CV’s have amped up their style game over the last few years. As pro-level graphic design tools have become more accessible through programs like Canva, your CV style can play a role in painting a picture of the type of candidate you are, so there’s value in giving your CV a bit of style-love and finesse using the very latest CV design templates.

Should I choose a bold creative design and colour. Will it help me stand out?

If you work in a creative field then a bold, striking CV can be a great way of demonstrating your design skills and give a sense of your creative personality but may not be suitable if you are applying for a corporate role. Also be aware that most companies and recruiters use software (ATS) that will screen for key words and your files need to be easy to scan and upload. Complicated designs can sometimes not parse successfully through this software and put you at risk of missing out.

Should I include a photo?

This was once the most commonly asked questions about a CV design, but is now irrelevant. Most recruiters will check against your LinkedIn profile and will see your headshot so it’s really a personal preference if you want to include a photo on your CV or not. If you have a wonderful, professional looking headshot that represents you well, then it can help you stand out and leave a good impression.

How many pages?

The general rule of thumb is that a CV should be two pages long. Whilst it can be a challenge if you have a lot of experience, remember that your ability to present information with clarity is a great reflection of your communication style. There are ways of cleverly condensing information on your CV with design, so explore your options.

What’s the most popular CV design?

As recruiters we see 1000s of CVs – it’s our job to review them day in, day out, so we’ve seen just about every possible design format around. These days 80-90% of CVs are a Canva templated CV usually following a familiar format of a vertical side bar featuring skills, education and contact details.  Given the prolific nature of designed CV’s, those that represent an older word format style can look a bit dated, so a style refresh is a good idea! Most people have a standard format that they update every time they move jobs but if you have a template originally created in 2010..it might look a bit dated.

If you are struggling with your CV design and want some expert advice, feel free to get in touch with our team. Whilst we aren't CV designers we are more than happy to give advice and helpful suggestions.