CV writing FAQs: length, ATS, format & photo tips

Yes. Think of your CV as your professional ‘brochure’ and LinkedIn as your ‘website’. A LinkedIn profile is a valuable tool for anyone looking to find a new job, build their professional network, highlight their personal brand or showcase their skills - recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find candidates, and it gives you access to industry insights and a network of millions.

In New Zealand, the general rule of thumb is to keep your CV between two and three pages - or up to four pages for senior executives. Page one is your ‘sell’ page and should be customised for each employer. As a guide: about one page for recent graduates, two to three pages for professionals with 5+ years’ experience, and three to four for executives. Employers and recruiters are often short on time, so conciseness matters.

Yes, absolutely. You should always tailor both your CV and cover letter for each job application. Generic letters signal mass applications; a tailored letter demonstrates genuine interest, aligns your skills with the specific requirements and shows you are a ‘solution to the employer’s problem’. A good approach is to create a strong base cover letter you can quickly customise for each role.

Yes. Tailoring demonstrates relevance, incorporates the keywords ATS systems scan for, and shows genuine interest. Read the job description carefully, use its exact keywords, edit your professional summary into a concise pitch for that role, and remove irrelevant information. A tailored CV is a powerful tool.

Using AI is good for ideas and inspiration, but it is not a complete replacement for your own effort. AI can streamline parts of the process and suggest key responsibilities, but it cannot define your career achievements. Professional CV writers are specialists in helping you understand your achievements and how best to sell these to potential employers.

Unless the advertisement asks for a different format (e.g. Word), always save and send your CV as a PDF. PDFs preserve your formatting across every device and operating system, look more professional, and resist accidental editing.

Five things matter most. Master the keywords - mirror the exact language of the job posting, including both acronyms and full terms. Simplify your formatting - a standard one-column, reverse-chronological layout with common fonts and standard headings, and no graphics, tables or photos. Keep the structure clean and consistent - consistent date formats, nothing important in headers or footers, standard bullet points. Choose the right file format - PDF is the standard, Word is also safe, and always follow the advertisement. And proofread thoroughly - even a single typo can be enough for an ATS to filter you out.

Stick to common fonts: standard, clear typefaces like Century Gothic, Calibri, Arial, Helvetica or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or custom fonts that ATS systems may not recognise.

Use very subtle colour - or stick with black, grey and white if uncertain. Your CV is your professional ‘brochure’ among hundreds an employer reviews, and small amounts of colour (such as subject headings in blue) can make a positive difference in how it is perceived.

For roles emphasising presentation and client-facing interaction - receptionists, sales representatives - a photo can demonstrate professionalism. You don’t need a professional photographer: head and shoulders, smiling, blank background and good lighting. Think ‘happy professional passport photo’. And remember, everyone already keeps a professional photo publicly on LinkedIn.

The team at CV.CO.NZ have designed the O’Neil Major Achievements Questionnaire to help you determine your career, personal and academic achievements. It is free to clients who have a professional CV or LinkedIn profile created through CV.CO.NZ.

In New Zealand, the terms ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ almost always mean the same thing. Most of the time, New Zealand employers will ask for a CV (Curriculum Vitae).

Yes - they help position you as a well-rounded, community-minded person, but keep the section brief. Add a short ‘Interests’ section at the end with three to six items, avoid generic or risky entries (watching TV, partying, political affiliations), and show rather than tell - e.g. ‘Running: completed two half-marathons, demonstrating perseverance and goal-setting’.