Writing a better CV

Further Information 1 Write a better CV 2 How many pages? 3 More than one version? 4 How do I structure it? 5 Mechanics 6 Ten things NOT to do 7 Download sample CV

Part 2

How many pages should my CV be?

As long as it needs to be. DO NOT be constrained by the 2 page CV that has evolved in society. I've seen examples of 8 point Time Roman fort, squeezed onto 2 pages. Terrible.

My analysis has shown that the average length of most technical CVs is 4.5 pages. Additionally, the agency will add 2 more pages in the form of cover sheets and "consultant notes". Clients therefore, are used to skimming quite large documents (remember the bullet points to keep it simple?).

We placed someone last year with a 17 page CV. Each page described a project that the candidate worked on together with a background on the issues the project faced, the technology and software utilised and exactly what role the candidate played in the project. It was truly a marvelous piece of work. A one-off and in my view, excellent.

Sometimes, the 2-page CV may be suitable. Particularly for senior management applying to a Sunday Times advertised role. But in that case, often the Senior Recruiter would present your details to the client attaching interviewer notes. Outplacement companies insist on 2-page CVs even for technical managers. Why? I don't know.

Remember - the CV gets you through the door - it doesn't actually get the job for you.