A CV is one of the first connections with an employer. So how can you make your CV attractive, impress the employer from the very first second, and stand out among thousands of other CVs.
Typically, the HR department only spends about 6 seconds scanning each CV. Therefore, knowing how to make your CV stand out will score points in the eyes of the employer. We cordially invite readers to explore 03 awesome CV design tips below.
#1 TOP HIGHLIGHT
The very top section of the CV will be the first point that the employer sees when opening the document to review. Indeed, employers usually receive hundreds of CVs for a single job opening and often do not have time to read every CV in full if it is not impressive enough. Therefore, the advice is that you need to optimize the content at the top of your CV, specifically:
- Personal photo: must be clear, high quality, professional attire, and your face must be clearly visible (preferably a straight-on headshot). Many applicants often use leisure photos or selfies, which are inappropriate and unprofessional.
- Basic contact information: full name, year of birth, phone number, email address (avoid using strange or symbolic email names), contact address. Additionally, keeping your personal information consistent across your email, Skype, LinkedIn, and social media accounts with the same username is also a way to make an impression and show your professionalism.
- Your strengths or achievements (relevant to the applied position) should be prioritized first.
In addition, you need to carefully read the job description requested by the employer and arrange the appropriate content right at the top of your CV page. This helps employers easily identify and see how well your CV matches the open position.
#2 ENSURE YOUR CV IS READABLE AND AESTHETIC
To achieve this, you need to keep the following factors in mind:
- Choose appropriate fonts: select readable, uncomplicated fonts; Sans serif fonts are recommended. Additionally, avoid using Comic Sans or Papyrus. These fonts are generally unpopular because they give a childish and unprofessional feel.
- Font size: should be 12pt or larger to be readable. Larger sizes can be used for section headings, but do not overuse them; because text that is too large or too small makes it difficult to read and filter information.
- Number of fonts: Be consistent if you use multiple different fonts. For example, all headings should keep the same font type, and the same goes for the body content.
- Colors: You can make your CV more lively by choosing a maximum of 3 colors, selecting a background color and text color, or dividing major sections using different colors. However, you must still maintain harmony and consistency, avoiding being too greedy with colors to prevent distracting the reader.
- Use bullet points: use simple symbols like dots, squares, etc., to help readers easily follow and avoid losing focus from the main content.
- Use Headings: Set headings for major sections (personal information, education history, etc.) to facilitate screening (skimming).
#3 MAKE YOUR CV IMPRESSIVE
There are many ways to attract employers when they review your CV, specifically:
- Filter essential and relevant information according to the job description (name, contact, work experience, education, etc.) in reverse chronological order or according to your purpose;
- Put important information at the top;
- Layout, content information, and aesthetics require consistency;
- Check for spelling errors;
- And importantly, “Less is more” – concise in quantity but high in quality.
With some of the tips mentioned above, hopefully, you will confidently pass the employer’s application round.
HUFLIT Career Hub Editorial Board
References: Standout-CV, colorme
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