from the Standout CV YouTube channel offers expert guidance on crafting a professional CV. It emphasizes a clean, simple format using Microsoft Word, avoiding unnecessary design elements for easy readability. The presenter suggests a concise, two-page layout, with clear section headings and bold titles to facilitate skimming. The script covers structuring the CV with a profile, core skills, role descriptions, and achievements, prioritizing recent work experience. It advises placing education towards the end for experienced candidates and omitting hobbies unless highly relevant. The video concludes with a reminder to include 'references available on request' for a polished finish.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video teaches how to format and structure a CV for professionalism and readability.
• 🔍 It emphasizes simplicity in CV design, avoiding unnecessary graphics and logos.
• 🖋 A clear font and simple color scheme, like black and white, are recommended for clarity.
• 📄 Aim for a CV length of around two pages to maintain reader interest without overwhelming them.
• 🔑 Make the CV easy to skim-read by using clear headings and bold titles for sections.
• 📝 Include a professional title and contact details at the top of the CV, avoiding unnecessary personal information.
• 💡 Start with a compelling profile or personal statement to hook the reader's attention.
• 📋 Add a core skills section to highlight relevant skills that align with the job requirements.
• 📊 Structure role descriptions with an overview, responsibilities in bullet points, and key achievements.
• 🔍 Place the most recent roles with more detail at the top, and condense older roles as you go down the CV.
• 🎓 Education and qualifications should be listed at the bottom for experienced candidates, except when relevant to the role.
• 🏞 Hobbies and interests are generally not included unless they are highly relevant or impressive for the job applied for.
• 📞 End the CV with a note that references are available upon request, if space permits.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to format and structure a CV professionally, making it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to read.

Why is it important to keep the CV design simple?

A simple design is important because it helps recruiters and hiring managers to focus on the content rather than being distracted by unnecessary design elements, making the CV easier to read and process.

What is the recommended length for a CV?

The recommended length for a CV is around two pages of A4, which provides enough space to showcase your qualifications and experience without overwhelming the reader.

Why should the CV be easy to skim read?

The CV should be easy to skim read because recruiters and hiring managers often quickly scan through CVs to pick up key points, and an easily skimmable CV helps them quickly identify relevant information.

What should be included in the major sections of the CV?

Major sections of the CV should include a bold heading and a border underneath to make them stand out. Each work experience role should be headed with a bold title and spaced out for easy reading.

What is the purpose of the profile or personal statement in a CV?

The profile or personal statement serves as an introductory paragraph to hook the reader's attention and encourage them to read the rest of the CV. It summarizes the candidate's skills and knowledge tailored towards the roles they are applying for.

Why is it beneficial to include a core skills section in the CV?

Including a core skills section provides a snapshot of the candidate's most valuable skills relevant to the job, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify a good match between the candidate's abilities and the job requirements.

How should work experience be presented in the CV?

Work experience should be presented with an outline providing an overview of the job and employer, followed by bullet points detailing responsibilities and key achievements. More recent roles should be more detailed, while older roles can be summarized more briefly.

Why is it common to place education and qualifications towards the bottom of the CV for experienced candidates?

For experienced candidates, recent work experience is more relevant and indicative of current capabilities, so it is given more prominence. Education and qualifications are placed at the bottom to maintain focus on work experience.

Why are hobbies and interests typically not included in a CV?

Hobbies and interests are typically not included in a CV because they rarely influence a hiring decision unless they are closely related to the job or demonstrate exceptional personal achievements.

What is the final touch recommended for a CV?

The final touch recommended for a CV is a line stating 'references available on request', which can be omitted if space is limited but is considered a nice finishing touch.