The Best CV Format To Use In 2024

A well-formatted CV is key to landing your next job. In today’s job market, it’s not just about listing your qualifications and experience—how you present them matters just as much.

Recruiters at Ladders spend an average of six seconds evaluating a CV, according to a survey conducted by the job matching website.  (You Have 6 Seconds to Make an Impression)  That is simply a glimpse of six seconds! 

Imagine finding an exciting job, sending your CV, and waiting for a response that never comes. This happens to a lot of people. Often, the issue isn’t that you’re not qualified, but that your CV wasn’t clear, easy to read, or didn’t catch the recruiter’s attention. In some cases, it might not have even been read.

A well-formatted CV makes your background and experience easy to understand, helping hiring managers quickly decide if you should move forward in the hiring process. Proper formatting also improves readability and shows that you’re professional and detail-oriented.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about formatting a CV in 2024, helping you create one that stands out.

A Quick And Easy Guide For Formatting Your CV

1. Contact Information: Place your contact information at the top of the page. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure everything is accurate and easy to find.

2. Professional Summary or Objective: Start your CV with a strong opening statement. A professional summary highlights your experience and skills in a few sentences, while an objective focuses on your career goals. Choose the one that best suits your situation, but keep it short and to the point.

3. Work Experience: List your work history, starting with the most recent job. Include your job title, the company’s name, and the dates you worked there. Use bullet points to highlight your key responsibilities and achievements, focusing on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

4. Skills: List both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical abilities, while soft skills relate to communication or teamwork. Customize your list to the specific job description to show you’re a good fit.

5. Education: Start with your highest qualification. Include degrees, certificates, and any relevant coursework if needed. Make sure to include dates and the institution where you studied.

6. Additional Sections: If applicable, add sections for certifications, awards, languages you speak, and volunteer experience. Only include these if they are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For a more detailed guide with examples on how to format your CV, continue reading below!

What is a CV?

A curriculum vitae ( CV, Latin word meaning “course of life.” ) is a written document that lists your skills, abilities, education, detail professional experience, and accomplishments as an individual . Consider it a fast advertisement in which you can quickly demonstrate who you are and what you can do to potential employers.

This document contains an overview of your education, career history, essential skills, qualification, professional certifications, publications, among others.

When it comes to potential employers, your CV is frequently the first thing they see. Its effectiveness may influence whether you are invited for an interview or considered for a promotion.

This is why it is critical to devote time to understanding how to write an effective and impactful CV. Your mastery of this single professional document has the potential to open many doors for you.

The Best CV Format To Use

Contact Information

The contact information section gives employers an easy way to get in touch with you or learn more about your background. Recent studies show that detail-oriented employers expect the following information:

Name

Your name should be placed at the top of the CV, usually centered, bolded, and in a larger font than the rest of your contact information. This makes it stand out immediately. While it seems straightforward, make sure the name you use on your CV is consistent with your name on all professional documents, like your LinkedIn profile. This creates a clear and professional image.

Phone Number and Email Address

Always include a valid phone number and email address that you use frequently. According to research, over 80% of businesses use email and phone as their main communication methods with job applicants. Make sure your email address is professional and easy to understand. An unprofessional email address can harm your chances of being taken seriously.

Digital Profile Link (LinkedIn)

Many recruiters rely on LinkedIn to find potential candidates—almost 95%, according to U.S. News. Including your LinkedIn profile on your CV lets employers see more about your skills, experience, and professional connections. It’s an extra way for them to evaluate your fit for the role.

Address

In the past, listing your home address on your CV was standard, but it’s no longer necessary. In fact, if you’re applying for jobs in another city or state, including your address might hurt your chances. Many experts now suggest leaving your address off entirely unless specifically requested.

Headline

The headline is a short phrase that captures who you are and how you fit the job. According to research by Ladders, recruiters first focus on the top left corner of your CV. A clear headline can quickly show why you’re a strong candidate. Think of it like a billboard: simple, memorable, and to the point.

