Don’t settle for an ugly CV

It’s early in the new year – about the time when you’re contemplating a change of career or getting yourself a new job. The first step in that process is to update your CV. All the dazzling words in the world won’t help you score that special job if your CV or resume looks like a limp fish pulled up the line.

Paris-based writer and designer, Anne Stark Ditmeyer, shares some tips from her Skillshare CV re-design workshops on how to get that very important record of your working life looking ship shape:

Even if you’re not a professional designer, it doesn’t mean your document shouldn’t look good.

It’s important to have a document you’re proud of, and you feel reflects you and your personality. It will also make you stand out in a crowd.

Use the design of your layout and typographic treatments to communicate information and create hierarchy.

Visual divisions and clues will make it easier to read.

White space is a good thing.

Don’t feel like you have to fill the page. Long lines of text are hard on the reader’s eye.

Think critically about the content of your resume and how the design can enhance it.

Anyone I’ve ever considered for a job has always had the best designed résumé of the submissions I receive (and no, they haven’t been from designers). The skills you learn in re-designing your résumé can be applied to any professional document. It could even help you win your next big pitch!

What are your tips for creating a job-winning CV or resume? Tell us in the comments below.