How long should a CV be? (or: can Less be More?)

 “As long as it needs to be”, is probably the first answer that comes to mind but this doesn’t provide a definitive answer. The reality is that there are no rules but there are some good guidelines and 2-3 pages should cover the majority of CVs. So how do you edit your 12 page novella into an impressive CV? With a lot of time and effort is the true answer but the following should offer a few clues.

 

Make an impact with the first page and more importantly, start with a compelling “profile” There’s a previous post that covers this key area in more detail.

 

Restrict your first page to 3 sections: “Profile “and then two of the following: “Key Achievements”, “Key Skills” and “Key Qualifications”   - you need to think about which two you select and this will be dependent on your job description and career length and history.

 

Add a heading to the second page called “Career History”: this will offer a valuable clue as to what you should think about adding here.

 

Cut out the “first person” style of writing and use “third person”: this will steer you away from using and repeating: “I was responsible for….” It will also allow you to edit out words that simply add nothing to the CV and adopt a “punchier” style.

 

Anything over 10 years old is of limited interest; particularly jobs and a single line can cover each one with a “job title” – “employer” – “dates” entry.

 

Don’t head your CV with a massive “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae” in a ridiculously large font that can be seen from outer space. Most recruiters will recognise that it isn’t a tax demand, a gas bill or a long lost Shakespeare play.

 

Don’t add “personal interests”: it’s a CV, not a submission to a dating agency.

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