There’s no excuse for a bad CV these days.

We’ve come a long way since the days of your standard TY work experience CV, yet a lot of people still revert back to that classic – and incredibly boring – template. Yes, far too many intelligent and capable professionals are not getting the attention they deserve due to unimaginative CVs. While the information you put down on paper is obviously incredibly important, the way you present it increases your chances of your potential employer actually reading it. Many websites recommend spending a little bit of money on a graphic designer to make up a template, however, I’ve used one tool for years and it has cost me nothing. Canva.com has been my own personal graphic designer for years and has seen me through quite a few CVs throughout the years. From my college placement to my first professional job, to landing a job here at Her, I’ve often received great feedback from my bosses about my “lovely CV”. I spent 30 minutes today making up a few examples for you, just to prove that there really is no reason for a boring CV nowadays.  

1. Getting started

First things first - you'll have to set up an account on the site. It as easy as inputting your name, email address and picking a password. Then it will ask you to pick your employment area to help narrow down the options it generates for you. From there you can create anything from a poster to a photo collage.  

2. Design time

Then it's time to scroll through their dozens of designs to find the right template for you. Whether you want to keep it simple and clean, or if you want to go all out, Canva has an option for you. Make sure to check which templates are labeled free if you want to keep this cost effective. Inputting your information can be the most difficult. Each template is pre-set with its own text boxes, so there can be a little bit of playing around before you get your information looking clean. Once you're done, you're ready to download your new and improved CV. However, make sure to download it in PDF. Long gone are the days of sending a Word doc, and rightly so. A PDF is much easier to read and looks so much more professional.  

3. Tailor and upgrade

After a while, you might decide you're ready for a whole new CV, or looking to send something a little different to another prospective employer. It's as easy as copying and pasting the information you had in your original template into a new CV. You also have the option of including a picture of yourself which most employers will say makes a big difference. If you do decide to include an image, make sure it's clear and simple and that you look as good in it as you would for your interview that you will definitely get with your new and improved CV. So, there you have it. The difference between a good CV and a great CV is as simple as exploring your options and taking 30 minutes out of your day. Now rip up that sheet you got back in TY and get working on your own next-level CV.