Should Your CV Have a Footer?
CV footers are optional but useful for multi-page documents. Learn what to include and what to avoid in your CV footer.
## The Short Answer
A CV footer is optional. For a one-page CV, skip it. For a two-page CV, add page numbers and your name. That's it.
Footers exist for practicality, not personality. They help recruiters keep pages together when printed. Nothing more.
## When to Use a Footer
Use a footer if:
- Your CV is two pages or longer
- You're applying to organisations that still print applications
- You want to signal attention to detail
Skip the footer if:
- Your CV fits on one page
- You're applying exclusively through online portals
## What to Include
Keep it minimal:
**Page numbers**
Format: "Page 1 of 2" — This helps if pages get separated.
**Your name**
Useful for printed CVs. Recruiters shuffle stacks of paper.
**Last updated date (optional)**
Format: "Updated December 2025" — Signals your CV is current, not recycled.
## Example Footer
```copy
Jane Smith | Page 1 of 2 | Updated December 2025
```
One line. Left-aligned or centred. Same font as the body text, slightly smaller.
## What to Leave Out
Footers should be invisible unless needed. Avoid:
- **Contact details** — These belong in the header, not duplicated below.
- **Long disclaimers** — "This CV is confidential" adds nothing.
- **Decorative elements** — Lines, borders, or graphics clutter the page.
- **Quotes or taglines** — Save the personality for your profile section.
## The ATS Warning
Some Applicant Tracking Systems ignore footers entirely. They parse the main body and skip anything in the footer zone.
This means:
- Never put critical information in the footer
- Don't rely on the footer for keywords or contact details
- Assume the footer is for humans, not robots
## Pre-Flight Checklist
If you're using a footer:
- [ ] It contains only page numbers and your name.
- [ ] No contact details are duplicated from the header.
- [ ] Font size is smaller than body text (8-10pt).
- [ ] No decorative lines or borders.
- [ ] Critical information is in the main body, not the footer.
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*For more on CV structure, explore our [Format & Layout](/format-and-layout) insights.*