The Best Ways to Format CV Spacing and Margins (and Why It Matters)

When you’re competing against hundreds of applicants, small details can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.

Your CV’s margins and spacing may seem trivial, but they play a major role in how recruiters perceive your professionalism and how easily they can digest your content.

Poor spacing or misaligned margins can:

• Signal carelessness and lack of attention to detail

• Cause printing or formatting issues

• Make your CV harder to skim and read quickly

In this guide, we’ll explain the ideal margin size, how to format your spacing, and why consistency is key.

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What Should Your CV Margins Be?

The ideal margin size for a CV is between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides.

• 0.5-inch margins are usually the best choice for experienced professionals. They allow you to fit more content onto the page without looking cramped.

• 1-inch margins work well for early-career professionals or those with shorter career histories. They give your document a clean, balanced look.

⚠️ Avoid shrinking margins smaller than 0.5 inches. Doing so may cause your CV to print incorrectly and can make your document appear cluttered.

How to Adjust CV Margins

If you’re using Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the Layout tab.

2. Select Margins.

3. Choose Narrow (0.5") or customise your own.

Simple—but often overlooked!

How Much Spacing Should You Use on a CV?

Spacing matters just as much as margins. Consistency helps recruiters skim quickly and makes your CV look polished.

Here are two golden rules:

1. Keep spacing between sections consistent

Your CV should be divided into sections such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Professional Development.

• Use 8pt to 12pt of space after each main section.

• Make sure spacing is the same throughout—don’t use 10pt after one heading and 12pt after another. Recruiters notice these inconsistencies.

• Leave enough white space so your CV feels breathable, not cluttered.

If you’re running out of room, don’t shrink spacing or margins further—cut weaker or outdated content instead.

2. Use consistent spacing between subsections

Within your Work Experience section, space consistently between each role.

For example: after the last bullet point in one job, leave the same amount of space before starting the next role.

As a rule of thumb, spacing between main sections should be slightly larger than spacing between individual roles.

How to Adjust Line Spacing in Microsoft Word

1. Highlight the text.

2. Go to the Home tab.

3. Select Paragraph → Line and Paragraph Spacing.

4. Adjust Before/After Spacing to your preference (8pt–12pt recommended).

💡 Tip: Use the Format Painter tool to copy formatting from one section and apply it across your document for consistency.

In Summary

Your CV is often judged in seconds. Clean margins and consistent spacing can make your document easier to read and more professional—giving you an advantage over other candidates.

By sticking to 0.5–1 inch margins and using consistent spacing between sections and roles, you’ll ensure your CV is both recruiter-friendly and ATS-compliant.

When it comes to your job search, these small formatting details can have a big impact.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk