Writing a CV is a time-consuming task. Using a template can speed up the process. But should writing your CV be a speedy process? Probably not. A CV is supposed to land you your next job and in order to get a good job, you need to invest time in your CV.
With your CV you should want to stand out from the rest of the job seekers and be the one who will be invited for an interview. If you are using a template that many other people use as well, you most likely won’t stand out nor get invited for an interview.
Here at Hamilton Barnes we have come across many CV’s that were created out of a template. As with everything there are some good and some bad ones. Using a template isn’t all bad. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons:
Pros
A starting point
If you’re not getting very far writing your own CV, you can download multiple CV templates and use as an example. Combine this with example CV’s from actual people. Go through all of them and you will get the feel for the way CV’s are written, the layout and format. Then start with an empty Word document and start creating your very own CV. I’m sure the previous templates and example CV’s have given you inspiration and ideas and now you can write your CV in your own words.
But be careful that you are not copying someone else’s format. You’re squeezing yourself into a box that may not be a good fit. Using it for inspiration, yes. Copying, no.
Cons
A lazy first impression
Recruiters and HR have a trained eye for spotting CV templates. The benefit of a template is that it takes less effort to write a CV. But this is also the first impression you give off to your potential employer. The person who is looking at your CV might get the impression that you are too lazy to take the time to write a CV yourself and that you look for quick ways to solve tasks you don’t like to do. Would you want that to be the first impression a potential employer will have of you? I don’t think so.
The quality isn’t up to scratch
Everyone can post a CV template on the internet. It’s hard to know who has created the template and to know if this person is an industry expert. Most of the times the quality isn’t up to scratch. Also, a template is just a simplified CV. It’s a starting point, where you have to add your career progress to. The more you tailor your CV to the job description and your own experience, the more chance your CV will be successful.
The absolute No-No for CV templates
Europass. Just don’t use this website to create a CV.
In the end…
The number one key to a successful CV, is a CV that grabs attention and makes employers want to invite you for an interview. A CV that stands out from the rest. The only way to do that is to create a document that is as unique as you. And you can’t do that if you’re copying what someone else already did.