For example:

• Sales Executive
  8 Years’ Experience in Insurance and Healthcare Management
• Full Stack Developer
  10 Years’ Experience in Web and App Development
• Business Analyst
  5 Years of DevOps Excellence

Your headline should highlight your most relevant qualifications in just a few words, making it easy for the recruiter to see why you’re a good fit.

Professional Summary or Objective

A professional summary is like the “movie trailer” of your CV, as described by Scott Vedder, a Fortune 100 recruiter and author. It’s where you showcase the most important and impressive things about yourself right at the start. This section is usually only a few sentences long and sits right below your contact information.

Professional Summary

A professional summary focuses on your strongest skills and includes specific examples of what you’ve achieved in your career so far. It’s not labeled as a “Description” but rather gives a quick overview of your qualifications or experience. For example, in 3–4 sentences, you should highlight your skills and experiences by linking them to specific accomplishments.

Example: “I am a detail-oriented manager with a proven ability to communicate and improve company policies. I have led key initiatives that reduced employee misconduct by 32% and contributed to entry-level employee retention. Recognized as an empathetic listener, I thrive in collaborative and high-stress environments.”

In this summary, the applicant highlights key skills like being detail-oriented and a good communicator. They also mention specific accomplishments, such as reducing employee misconduct and improving retention. Notice how the summary uses keywords like “communicate” and “collaborative,” which align with what many employers seek. This helps the candidate stand out and connect their experiences to the job they are applying for.

Objective

An objective is different from a summary. It is typically used by entry-level candidates or people switching careers. Instead of highlighting past achievements, an objective focuses on what you are aiming to achieve in the role you’re applying for. It states your career goals and how the job fits into them.

Example: “Motivated recent graduate seeking a position in marketing where I can apply my skills in content creation and social media management to contribute to a growing company’s success.”

In this case, the objective highlights the candidate’s goal and how it aligns with the job. It’s ideal for someone with less experience or someone entering a new field.

Key Differences

• Summary: Emphasizes your strongest skills and past achievements, and is usually more appropriate for experienced professionals.
• Objective: Focuses on your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the job,

Skills

The skills section of your CV is very important, even if it seems less significant than other parts at first glance. If a job listing specifies certain qualifications, make sure these skills are easy to find on your CV. Recruiters will be looking for these details to decide if they should continue reading your application.

As CV expert Kim Isaacs advises, “If you treat this section as an afterthought, you could be missing an opportunity to show employers you have the proper skills for the position.”

What Skills to Include

So, how many skills should you list? Aim for 10 to 15 relevant skills. While you don’t need to fill the space with 15 skills, having enough will show that you have the right qualifications. A short list might make it seem like you lack the necessary experience, while a list that’s too long can become unfocused and overwhelming.

The skills section is also a great opportunity to include keywords from the job description that don’t naturally fit into other parts of your CV. This can help your CV show up in search results when recruiters are looking for candidates with specific abilities.

Customizing Your Skills Section

Focus on customizing the first half of your CV, which includes your headline, summary, and skills section. This will demonstrate to recruiters that you are specifically applying for their job. By aligning your skills with the requirements of the position, you help recruiters quickly see that you are a strong fit for the role. Remember, this section can be crucial in catching the recruiter’s attention and securing an interview.

Work Experience

The work experience section is one of the most important parts of your CV. It tells potential employers about your professional background and shows how your past roles relate to the job you’re applying for. Here’s how to format this section effectively:

Formatting Job Titles, Companies, and Dates

1. Job Titles: Your job title should be bold and clearly indicate your position. Make it stand out by placing it at the start of each job entry.
2. Company Names: Include the name of the company you worked for right below your job title. You can also bold it to draw attention.
3. Dates of Employment: List the dates you worked there. Use a consistent format (e.g., Month Year – Month Year) for clarity. Place this information on the right side of the page or right beneath the company name for easy reading.

