Writing a CV is tough, but finding the right layout can be even harder…
No matter how impressive the content is, presenting your CV in a way that positively emphasises your skills and experience isn’t always easy.
The good news is, how you choose to present your CV is entirely up to you. So whether you want to demonstrate your design skills, or concentrate on the numbers – adapting your layout accordingly (and creatively) could be the best way to stand out.
We’ve already put together a traditional CV template, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique, here are 13 creative CV layout examples:
1. The CEO CV
2. The design-based CV
3. The skills-based CV
4. The well-rounded CV
5. The hand-drawn CV
6. The experience-based CV
7. The photo CV
8. The minimalist CV
9. The geometric CV
10. The stats-based CV
11. The colour coordinated CV
12. The employment focused CV
Image courtesy of The Career Improvement Club. Download it here.
13. The infographic CV
Final thoughts
Although there are many ways you can structure a CV, that doesn’t mean every layout will suit you – or your prospective employer.
To ensure you’re painting yourself in the best light, always aim to draw attention to the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
For example, if you don’t have much work experience yet, choosing a layout that places an emphasis on your skills and education is a great way to make the best of what you’ve got – and those in industries that require certain expertise (e.g. Photoshop or MS proficiencies) will benefit most from making your skill levels in your CV.
And remember: although they work particularly well for marketing and graphic design jobs, non-traditional CV layouts aren’t always a good idea. So only use them if you’re confident it’s the right thing to do for the role.
If in doubt, keep it as clean, concise and simple as possible – just in case.
Need more CV advice?
It takes an employer just seven seconds to save or reject a job applicant’s CV. This means creating a succinct CV is absolutely vital if you want to land that all-important interview.
To find out how to make your CV stand out from the crowd, buy James Reed’s new book: The 7 Second CV: How to Land the Interview.
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