Writing a CV

[Alfred001]

I'm curious whether when writing a CV it is ok to come up with your own custom layout or is it expected that you will follow some standard format?

[KipIngram]

I've seen so many different formats it's hard for me to think that there's a rigid requirement (beyond trying for an organized, clean layout) unless some organization actually provides a written requirement.

[fiveworlds]

Emailed Cv should be PDF so people can open the file easily on their phone.

Printed CV should be Black and White so that it is cheap for you to print.

 

What is most relevant to you now should be first if that is education put that first. If you have been working for the past ten years then your work is the most relevant. Tailor the CV for the job you are applying for if you are applying for a job as a chef they don't need to know you worked in a hospital and vice versa.

 

Emailed Cv - color is OK but there should be a black and white print version for the employer to print if they want.

Edited May 28, 2017 by fiveworlds

[iNow]

Your own style can be a good thing when done right, especially when competing in a crowded field where the recruiter is sifting through literally hundreds of applicants (so long as you highlight the right things and do so in ways that show you are a great fit for the role).

 

Here's one of the best unique approaches I've ever seen (clearly done with help from her digital marketing team): http://aplus.com/a/marissa-mayer-cv?no_monetization=true

 

EDIT: This is the site that helped and where you can make a similar one: https://enhancv.com

Edited May 28, 2017 by iNow

[swansont]

 

What is most relevant to you now should be first if that is education put that first. If you have been working for the past ten years then your work is the most relevant. Tailor the CV for the job you are applying for if you are applying for a job as a chef they don't need to know you worked in a hospital and vice versa.

 

In US parlance, a cv is supposed to be comprehensive, and not tailored. A resumé is tailored to the position.

 

http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/cv-vs-resume-difference-and-when-use-which/

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/curricula-vitae-cvs-versus-resumes/

[iNow]

^a welcome clarification. my post above was very much framed in terms of resumes

[Strange]

In US parlance, a cv is supposed to be comprehensive, and not tailored. A resumé is tailored to the position.

 

http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/cv-vs-resume-difference-and-when-use-which/

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/curricula-vitae-cvs-versus-resumes/

 

 

Interesting (and useful). I had always assumed that CV was British English and resume was American (for the same thing). There is, as far as I know, no such distinction in Br. Eng.

[caffinix]

Custom layout CVs (resumes that is) seem to be a lot more common in creative sectors. Graphic designers, for instance, might decide to demonstrate their skills this way. Generally though, I think it's about balancing the need to stand out amongst the crowd with clearly displaying your credentials. Recruiters and hiring managers have to shift through a mountain of CVs, so it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, a custom layout may be more eye-catching, but on the other it might end up frustrating them because they can't find what they're looking for. As long as you clearly lay out your experience and/or education (depending on how much experience you have), skills, and contact details, you should be ok. That said, if in doubt, work from a template!

[Klaynos]

 

 

Interesting (and useful). I had always assumed that CV was British English and resume was American (for the same thing). There is, as far as I know, no such distinction in Br. Eng.

I agree with this.

 

A more comprehensive set of example works, more common in the "arts" would probably be referred to as a portfolio in Br. Eng.