Listing Job Responsibilities and Achievements

To make your work experience section more effective, follow these best practices:

• Use Bullet Points: Bullet points are great for listing responsibilities and achievements. They make your information easier to read and help recruiters quickly see your key contributions.
• Start with Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb. For example, use words like “Managed,” “Developed,” or “Led” to describe your tasks and accomplishments.
• Focus on Achievements: Instead of just listing duties, highlight what you achieved in each role. Use specific numbers or results when possible. For instance, instead of saying “Responsible for sales,” say “Increased sales by 20% within six months.”
• Tailor to the Job: Review the job description and include responsibilities that match what the employer is looking for. This shows you understand the role and can meet its requirements.

By properly formatting your work experience and focusing on your achievements, you can create a compelling section that captures the attention of recruiters and demonstrates your value as a candidate.

Education

Your education section can vary in length depending on your situation. If you have limited work experience but have relevant coursework, consider placing your education section at the top of your CV. Treat it as if it were your experience section, including additional information and impactful statements. Conversely, if you have relevant work experience, keep your education section concise and include only the necessary credentials.

Order of Entries: Start with your highest degree and work backward in time. Each entry should include:

• Name of the school
• Degree or course of study you earned (or will receive)
• Completion date (or anticipated completion)
• Any awards or distinctions received

Examples:

Traditional Example:

• Bachelor’s in Applied Management, Anticipated September 2022
  Moi University
  Emphasis in Accounting and Leadership
• Web and Mobile Development Certificate, June 2019
  Eldoret Polytechnic
  Relevant coursework in HTML5, CSS3, and databases (MySQL)

Expanded Education Example:

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Studies, Anticipated 2022
  Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• Certificate in Construction Field Supervision, Anticipated Dec 2022
  Technical University of Kenya
  Coursework in project management, estimating, safety, scheduling, and documentation
• Life & Professional Skills Certificate, December 2019
  Kenyatta University Online Program
  • Led weekly peer discussions on coursework, helping classmates by offering tutoring in math.
  • Completed coursework in time management, budgeting, communication skills, decision making, and quantitative reasoning.
  • Participated in a seven-week team project to create a business plan, collaborating with group members from three countries and five different time zones.

The traditional example keeps the education brief to show basic qualifications while allowing the experience section to take precedence. The expanded example emphasizes education by providing more details and impactful statements.

Certifications (Optional)

The certifications section of your CV highlights any additional qualifications or credentials you have obtained that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This section can give you an edge over other candidates by showing your commitment to professional development. Here’s how to format this section effectively:

How to List Certifications

1. Section Title: Label this section clearly as “Certifications.” You can place it either before or after your work experience, depending on what you want to emphasize.
2. Format: List each certification in a bullet point format for clarity. Include the following details for each certification:
   • Name of the Certification: Bold the name of the certification to make it stand out.
   • Issuing Organization: Include the name of the organization that awarded the certification.
   • Date Obtained: Add the date you received the certification. If it is still current, you may also note if it has an expiration date or if it is valid indefinitely.
3. Relevance: Only include certifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This helps to keep your CV focused and ensures that recruiters see the most pertinent qualifications first.

Examples

Here’s how your certifications section might look:

Certifications

• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
  Project Management Institute, Obtained: January 2023
• Certified Digital Marketing Specialist
  HubSpot Academy, Obtained: March 2022
• First Aid and CPR Certification
  American Red Cross, Valid until: December 2024

By including a well-organized certifications section in your CV, you can effectively showcase your expertise and dedication to your professional growth, helping you stand out to potential employers.

