Cv Layout

Layout decides whether a reviewer reads your CV or skips it. Good design goes unnoticed; bad design stops the read before it starts. This guide sets out the rules for smooth reading.

The steps

1. Use a single-column layout in traditional industries
2. Create hierarchy through type size, not decorative fonts
3. Leave enough white space between sections
4. Align text to one side, never centred
5. Keep the section order constant and predictable

Practical tips

• White space structures reading better than separator rules
• Two columns suit short skills lists; one column suits long narratives
• Standardise bullet and date styling across every section
• Limit yourself to two accent colours plus black

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a table or border box that confuses applicant tracking systems
• Filling the page with no white space, which is exhausting to read
• Mixing centred, right and left alignment on the same page

Frequently asked questions

Are two columns better than one?

Not always. A single column is safer for ATS parsing and easier to read; two columns help save space when you have many short skills.

Does layout affect automated screening?

Yes. Tables, complex columns and images confuse the parsers and can scramble the text order. A simple layout is the safest choice.