How To Freshen Up Your CV Sample

September 16th, 2009

When you submit a CV to a prospective employer you do not want them to think your CV is not unique. However, many job seekers find themselves in this situation because they use a CV sample when writing their CV but do not make an effort to modify the sample.

It is certainly okay to use this type of sample to get some ideas about what a CV should look like but you have to change it so it reflects you. When it comes to modifying a CV sample that you have used to create your own resume you have to do more than just change the basic information. Obviously you will have to change the previous work experience section as well as your contact information. You might also want to consider making changes to the format by switching the sections around. One easy way to do this is to change the location of the education section which is typically included at the top or the bottom.

You should also think about methods for demonstrating the skills you acquired in your previous jobs. You can really make your resume shine by finding a way different from the sample to demonstrate your skills.

Another way to make a CV really stand out from all of the ones based on samples is by making changes to the layout. This type of change can be really helpful because many potential employers recognize CVs created from samples or templates right away. You do not have to make huge changes but sometimes just changing the spacing or margins can make your CV stand out.

It is always a good idea to remember that a CV sample can be changed so it is more representative of your personality. You might want to add a border or background to your CV. These details are not usually included in samples so CVs do not have this type of detail either.

Cynthia Penfold shares many tips on how to find a good CV Sample at her CV Sample Blog

Entry Filed under: Career