CV Templates: Do They Matter?

A recent question was posed to what is known as ‘HR Twitter’ on whether CV templates should have pictures.
As a jobfinder coach, I receive numerous questions about what to include in a CV.
Is your CV causing you not to be invited for an interview?

What is a CV?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document jobseekers use to communicate their skills, qualifications and experience to prospective employers. It is a marketing tool used to sell one’s skills, and an important document which needs to stand out and lead to a job interview.

What should I include?
Whether or not a CV should include a picture is always the first question. The latest CV templates come with built-in space for an image of the applicant. My advice is that this should look professional. Most recruiters hardly look at pictures.
The content of the CV and the accuracy as well as alignment to the job being applied for matter.
Remember the recruiter has not met you, and your CV is the only document they have that tells them about you. Information pertaining to your educational background, work experience, achievements and skills is more important.
When telling your ‘career story’ in your CV, articulate it in such a way that, even though the recruiter has not met you, they should have information about you that is clearly laid down.
It should be detailed enough not to let them wonder whether to consider you.

New graduates
The ‘six-second rule’ states that it takes a recruiter only six seconds to decide whether a candidate should be shortlisted for a role. The CVs of graduates without prior work experience should not be longer than one page.

Experienced hires/executives
Applicants who are already working and have occupied various positions, especially senior roles, should showcase what they have implemented over the years in various roles.
Quantify your achievements and share what impact you have made.
At this level, recruiters do not expect to see a 12-page CV that only focuses on your various roles – it is about what you have done, how you have done it, and what results you have achieved.
What difference would you make if hired for the role?

All in all
To sum up, the type of template does not really matter. Of course trends come and go, and staying relevant is important, however, of importance is that there should be no errors, and no false presentation of your qualifications, skills and experience.
Hobbies or extracurricular activities do matter, depending on the industry you are applying for.
It is also important to be somewhat cautious. Every recruiter is subjective in a way and may interpret what you put out there in some negative way, which is why interviews are conducted.

• Lisa Matomola is a managing consultant at Hito HR, a jobfinder and career coach.
  – @mieyolisa