7 graphic tips for formatting your CV

 To put all the chances on your side and catch the eye of a recruiter, you must focus on the layout of your CV.

From content to visuals, here are all our graphic tips to get you noticed.

1. Adapt your CV to the intended job

Before even starting your CV, you must identify the sector of activity you are targeting.

It is obvious that if you are looking for a job in a communications agency as a designer, your CV will not look the same as if you are applying for an executive assistant position.

The first will be more creative, while the second more formal.

In addition to adapting to the desired position, find out about each company you will contact. The idea is to make your CV unique for each company.

2. Prepare your content

Generally speaking, resumes contain pretty much the same type of content.

Contact details

They should be visible and easy to find on your CV. So don't put them at the end in a corner. Show them up front or highlight them graphically.

If you have a portfolio, this is where you should put a link to your site. Depending on the position you are targeting, you can even add your social networks or your blog.

Please note: Only link to your personal accounts if they highlight your profile.

Keep your training list short. For example, if you already have a master's degree, there is no need to indicate your college certificate...

Indicate each time the name of the school, the address (generally the city is sufficient) and the dates of the duration of the training. If it is relevant to the job you are aiming for, indicate the subjects or courses you have taken.

Indicate any advanced courses – in computer science, design or otherwise – that you have taken.

Experiences

Here too it is not always necessary to list all your professional experiences. You can omit your student jobs if they have nothing to do with your current field and/or if they don't highlight you.

Indicate the name of the company, its address, the length of time you have worked and your position.

It is also possible to briefly indicate the missions and tasks entrusted to you.

Skills

Your computer, graphic or even linguistic skills must appear in this section, even if they were acquired during an internship. You must inform your future employer of what you can do.

Avoid putting too much: a list of 20 skills will not make a good impression. Only include those that you really master and those related to the position in question.

Your languages

This may seem unnecessary to you, but in some sectors, it's quite the opposite! Language level is often an important factor in hiring for some companies. A recruiter who knows that his employee speaks, or understands, several languages ​​always represents added value.

If you indicate your language level, try to be as fair and consistent with yourself as possible. No need to overestimate yourself. The recruiter could see this directly if he or she wants to continue the interview in English and see that your level is not that indicated.

3. Pay attention to the length of your CV

How many pages should a CV be? This is a question that many people ask themselves.

Depending on the country, the recommended length for a CV may vary. For example, in France you should ideally stick to one page while in Belgium a recruiter will not be disturbed by a CV that can be several pages long.

We will focus on good practices in France. Therefore, be concise while explaining your potential to your future employer.

If you have many years of experience, a two-page resume is acceptable, but be careful not to put just two lines on that second page.

4. Be organized

A recruiter only spends a few seconds on a CV, especially if he has a large number to look at.

At first glance, your resume should be clear. This means that your information should be presented in clearly defined sections.

If you are just out of school and have little experience, I advise you to highlight your training. Conversely, if you are already employed and looking for a job at another company, emphasize what you have learned in your current job and the skills you possess.

To correctly arrange each section of your CV, you can find help from professional graphic designers .

5. Add color

Whatever your field of activity, adding a little color won't hurt. You just need to dose it well.

If you are applying to a “classic” company, avoid too bright colors and pay attention to their meanings . For a company focused on sustainable development, you can add a few touches of green, for example. Either way, go sparingly.

If you are in the creative field, you can let loose a little more, within reason of course: you must use colors to your advantage.

6. Choose readable typography

A readable typography, but also and above all professional .

You can express your creativity with a stylized font on the titles for example, but for the body of the text keep it simple.

7. Be honest

Honesty is essential. Some people think it's okay to exaggerate, or even to lie. But if you land the desired job, your employer will soon notice that you are not as qualified as you claim to be.

Likewise, if the recruiter calls your former employer and finds out that you lied on your CV, you can be sure that it will end up in the trash.

Our tip

Your CV must be unique for each employer you approach, but above all it must resemble you. Show your personality through color choices, typography, general organization, etc. Make your CV attractive by being careful not to go too far. And above all, read again! There must be no spelling errors.