Do:
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Use Arial or Times New Roman fonts, with a font size of at least 11.
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Make sure there is some white space on the page.
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When you think it's finished put it away for a couple of days and recheck it before sending it out.
Do Not:
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Use italicised fonts, script fonts, underlining or bold.
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Include a photograph - unless it has been specifically asked for.
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Send it out with spelling or grammatical mistakes.
CV Format
By format I mean the precise details of layout on the page, choice of font type and size, underlining, boxes and lines dividing the CV into sections, etc.
The format you use is not especially important as long as the CV is easy on the eye and important information can be found rapidly.
Use a plain and easy to read font, e.g., Arial. Never use italicized or script fonts - they are hard to read. Make sure the font is a decent size, don't make the reviewer strain his eyes to read it (this website, for instance, is written in Arial 12). Don't capitalize or underline words for emphasis - IT TENDS TO BE READ AS SHOUTING!
Don't pack the paper too densely with text, some white spaces make it easier to read. Leave an empty line between headings and text. Keep it simple - text boxes and dividing lines are not usually a good idea.
Some people include a photograph with their CV but to me this is an annoying irrelevance - unless the employer has specifically asked for one.
The most important thing about your CV is the content and language, and the order in which it is provided. Most of this website provides advice on this subject. If you get that right you needn't worry too much about precise format as long as you follow the advice above.
Standard formats for CVs are available but I don't think they are a great idea. On first impression, CVs in the same format will appear identical - if you happen to have chosen the same format as a number of other candidates you run the risk of confusion and 'glassy-eyed syndrome' on the part of the assessor.
Finalising your CV.
The first, second and third rules are check it, check it, check it! When you think you have finished it, spellcheck it then put it away for a couple of days, then read it through again. If possible then show it to someone you trust and ask them to check it for you. Do not send out a CV with spelling or grammatical mistakes or about which you have an uneasy 'it's not quite right' feeling.
Make sure the format you have used is consistent throughout. If you are sending it out in paper form, make a good quality print on high quality white paper. If (as is much more probable) it is being sent electronically, use your surname followed by CV as a file name (e.g., SmithCV) - this makes it easy for the assessor to search for on his computer and identify.
A good idea is to include a header or footer on each page with page numbering (1/2, 2/ 2) and your name and brief contact details (e.g., e mail address). This is useful if printed pages get separated.