Sign your resume correctly

No. A CV remains valid even without a signature. Many digital applications are now sent without a signature. Decide based on industry, company and personal style.

The location and current date are at the end of the CV, with the signature underneath or next to it. Use a consistent date format and update the date for each application.

Sign neatly on white paper, photograph or scan the signature and remove unnecessary margins. Use the file only in trusted documents.

• outdated date
• blurred or too large signature
• visible gray background
• different spelling of place and date

Check whether the employer asks for a signed document before adding a signature. If one is requested, place it where the instructions specify and make sure it remains clear after export. Keep the name and contact details available as text. Do not add a signature image to unrelated application fields or treat it as a replacement for an employer’s separate declaration. Save the final version with a descriptive filename and reopen it to check the last page, links and any date before sending it.

For applications across different English-speaking markets, follow the terminology used in the vacancy. Choose one spelling convention, write dates unambiguously and include the international dialling code when applying abroad. Keep a separate final copy for each employer so country-specific changes do not overwrite another application.