Awards And Honors (Optional)

The awards section of your CV is a great way to show your achievements and highlight your hard work. This part can help you stand out from other candidates. Here’s how to format and include this section in your CV:

How to List Awards

1. Section Title: Label this section as “Awards” so it is easy to find.
2. Format: Use bullet points to make it easy to read. For each award, include these details:
   • Name of the Award: Write the name in bold to make it stand out.
   • Awarding Organization: Mention the organization or group that gave you the award.
   • Date Received: Include the month and year you received the award.
3. Relevance: Only include awards that are important for the job you are applying for. This keeps your CV focused and shows what matters most to employers.

Examples

Here’s how your awards section might look:

Awards

• Employee of the Year
  ABC Corporation, January 2023
• Best Project Award
  XYZ Nonprofit Organization, March 2022
• Outstanding Achievement in Sales
  National Sales Association, June 2021

Including an awards section highlights your achievements and shows that you can do well in your field. This can make a good impression on employers and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Languages (Optional)

The languages section of your CV is important if you speak more than one language. It can make you more appealing to employers, especially in jobs that require communication with diverse clients or teams. Here’s how to format and include this section:

How to List Languages

1. Section Title: Label this section as “Languages” to make it easy for employers to find.
2. Format: Use bullet points for clarity. For each language, include:
   • Language Name: Write the name of the language.
   • Proficiency Level: Indicate your level of skill in that language. You can use terms like:
     • Basic: You can understand and use simple phrases.
     • Intermediate: You can hold conversations and understand common topics.
     • Advanced: You can speak and write fluently and understand complex discussions.
     • Native: This is your first language.
3. Relevance: Only include languages that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This helps show your suitability for the role.

Examples

Here’s how your languages section might look:

Languages

• English: Native
• Spanish: Advanced
• French: Intermediate

Including a languages section demonstrates your ability to communicate with a wider range of people, which can be a significant advantage in many jobs. It shows employers that you are adaptable and ready to work in diverse environments.

Hobbies (Optional)

The hobbies section is an optional part of your CV. It can be useful to show a bit of your personality and interests outside of work. However, it’s important to only include hobbies that are relevant or show valuable skills.

When to Include Hobbies

• Relevance: Include hobbies that are related to the job or show qualities like teamwork, leadership, creativity, or problem-solving.
• Personality: This section helps give a glimpse of who you are outside of work, which can make you more relatable to potential employers.

How to List Hobbies

1. Section Title: Label this section as “Hobbies” or “Interests.”
2. Use Bullet Points: List your hobbies in a simple format. Avoid going into too much detail.
3. Keep It Professional: Stick to hobbies that are appropriate for a work setting.

Examples

Here’s how the hobbies section might look:

Hobbies

• Playing team sports like soccer
• Volunteering at local charities
• Reading books on personal development
• Learning new languages

Including hobbies can make your CV more personal, but be sure to keep it professional and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

References (Optional)

If you decide to include references on your CV, follow these guidelines:

1. Section Title: Label the section as “References.”
2. Information to Include: For each reference, provide the following details:
   • Full Name
   • Job Title
   • Company Name
   • Phone Number
   • Email Address
   • Relationship: Briefly mention how you know this person (e.g., former manager, colleague).
3. Formatting: Use bullet points or a simple list format for clarity.

Example

Here’s how the references section might look:

References

• Jane Doe
  • Marketing Manager
  • ABC Company
  • Phone: (555) 123-4567
  • Email: jane.doe@example.com
  • Relationship: Former Manager
• John Smith
  • Team Lead
  • XYZ Corporation
  • Phone: (555) 987-6543
  • Email: john.smith@example.com
  • Relationship: Colleague

Tips

• Ask Permission: Always ask your references for their permission before listing them.
• Keep Updated: Make sure the contact information is current and that your references are willing to speak on your behalf.

Including a references section shows you are prepared and professional. However, remember that many employers prefer to ask for references later in the hiring process.

The Three Types Of CV Formats

Chronological CV format

The chronological CV format is the most common and the one that hiring managers are familiar with. This type of CV mostly focuses on academic and professional experience. In this format, list your recent or current job at the top of your experience section. Do this moving down up to your oldest experience.

