How to Make a Good CV
What is a CV?
CV stands for curriculum vitae
You use it when you apply for jobs,for academic purposes, etc.
What is The Difference Between a CV and a Resume?
The difference between a CV and a resume lies in the length, layout, and purpose of these documents. Resumes are shorter as they summarize skills and experience whereas CVs are more detailed and lengthier.
Nowadays there is almost no formal difference between a CV and a resume.
Sample CV Format
➢ CV Header with Contact Information
➢ Personal Profile: CV Objective or CV Summary
➢ Work Experience
➢ Education
➢ Skills
➢ Additional Sections
➢ Referees
Useful Tips
- Choose clear, legible fonts
➢ Go for one of the standard font types: Arial, Times New Roman, etc.
➢ Use 11 to 12 pt font size and single spacing.
➢ For the author’s name and section titles, pick 14 to 16 pt font size.
- Be consistent with your CV layout
➢Set one-inch margins for all four sides.
➢Make sure your CV headings are uniform—make them larger and in bold but try to avoid italics and underlining
➢Stick to a single date format on your CV
- No unnecessary graphics
➢White space is important!
➢It is possible that after you send out your CV, it is going to be printed in black ink on white paper. Too many graphics might make it illegible.
- Photos?!
➢If they ask for a photograph, you need to have it. If not, it is not compulsory.
➢If you include a photo, make sure to use a professional-looking picture, but not as stiff as an ID photo.
Make Your CV Brief and Relevant
➢Do not think that you have to include every single detail about your life on your CV.
➢People do not have the time nor the interest to care about what high school you have attended or lengthy lists of past jobs, etc.
Tip: Once you have finished writing, save your CV in the PDF format to make sure your CV layout stays intact. • But pay close attention to the job description.
Adding Contact Information
You want the recruiters to get back to you, so you need to let them know how they can reach you.
In the contact information section, enter you're:
➢Full name
➢Professional title
➢Email address
➢Telephone number
➢Social media contact information (optional)
➢Home address
Start with a CV Personal Profile (CV Summary or CV Objective)
➢ A CV personal profile statement—a brief paragraph of 100 words that gives an idea to the recruiters why you are just the candidate they have been looking for.
➢ Your personal profile will either be a CV objective or a CV summary.
➢ A CV objective shows what skills you have mastered and how you would fit in. It is a good choice if you have got little work experience relevant to the job you are trying to land, for example, if you are writing a student CV.
➢ A CV summary, in turn, highlights your career progress and achievements. Use it if you are a seasoned professional and have a lot of experience in your field.
Relevant Work Experience & Key Achievements
➢Your work experience section is the most important part of your whole CV.
➢Recruiters not only want to know what you did but how well you did it and what you can offer your prospective employer.
➢Focus on your measurable, relevant achievements, not just your duties.
➢Use action verbs such as, “created,” “analyzed,” and “implemented”.
➢Tailor your CV to suit the job requirements. Read the job description carefully and check what tasks will be expected of you
CV Education Qualifications Section
➢If you have a degree, include only that on your CV. Do not mention your A/Ls, unless it is your highest degree of education. List:
✓ Graduation year (if you are still studying, enter your expected graduation date)
✓ Your degree
✓ Institution name
✓ Honors (if applicable
Relevant Skills that Fit the Job Opening
➢When you list your skills, add a short description of each to indicate your level of proficiency. For example “Excellent,” “Advanced,” or “Basic.”
Include Additional CV Sections to Impress the Recruiter
➢Sample CV Additional Sections
✓ Industry awards
✓ Professional certifications
✓ Publications
✓ Professional affiliations
✓ Conferences attended
✓ Additional training
Referees
➢Include contact information of at least two nonrelated referees related to the field you apply for.
➢Make sure that you inform the referees and get their consent to include such information.