Secrets to writing CV

Secrets to writing CV

Beyond the basics: create a CV that reflects you

What is a CV?

A CV, or "Curriculum Vitae," (in latin means - “course of life”) is a document that showcases your education, work experience, skills, and other relevant information.

The purpose of a CV is to display the overall qualifications and achievements of an individual that will showcase a clear picture of the entire academic and professional profile.

The purpose of a CV

A CV serves as a marketing tool that highlights your skills and experiences, offering employers a snapshot of your professional qualifications.

Whether you’re applying for a job, fellowship, or scholarship, a well-organised CV can significantly improve your chances of standing out in a competitive field.

How to write a CV

Crafting a CV involves organising information in a way that is easy to read and comprehend. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to include:

-Personal information

At the top of your CV, include your:

  1. Full name
  2. Contact information (phone number, email address)
  3. Location (city and country)
  4. LinkedIn profile (optional)
  5. Personal website or portfolio (if applicable)

-Professional summary

This section provides a brief overview of who you are, your career goals, and your key accomplishments. Tailor this to the specific role you are applying for to create maximum impact.

-Education section

List your academic qualifications in reverse chronological order. Include:

  • Degree title
  • University name
  • Graduation date
  • Major achievements or honours (optional)

-Work experience

The work experience section is the core of your CV. Again, list your roles in reverse chronological order, including:

  1. Job title
  2. Company name
  3. Employment dates
  4. Key responsibilities and achievements

-Skills section

Highlight both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This can include:

  • Technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, data analysis)
  • Language skills
  • Teamwork, communication, problem-solving abilities

-Certifications and awards

If you’ve earned any certifications, special qualifications, or awards, include them in this section. They can set you apart from other candidates.

-Interests (Optional)

Although not essential, listing a few personal interests can humanise your CV and create a talking point during interviews. Make sure they are relevant to the position or industry.

-Choosing the right format

Your CV format depends on your experience and the job you're applying for. There are three primary formats:

  1. Chronological CV: Lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. Best for those with a strong work history.
  2. Functional CV: Focuses on skills rather than work history. Ideal for career changers or those with gaps in their employment.
  3. Combination CV: A mix of chronological and functional formats.

Why writing a good CV is Necessary?

A CV is an important component of your job application because it:

  • Acts as your first introduction to the employer.
  • Summarises your professional qualifications and experience.
  • Highlights your accomplishments and skills.
  • Shows that you are a suitable candidate for the position.
  • Helps employers decide whether to invite you for an interview.

Is CV necessary for studying abroad?

Yes, a CV is often required for studying abroad, especially when applying for scholarships, internships, or research programmes.

Why it’s important:

  • Showcases your academic background
  • Highlights research or project experience
  • Supports scholarship and financial aid applications
  • Demonstrates leadership and extracurricular activities

A well-structured CV can boost your chances of success when applying to study abroad by presenting a comprehensive view of your skills and achievements.

CV vs. Resume: Key differences

A CV is often confused with a resume, but they are distinct.

CVs are longer and include detailed accounts of your professional life. They are used in academia, research, and certain international jobs.

Resumes, on the other hand, are more concise (typically one page) and tailored to a specific job opening.

Following is a table that outlines the main differences between a CV and a resume, highlighting when and how each is used in various contexts.

Aspects CV Resume
Length Typically 2-3 pages or more, depending on experience. 1 page (sometimes 2 if very experienced).
Purpose Provides a detailed overview of academic and professional history. Tailored summary of skills and experiences for a specific job.
Usage Common in academia, research, medicine, and global job markets. Used primarily in business, corporate, and local job markets.
Content Includes detailed sections on education, work experience, research, publications, etc. Focuses on relevant skills, work experience, and achievements.
Customization Generally static; rarely customised for individual positions. Highly customised for each job application.
Geographic Preference AUsed in Europe, Asia, and academia worldwide. Primarily used in the U.S. and Canada.

Do's of writing a CV

To write a successful CV, consider these best practices:

  • Be concise and clear
  • Tailoring your CV
  • Using action verbs
  • Quantifying achievements

Don'ts of writing a CV

Equally important is knowing what to avoid:

  1. Generic phrases
  2. Overloading with information
  3. Including irrelevant information
  4. Lying or exaggerating

Common mistakes to avoid

Even the best candidates can make mistakes on their CV. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:

  • Spelling and grammar errors
  • Listing irrelevant information
  • Formatting issues
  • Outdated information

Tips and tricks for a winning CV

Start your bullet points with strong action verbs like "managed," "developed," or "created."

This adds impact to your achievements. And whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements.

  • Use a clear, legible font like Arial or Times New Roman.
  • Keep margins at 1 inch for a professional appearance.
  • Save your CV as a PDF to maintain its formatting across different devices.
  • Quantify achievements with numbers to show impact.
  • Tailor your CV to match the specific job or program requirements.
  • Proofread thoroughly to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
  • Focus on relevant skills and experiences, avoiding unnecessary details.

Setting the tone for your CV

The tone of your CV should be professional but approachable. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless relevant to the job.

Make sure the tone reflects your personality while staying focused on professionalism.

  1. Professional yet personal
  2. Avoid overly formal language

How to proofread and finalise your CV

Proofreading is critical. Reading your CV aloud multiple times, can help identify awkward phrasing or sentences that don't flow well. You can pay close attention to details like:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Formatting consistency

If possible, use online grammar tools like Grammarly, but also get a friend or professional to look over your CV before you submit it.

Final thoughts on CV writing

Crafting a CV may seem daunting, but by following these guidelines, you’ll create a professional, polished document that reflects your skills and experiences effectively.

Remember, your CV is a living document, so update it regularly to reflect your most recent achievements and keep it aligned with your career goals.

Always save your CV as a PDF to preserve the formatting. A PDF ensures that your CV looks the same on any device.