Searching for a new job can be daunting, especially if your CV is not up to the required standard. However, the plethora of templates (aka samples) available online make things a bit easier for the first-time job seeker, provided he/she uses them effectively. Here are some pros and cons of using a template when crafting your CV to bear in mind.
Using a CV Sample – The Pros
- You start the action straight away – If this is the first time you have ever written a CV, then you must have found yourself fiddling with the margin sizes of your word processor for quite some time before you could finally start writing. A CV template will help you stop procrastinating and quickly fill that load of white space on your screen. Sometimes, all we need is just the right starting point. Then, everything else magically falls into place! A CV template will provide you with the required guidance to stay on task.
- There is a CV template for you – Regardless of what skill set or level of experience you have, you will find a CV format that suits your situation.
- They save you time – Using a CV template is a good way to fast-track your job search, especially if you are short on time, as you will always have something already pre- done for you, rather than having to start from scratch with every new job position you want to apply to. This means that you have more time to focus on how to best write each section of the CV and less time spent formatting it.
Note: Many candidates often ask questions related to the CV vs Resume differences. Simply put, a CV is a more detailed version of a resume. Take note that the word “resume” in French means summary while Curriculum Vitae in Latin means course of life!
Using a CV template – The Cons
- A CV template can be unreliable – It depends on how reputed the brand you downloaded the CV template from is.
- You are not provided with the finished product – A CV maker or template should be tailored to the job description and your personal experiences. So, although you won’t need to dedicate as much time as if you were writing the CV from scratch, you will still need to invest a decent amount of time to optimise it if you want your CV to stand out for the right reasons.
- The result is nothing like an experienced pro can give you – Every CV has its mistakes, template or no template. The problem is that you will probably miss difficult-to- spot errors – errors that a trained and experienced CV writer can easily detect. So, if you decide to download a CV template Word processor and use it to write your CV, try to have someone else proofread it for you, be it a friend or family member – but, preferably a professional CV review service. Even better, have them write the CV for you and save yourself all the trouble!
