Style isn't taste — it's signal choice. A flashy CV at a law firm weakens you. A plain CV at a design studio misses an opportunity. Here's how to pick the right signal.
Conservative
Single column, classic typography, muted accent colour. For banks, insurers, accounting, law, government, education, healthcare. Safe in any context.
Balanced
The default. Conservative with more breathing room and a slightly warmer palette. For most tech employers, SMEs, consulting, scale-ups. If you have no specific reason to choose another style, pick this one.
Creative
Two-column grid (in display; text layer remains linear for ATS), stronger typographic hierarchy, colour plays a role. For marketing, communications, content, design-leaning roles.
Experimental
Modern typography, spacious, sometimes unexpected whitespace rhythm. For design studios, art direction, brand roles. Not for everyone — unforgettable where it fits.
Editorial
A magazine-paper aesthetic. Long-read typography, editorial layout. For very specific contexts — portfolio roles, journalism, brand-led work.
In doubt? Pick the more restrained.
Conservative and Balanced almost always beat Experimental or Editorial in case of doubt. A style fit for something formal doesn't weaken you in a formal setting. A style fit for something creative may land wrong in a formal setting.