A chronological CV is best if you want to show your career progress and if you have consistent employment in the same field, you’re looking for a job.

This CV’s disadvantage is that if there’re gaps between your job experiences, they’ll be evident to your hiring managers. The chronological type of CV is not ideal if you’re planning to change your career paths, and you cannot hop for jobs using this CV.

The Functional CV format

The functional CV format essentializes your skills, awards, and honors rather than your professional experiences. Here you need to list your relevant skills after your contact information. List your skills from the most relevant to least applicable. All your skills should be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

The functional CV format requires allocating more space to your skills, awards, honors, and qualifications.

This type of CV is ideal for that person who has large gaps in job experiences or has recently graduated and new in the job market, if they want to change career paths, or if you’re going to highlight a specific skill.

The functional type of CV is not suitable if you lack experience and if you want to show off your career progress.

The Combination CV Format

As the name suggests, this type of CV format combines a chronological CV format and a functional CV format.

This CV format gives enough room for details about your education and professional experiences and your skills and qualifications. This CV starts with a CV summary followed by a skills section or work experience section.

The combination CV format is suitable if you want to show off your skills and hide the gaps in your employment history.

It’s not ideal for a person who doesn’t have many skills to show or doesn’t have work experience.

Best Practices for Layout and Design

A well-structured CV is essential for making a good impression. The right layout and design enhance readability and professionalism. Here are some best practices to consider:

Font Choice and Size

1. Recommended Fonts:

• Serif Fonts: These fonts have small lines at the ends of letters and provide a traditional feel.
  • Examples: Times New Roman, Georgia, Garamond.
• Sans-Serif Fonts: These fonts are modern and clean, making them easier to read on screens.
  • Examples: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica.
• Professional Fonts: Choose widely accepted fonts that convey professionalism.
  • Examples: Cambria, Verdana, Tahoma.

2. Appropriate Font Sizes:

• Headings: Use a font size between 14-16 points for section headings (like “Work Experience” or “Skills”) to make them stand out.
• Body Text: Keep the font size between 10-12 points for the main content to ensure it’s readable.

Margins and Spacing

1. Proper Margin Settings:

• Set margins to about 1 inch on all sides of the page. This creates a clean appearance and prevents the text from feeling cramped.

2. Role of White Space:

• Use white space effectively. Adequate spacing between sections and lines makes your CV easier to read. It allows the reader’s eyes to rest and helps highlight important information.

Headings and Subheadings

1. Consistent Use of Bold and Larger Fonts:

• Make section headings bold and use a larger font size to differentiate them from the body text. This helps recruiters quickly find the information they need.

2. Avoid Overusing Style Elements:

• Limit the use of italics and underlining. Overusing these elements can make your CV look cluttered and distract from the content. Stick to bold for headings and key points.

By following these layout and design best practices, you can create a CV that is not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate. This attention to detail can significantly enhance your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.

Formatting for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

When applying for jobs, your CV often passes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it reaches a human recruiter. Here’s why ATS optimization matters and how to format your CV accordingly:

Why ATS Optimization Matters

• Increased Chances of Getting Noticed: Many companies use ATS to screen CVs. If your CV isn’t optimized, it may not reach the hiring manager, even if you are qualified.
• Keyword Recognition: ATS scans CVs for specific keywords related to the job. Including relevant keywords can help ensure your CV gets noticed.

Avoiding Images, Charts, and Overly Complex Formatting

• No Images or Graphics: ATS often cannot read images or graphics, which means important information may be missed. Stick to text-only formats for clarity.
• Simple Formatting: Use standard fonts and basic formatting. Avoid headers and footers, as some ATS cannot read them properly. Keep your layout straightforward to ensure all information is captured accurately.

Using Keywords from the Job Description

• Tailoring Your CV: Review the job description carefully and include relevant keywords and phrases that match the skills and qualifications listed. This will increase the likelihood of your CV passing through the ATS.
• Positioning Keywords Strategically: Place important keywords in prominent sections like your professional summary, skills, and work experience. This helps the ATS recognize your fit for the role quickly.

By focusing on ATS-friendly formatting, you enhance your chances of getting your CV seen by recruiters and ultimately landing an interview.

Common CV Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

When creating your CV, it’s important to avoid common formatting mistakes that can make it less effective. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Inconsistent Formatting

• Fonts and Sizes: Using different fonts or sizes throughout your CV can make it look unprofessional. Stick to one or two professional fonts and maintain consistent sizes for headings and body text.
• Alignment: Ensure that all sections are aligned properly. Misalignment can distract the reader and create a disorganized appearance.

2. Overloading the CV with Too Much Text

• Cluttered Layout: Including excessive text can overwhelm recruiters. Aim for a concise and focused CV that highlights your most important achievements and skills. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make it easier to read.
• Irrelevant Information: Avoid adding information that doesn’t relate to the job you are applying for. This keeps your CV relevant and engaging.

3. Neglecting Proofreading and Formatting Errors

• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Always proofread your CV multiple times and consider having someone else review it as well.
• Formatting Errors: Small issues like inconsistent spacing, misplaced bullet points, or incorrect headings can detract from the overall professionalism of your CV. Take the time to ensure everything is formatted correctly and consistently.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a well-organized and polished CV that effectively showcases your qualifications to potential employers.

Final Checklist for CV Formatting

Before you submit your CV, it’s essential to review it thoroughly to ensure it meets all necessary criteria. Use this step-by-step checklist to help you finalize your document:

1. Formatting Consistency

• Fonts: Ensure you are using the same professional font throughout the document.
• Font Sizes: Check that your font sizes are consistent for headings, subheadings, and body text.
• Alignment: Make sure all text is aligned properly, either left-aligned or centered, as needed.

2. Section Organization

• Headings and Subheadings: Verify that all section headings are clearly marked and consistently styled (e.g., bold or larger font).
• Bullet Points: Ensure bullet points are used effectively to list job responsibilities and skills, and that they are formatted uniformly.

3. Content Clarity

• Conciseness: Review your content to eliminate unnecessary words and ensure each section is focused.
• Keywords: Make sure relevant keywords from the job description are included, especially in the skills and experience sections.

4. Proofreading

• Spelling and Grammar: Use spell check and read through the CV carefully to catch any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Formatting Errors: Look for any inconsistencies in spacing, indentation, and bullet point alignment.

5. Tailoring for the Role

• Job Relevance: Confirm that your CV is tailored to the specific job you are applying for by emphasizing relevant experience and skills.
• Customization: Make sure your professional summary, skills, and work experience sections directly relate to the job description.

6. Contact Information

• Accuracy: Double-check that your contact information is up-to-date and correctly formatted.
• Professional Email: Ensure your email address is professional and appropriate for job applications.

7. Final Review

• Overall Appearance: Take a moment to review the overall layout and design of your CV. It should look clean, professional, and easy to read.
• Print Preview: If you are submitting a printed version, use the print preview function to see how it will appear on paper.

By following this final checklist, you can ensure that your CV is well-formatted, professional, and tailored for the role you are seeking. This careful attention to detail can significantly increase your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.

Conclusion

Proper CV formatting is essential for making a strong first impression with potential employers. A well-structured, clean, and organized CV not only makes your information easier to read but also demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. It helps you stand out from other candidates and ensures that recruiters can quickly identify your qualifications.

Investing time in perfecting your CV layout, design, and content is crucial. By tailoring your CV to the job description, using appropriate fonts and sizes, and optimizing for ATS systems, you increase your chances of advancing to the interview stage. Don’t overlook the power of good formatting—it’s the foundation of a compelling CV that reflects your skills, experience, and professionalism.