Q&A on CV

Most employers expect a one-page CV unless otherwise specified.

Avoid unusual fonts; they have the effect of making the reader focus on the font rather than the content. Georgia, Arial, and Garamond are some of the commonly used font types. Make sure to make your CV look clean, neat, and readable. Use a font size between 10 and 12.

There are no strict rules about this, but try to avoid a CV that is too “text heavy”. Some of the most effective CVs use a combination of text and bullet points.

You can take reference from the CV example in this document. However, your CV should be a unique personal document, so please adjust it to fit your profile.

Black and white is a safe way to go. Using more exciting colours will certainly make you stand out, but perhaps not in a positive way unless you are applying for a creative or design role.

It is generally recommended to send a PDF version. A PDF will look the same on any computer, whereas sometimes a Word document might look different (overflowing to three pages, for example) depending on the version of Word the recruiter has.

Only if specifically asked to do so.

No. It is entirely optional whether you include this information. It is often deductible from other information (like the date of your qualifications). It is unlawful for employers to make their employment decisions on grounds of age and gender. Nowadays, many companies make a commitment to diversity policy/anti-discriminatory practices and foster equal opportunity.

Don’t just think of “work experience” as referring to full-time positions and internships – voluntary/unpaid work, part-time jobs and entrepreneurial activities can be of equal value. Employers are really interested in the skills that you have developed which are transferable to another position.

Sometimes, your address could show the household income level. As some of the job positions may require a certain kind of people with a particular network background – you do not want to inadvertently exclude yourself from consideration for the position.

Here’s the problem with hobbies: they’re subjective. Some recruiters are absolute advocates, believing them to be an integral part of a well-rounded application. Conversely, some may only consider them important if it’s a close decision, or if company fit/culture becomes a factor. As a general rule, most recruiters will only be interested in your hobbies if they’re relevant to the role. If you do include them, always make sure they come at the end of your application. Use them to seal the deal, rather than as your key selling point. If the hobbies & interests on your CV are generic like reading, walking etc., it can be seen as just a space filler.

Having a photo of yourself on your résumé can potentially lead to discrimination. It’s better to post your photo on your social media profiles or personal website, where it’s expected by recruiters and hiring managers. If you still want to include a photo, make sure that it is not too different from yourself in face-to-face interviews. If you’re in an industry like broadcast journalism or performing arts, where your appearance is part of what you’re selling, it is recommended including it on your résumé. For these types of positions, consult the job description to see if you’re in fact required to submit a professional headshot.

In most situations this is more important for undergraduates than postgraduates as many employers specify a certain class of degree as an entry requirement. Make a realistic estimate yourself based on your previous years’ grades. It is normal to use a phrase such as “expected result 2:1”. For postgraduates, it’s of much less importance. It is quite optional.