A Curriculum vitae, also known as a CV, is a document that summarizes your educational and professional background. It is used to apply for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities. A CV is typically longer and more detailed than a resume.
Contents
The term “curriculum vitae” is Latin for “course of life.” A CV typically includes the following sections:
- Start with a strong header: Your header should include your name, contact information, email address and LinkedIn profile URL, and a brief summary of your skills and experience. This is the first thing that potential employers will see, so make sure it is clear and concise.
- Write a personal statement or summary: This is a brief paragraph that introduces you to the reader and highlights your skills and experience. It is a good opportunity to explain why you are interested in the job and why you would be a good fit.
- List your work experience: For each job, include the company name, your job title, and your dates of employment. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities. This is one of the most important sections of your CV, so make sure it is detailed and accurate.
- List your education. List your educational institutions, degrees, and dates of attendance. If you have any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities, be sure to list them as well.
- List your skills. List your hard skills (e.g., proficiency in software programs) and soft skills (e.g., communication and teamwork). This section is a good opportunity to highlight your transferable skills, which are skills that can be applied to different jobs.
- Include any other relevant information: This could include awards, publications, or volunteer experience. If you have any other relevant information that you think would be helpful to the employer, be sure to include it in this section.
- Awards and honors: This section lists any awards or honors you have received.
- Publications: This section lists any publications you have authored or co-authored.
- Volunteer experience: This section lists any volunteer experience you have.
- Proofread your CV carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional. Before you submit your CV, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors.
Here are some additional tips for writing a CV:
- Tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for. Make sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.
- Use keywords that are relevant to the job description. This will help your CV get noticed by potential employers.
- Keep your CV concise and easy to read. A CV should be no more than two pages long.
- Use active verbs and strong language. This will make your CV more powerful and persuasive.
- Proofread your CV carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional.
