Q: Does it make sense for a list of publications be part of the CV, instead of "look at google scholar"?
A: I think this will depend on your audience - if you believe they will look at a link after reading your CV then fine, but in some academic circles, I think the list is still required. But perhaps you could do both & maybe the scholar link includes additional info? In any case, this sort of info should be at the end of a CV.

Q: Is it a bad idea to have a CV on a website instead of distributing a pdf?
A: Personally, I think a CV on a website is a profile, whereas I firmly believe a CV for an application should be tailored to the job you are applying to.

Q: What do you think about the "standard" europass format. Do you think we should use it outside the university environment?
A: I prefer the individualism offered by 'doing your own' format rather than a standard one, I think you are able to 'show' more about yourself that way, but again this is personal preference.

Q: Expanding on the previous question: What do you think a CV template should look like?
A: Haha a difficult one to answer, and like many things this is very subjective. I think headings & content are perhaps more important than 'look'. But look is still important.

Q: Some of the competencies cannot be presented also in the accompanying Cover Letter? 
A: Absolutely. I was concentrating on the CV, but the Cover letter is a great place to add more of those competency examples and how you tick their boxes. Although I do have the impression that cover letters are going out of fashion in some countries...?

Q: Usually, as you pointed out, the CV should be tailored to a specific job. However, there are many fellowship-type calls (including CERN), where one is instructed to apply to the program, not to a specific job. How can this be taken into account?
A: This is a very good point, and where your research can help. Check for job descriptions in the areas you would like to work, and also check profiles for people working in those areas. But for general program applications, you need to cast your net wide as well.

Q: When you mentioned including non-work related experiences, did you mean in the CV or at the interview?
A: In the interview, when asked for 'can you give another example of' and I also think having some other non-work interests on the CV can work well too.

Q: how can you keep all in a A4 page AND be clear by avoiding acronyms?
A: Then maybe it has to be longer than one page, but there is no 'ideal length' but try to keep it short and ensure all content is valuable for that particular application.

Q: What about pictures in the CVs? Would you advise adding one or not?
A: I take it you mean photos: I think this is personal preference. Take your guidance from the application form and what you are asked to provide as some absolutely do NOT want you to include photos. If you make it to the next stage, some places such as CERN, will invite you for a video interview anyway... 

Q: What about colours in the CV? A light-coloured background for example (even grey).
A: Again, I think this is personal preference & very subjective. I think some colours do add to the CV, but you should ensure they are readable and don't 'detract' from the content and print OK.

Q: Any tips on how to make a more ATS-friendly CV (applicant tracking systems)?
A: I'm not a recruitment specialist so I don't have much experience of the 'behind-the-scenes' of these systems. I think the best way is to 'tick the boxes' of the job description. But maybe this is an area WIT could investigate for a future talk.

Q: sorry, I joined slightly late: How about gender and b-date?
A: Personal preference - not sure there is a right or wrong answer here. But if you're having to add it in the application form anyway...

Q: Does it make sense to write the CV as "a story" in bullet point format, so that it's very tailored to the job? so that as they read through it's kind of how I presume to describe myself at an interview?
A: For me, the aim of the CV is that the reader finds the CV interesting & invites you for the next stage. I would not give away all your interview secrets at the CV stage. 

Q: Should you write contact information to your references, or just write "Contact details given if requested"
A: Quite often the contact information is given in the reference letters themselves (if you have to add them), otherwise I think a name, title & company/organisation is enough for the CV. But usually, if tailored for a particular job, the application form will specify what is required for this.

Q: What are your lessons learnt after having seen so many CVs? What was the last thing you changed on your CV? :)
A: Those have been condensed into this tips presentation! The last thing I added was an additional competency.

Q: About including personal information (age, marital status, photos, etc.) this is a “cultural thing” and strongly discouraged in certain countries (e.g. Canada) so investigate the conventions of the country where you’re applying
A: This is a very good point - thank you. And shows again how important the research part is that you should always carry out.

Q: What about motivation for the job? does that fit on a CV if there's no "cover letter"?
A: Yes, I believe a CV should include a tailored 'objective' or 'mission statement', just a few lines but hopefully showing why you are applying for the job.

Many thanks for all the excellent questions & useful feedback!