Why you should keep your CV simple!

When it comes to your CV, it can be tempting to treat the document like a piece of abstract art. However, a CV is first and foremost a tool for conveying your skills, experience, and achievements as clearly as possible.

Why You Should Keep Your CV Simple

The primary goal of your CV is to make it easy for a reviewer—or a recruitment system—to find the information they need to progress your application. A complicated layout often does more harm than good.

• Prioritise Readability: Use a clean, single-column format that allows both humans and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan your career history without distraction.
• Highlight Outcomes: Clearly present your achievements and education so your value proposition is obvious from the first glance.
• Avoid the “Art Form” Trap: While creative designs might look visually appealing, they can often obscure the very data a hiring manager is looking for.
• System Compatibility: Simple formatting ensures that recruitment software can accurately parse your details, ensuring your profile isn’t filtered out for the wrong reasons.

By keeping your CV simple and structured, you ensure that your professional expertise remains the focus, significantly increasing your chances of securing an interview.