Should Your CV Have a 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

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 insights.