Balancing Your CV - My Cambridge Jobs

Balancing Your CV - My Cambridge Jobs

A lot of CVs are unbalanced in that they are very educational or work experience-heavy.

This is a mistake on several levels. Firstly unbalanced CVs are less attractive on the eye, and do less to entice the employer to read them than well balanced CVs do. First impressions count, and first and foremost your CV needs to be read. So you need to make it as appealing as possible. Secondly, you only have so much space to sell yourself, and to highlight your skills. If you spend all your time talking about your work and education there is less space available to show the employer all the benefits you actually have to offer. You need to make the most of available space very wisely, and people who focus too much on work experience do not do themselves any favours.  Thirdly, if you list all your education details and work experience, then a good part of this may well be relevant for the employer. However, just because the definition of CV implies that your CV should be a summary of your education and work experience, this does not mean that you are obliged to list every last job. If you do add irrelevant job entries, then this may only serve to dilute the power and effectiveness of your CV.

Example of an unbalanced CV

Note that this CV is very work-heavy (i.e. all the emphasis is on work experience rather than highlighting other skills)

Example of a more balanced CV

Note the sections are more evenly spread. It is not only more pleasing to the eye but is also better for selling skills.

Related links:

What is a CV?
CV Format
Sections of a CV
Balancing Your CV
Avoiding CV Mistakes
CV Rules & Myths
CV Content
CV Presentation
CV Page Length
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This article is based upon extracts from a book by Paul Hichens who is head consultant at leading CV writing company CV Consultants.co.uk