This article aims to broaden our understanding of CV visual design from a critical perspective, using the visual grammar developed by Kress and van Leeuwen as a point of departure. Drawing on an analysis of a set of CVs collected in France, the article highlights the significant role played by visual semiotics in applicants’ construals of professional expertise in their CVs as part of their endeavour to be shortlisted for an interview. It also identifies significant features across the interpersonal, ideational and textual metafunctions of the CVs. The analysis of the CVs is complemented by the recruiter’s comments on the CVs, which further highlight the role of visual features in recruiters’ impressions of job applicants.
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