NZ CVs should typically be a few pages maximum for most roles. One page suits graduates and entry-level positions, two pages for mid-level professionals, and three pages only for senior executives or technical specialists. Focus on the most recent years of relevant experience.
Source: Careers NZ
How long should my CV be for NZ employers?
CV length depends on your career stage and industry. Graduate and entry-level candidates should aim for one page, highlighting education, internships, part-time work, and relevant projects. Mid-level professionals with several years experience typically need two pages to cover career progression and key achievements. Senior executives, technical specialists, or academic professionals may require three pages for comprehensive career histories.
What should I cut from a CV that's too long?
Start by removing outdated information and irrelevant details. Remove jobs from many years ago unless directly relevant to your target role. Cut detailed descriptions of early-career positions, keeping only job titles and dates. Eliminate personal interests unless they demonstrate relevant skills, and reduce education details once you have substantial work experience.
How do I keep my CV concise while showing enough detail?
Use bullet points rather than paragraphs for job descriptions. Start each bullet with strong action verbs and focus on achievements rather than duties. Quantify results wherever possible - "increased sales" rather than "improved sales performance." Tailor content to each application, removing less relevant experience to make room for targeted skills.
What sections can I remove to shorten my CV?
Consider removing or condensing these sections:
- Detailed personal interests unless job-relevant
- Full referee contact details ("available on request" suffices)
- Comprehensive course lists from degrees completed years ago
- Early career positions with minimal relevance
- Detailed project descriptions for routine work
- Objective statements (cover letters serve this purpose)
- Skills lists that repeat obvious qualifications
- Excessive formatting that wastes space
Should I use a smaller font to fit more content?
Never sacrifice readability for content volume. Use appropriate font size minimum, with clear headings and adequate white space. Employers prefer concise, well-formatted CVs over cramped documents with tiny text. If you can't fit essential information in standard formatting, you need to edit content rather than shrink fonts.
Frequently asked questions
Do NZ employers prefer shorter CVs?
Yes, most NZ employers appreciate concise CVs that quickly communicate relevant experience. Hiring managers typically spend limited time on initial CV screening, so clear, targeted content works better than lengthy descriptions.
Can I have a longer CV for technical roles?
Technical roles may justify slightly longer CVs to detail complex projects and certifications. However, three pages remains the absolute maximum - organise technical skills clearly and prioritise recent, relevant experience.
Should I include every job I've ever had?
No, include only relevant positions from recent years. For older or unrelated roles, briefly mention them in a "Previous Experience" section without detailed descriptions.
What if I have employment gaps to explain?
Address gaps briefly but don't let explanations extend your CV unnecessarily. Use your cover letter for detailed gap explanations rather than consuming valuable CV space.
Do creative industries accept longer CVs?
Creative roles may include portfolio elements, but the core CV should still follow standard length guidelines. Supplement with separate portfolio documents rather than extending the main CV.
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