How to Write a CV

August 8, 2022 John Paul

A curriculum vitae, more often known as a CV, is a document that is submitted along with job applications. It gives you the opportunity to encapsulate your education, talents, and experience, in a nutshell, making it easier for you to pitch your capabilities to prospective employers.

Elements of a CV

Table of Contents

Even if there is no “right” method to construct a curriculum vitae (CV), there are a few components that virtually all CVs should include:

1. Length should not exceed the length of two typewritten sides of an A4 sheet of white paper (not including your cover letter).

2. The font should be kept black, between size 10 and 12, and should be of a benchmark type-face such as Arial or Times New Roman.

3. Layout should be straightforward and unambiguous, with headers, appropriate formatting (bold, italics, and underlining), and appropriate space used to organize the content and make it simple to skim.

Different Parts of a CV

Following are the compulsory sections of a CV that you should write about

Introduction

This might be a one- or two-sentence overview of who you are as well as a preview of what you will discuss in the following sentences. It shouldn’t go on for more than a couple of sentences at the most.

You can list some of your most important abilities and traits here, particularly those that are specifically required for the post. However, you should be prepared to back them up in the main body of your CV and to discuss them during an interview.

Work experience

Make a list of your former employment, beginning with the one you had most recently/currently and working your way backward (including different roles at the same employer).

You need to supply the following information for each role:

· The name of the firm or organization

· Your official title

· The amount of time you have been employed (month and year)

· Your main duties

Make an effort to draw attention to the things you accomplished or the mark you left in a prior position (and tie these back to the required skills or experience).

Education

Also, provide all past schooling, including professional certifications, along with the dates you attended. Put the most current item at the top. Include the dates, as well as the qualification type and grades. Mention certain modules only when it is appropriate to do so.

Skills and Accomplishments

This is the section where you may talk about the many languages you are fluent in as well as the different computer programs you are able to utilize well. It is important that the primary abilities you describe are applicable to the position you are applying for. Don’t embellish your skills, as you’ll need to provide evidence to support your assertions during the interview. You should make a CV that emphasizes your talents if you have a lot of relevant experience that may be used in a certain position.

Interests

The phrases “going to the movies,” “reading,” and “socializing” are hardly likely to get the attention of a recruiter. On the other hand, having hobbies that are pertinent to the position might present a full picture of who you are and give you something to talk about during the interview. If you want to work in the field of journalism, for instance, you might consider publishing your own blog website or community news; if you want to work in sales, you might consider joining a theater group; and if you want to work in the field of environmental protection, you might consider getting involved in climate change activism. You are free to skip over this section if you do not have any pastimes or interests that are pertinent to the position you are applying for.

References

A reference is someone who can vouch for the information that you have included on your curriculum vitae (CV) and provides a potential employer with a means to verify your job and/or educational background. A person who endorses you by writing a recommendation or letter of recommendation for you is called a referee. You just need to put “References available upon request,” and you may supply their contact information at a later time.

Final Thoughts

Even though most curriculum vitae have the same fundamental structure, the arrangement and content of a CV are different depending on the employment that is being applied for. If you want to get an employer’s attention, the best way to organize your curriculum vitae is to include the most important portions at the beginning. This may be your job history or an outstanding list of publications.