General Advice

Formatting and designing a CV can seem like a daunting task, but following some simple guidelines can make all the difference in making sure your CV stands out from the rest. By keeping your CV easy to read, free of errors, and consistent in both format and design, you'll be well on your way to impressing potential employers. So don't forget these CV formatting tips the next time you sit down to update your CV! To make your life really easy, you can generate a great CV using your pilot profile in Pilotbase!

• Make your CV easy to read, with clear section headers and concise language
• Double check your CV is free of any typos or grammatical errors
• Format your CV in a professional and consistent manner
• Save as a PDF file (this is so that the CV format cannot be changed when it is opened on different devices)
• Use white space to your advantage - make sure there is enough breathing room between sections and text so that the reader can easily scan through your CV.
• Avoid dense blocks of text - break up paragraphs into bullet points where possible.
• Keep the font type and size consistent throughout the CV.
• Use simple, professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Avoid using fancy graphics, logos or images. Stick to a clean and straightforward design.
• If you are sending your CV electronically, make sure it can be easily read by OCR software. This means avoiding shading, use of italics or other non-standard formatting features.

• Don't make your CV too long - try to keep it to two pages maximum.
• Don't use a lot of colour or fancy fonts. Stick to a professional-looking design that is easy to read.
• Avoid using cheesy stock photos or images that are too personal (e.g., photos of you with your family or friends). A simple headshot is usually best (if you choose to include a photo at all).
• Keep the layout simple and clean, and make sure there is plenty of white space on the page.
• Don't include irrelevant information, such as your hobbies or interests unless they are relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Do proofread your CV or resume before sending it off to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Q: How long should my CV be?

A: The length of your CV depends on your experience and the job you are applying for. If you have over ten years of work experience, then your CV should be two to three pages long. If you have less than ten years of work experience, then one to two pages is usually sufficient.

Q: Should I use a chronological or functional CV format?

A: The chronological format is the most common and it lists your work history in reverse chronological order (with your most recent job first). The functional format is less common and it highlights your skills and abilities rather than your work history.

Q: Should I include a photo on my CV?

A: It is not necessary to include a photo on your CV, but it is common practice in some countries (such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands). In other countries (such as the UK and the US), it is generally not considered appropriate to include a photo.

Q: I want to include a photo on my CV; what kind of photo is acceptable?

A: If you include a photo on your CV, it should be a current, professionally taken photograph in smart clothing or in pilot uniform. Do not use personal photos, photos which include other people, or photos with a busy background.

Q: What should I include in the header of my CV?

A: The header of your CV should Include your name, location, phone number, and email address. You may also choose to include a link to your social media accounts such as LinkedIn.

Q: How can I make my CV stand out?

A: Use clean and simple design, focus on clarity and brevity, and make sure your CV is free of errors. You can also try using a creative format or including additional sections (such as publications, awards, or skills).

Q: What should I not include in my CV?

A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but generally you should avoid including irrelevant information, such as your hobbies or interests which don't have relatable skills to the job. Don't add information or sections to your CV just for the sake of it, as they can make your CV look generic and difficult to read. Finally, you should not include any false or misleading information on your CV.

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