You may ask yourself a lot of questions about the creation of the perfect CV. How many pages? What colors? Which structure? Photo or not photo? It is natural to want to know the answers to these questions. Plus, it means that you are really willing to do it right. To help you build an effective resume, follow these golden rules!
Choose the Right Type of CV
Up to 35-40 years old, the curriculum vitae should fit on a single page. When applying by email, prefer the locked PDF format. The layout must be adapted to your professional sector. For instance, if you are in marketing or communication, your resume must be dynamic, modern, and a little bit colorful. By the way, great CV examples are available online for your convenience such as here cv-creator.co.uk.
Social networks must be highlighted on your CV, you can also insert a QR Code pointing to your LinkedIn profile or your personal blog. This will show that you are connected, follow the trends and give yourself good visibility.
What Colors and Visuals to Use on a CV?
To avoid making the CV too heavy or messy, use only 3 colors maximum. They serve to energize the document but you have to choose them carefully. As a matter of fact, blue goes everywhere; and so is brown. About the logos of the companies where you have worked or carried out an internship, it is a bad idea since they can distract the eye and overload your CV. Also be careful to use the right font.
The CV Structure: by Chronology or by Skills?
There are two options, but for young graduates, a chronological resume is more readable and effective for employers. If you have a senior profile, you can choose the anti-chronological structure. Add a category “Profile” and “Objectives” where you can explain in 3 or 4 lines your professional project. This par may look like a mini cover letter. This method humanizes the CV, unlike impersonal bulleted lists.
Should You Put a Photo on Your CV?
Without a photo, the CV makes you mysterious and the recruiter may become reluctant. In any case, today’s recruitment managers have the means to know your origins, and the face-to-face interview aims for that too. Better to display and fully assume your origins and your history from the beginning. Most of the time, the photo is not mandatory to avoid discrimination. But if you decide to put an appropriate one on your resume, it will surely work in your favor.