How To Write A CV (With Template, Sample And Tips)

How To Write A CV (With Template, Sample And Tips)

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a comprehensive document that outlines your academic and professional history. It’s often used when applying for jobs, especially in academia, research, or in countries outside the United States where a resume is more common. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical CV includes:

What Is A CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) includes the following sections:

Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email.
Professional Summary: Brief overview of your professional background, skills, and career goals.
Education: Details of your academic qualifications, including degrees, institutions, dates, and honors.
Work Experience: Chronological list of your employment history with job titles, company names, locations, dates, and descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.
Skills: Relevant skills, such as technical abilities, languages spoken, and other proficiencies.
Publications: List of books, journal articles, conference papers, and other scholarly works you have published.
Presentations: Information about presentations you’ve given at conferences, seminars, or other professional events.
Awards and Honors: Details of any recognitions or awards you’ve received.
Professional Affiliations: Memberships in professional organizations.
Certifications and Licenses: Relevant certifications or licenses.
References: Contact information for professional references.

Why is a CV Important?

Comprehensive Overview: A CV provides a thorough overview of your academic and professional history, making it an essential document for applications that require a detailed understanding of your background.
Academic and Research Positions: For positions in academia and research, a CV is often required because it includes detailed information about your publications, research experience, and academic achievements.
International Applications: In many countries, a CV is the standard document for job applications, as opposed to a resume which is more common in the United States for non-academic positions.
Professional Advancement: A well-crafted CV can help you stand out in a competitive job market by showcasing your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments in detail.
Networking and Conferences: When attending professional conferences and networking events, having a CV can be useful for sharing your qualifications with potential collaborators or employers.
Grant and Scholarship Applications: Many grant and scholarship applications require a CV to assess your qualifications and suitability for the funding opportunity.

In summary, a CV is a vital tool for presenting your qualifications in a detailed and organized manner, making it an important document for advancing your academic and professional career.

How To Write A CV?

Writing a CV involves organizing your academic and professional achievements in a clear and structured format. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective CV:

1. Gather Your Information

Before you start writing, gather all the necessary information about your education, work experience, skills, publications, and other relevant details.

2. Choose a CV Format

Decide on a format that best suits your background and the job you’re applying for. Common formats include:

Chronological CV: Lists work experience and education in reverse chronological order.
Functional CV: Focuses on skills and experience rather than chronological work history.
Combination CV: Blends chronological and functional formats, highlighting skills and work experience.

3. Include Essential Sections

Ensure your CV includes the following sections:

Contact Information

Full name
Address
Phone number
Email address
LinkedIn profile (optional)
Personal website or portfolio (if applicable)

Professional Summary

A brief statement (2-4 sentences) summarizing your professional background, key skills, and career objectives.

Education

List your academic qualifications in reverse chronological order.
Include the degree obtained, institution name, location, and graduation date.
Mention any honors or awards.

Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order.
Include job titles, company names, locations, and dates of employment.
Describe your responsibilities and achievements for each role using bullet points.

Skills

Include relevant skills such as technical skills, languages spoken, and other proficiencies.
Use bullet points for clarity.

Publications (if applicable)

List your publications, including books, journal articles, conference papers, and other scholarly works.

Presentations (if applicable)

Include information about presentations you’ve given at conferences, seminars, or other professional events.

Awards and Honors

Mention any awards or recognitions you’ve received.

Professional Affiliations

List memberships in professional organizations and associations.

Certifications and Licenses

Include relevant certifications or licenses you’ve obtained.

References

Provide contact information for professional references, or indicate that references are available upon request.

4. Tailor Your CV to the Job

Customize your CV for each job application by highlighting the most relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match the job requirements.

5. Use Clear and Professional Formatting

Use a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting.
Choose a readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and use font size 10-12 for the main text.
Use headings and subheadings to organize sections.
Ensure there’s enough white space to make the document easy to read.

6. Proofread and Edit

Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
Ask a friend or mentor to review your CV and provide feedback.

7. Keep It Updated

Regularly update your CV with new experiences, skills, and achievements.

Example of a Basic CV Structure

[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile] (optional)

Professional Summary
A dedicated [Your Profession] with [number] years of experience in [industry/field]. Proven expertise in [key skills] and a strong background in [relevant experience].

Education
- [Degree], [Major]
  [Institution Name], [Location], [Graduation Date]
  [Honors/Awards]

Work Experience
- [Job Title]
  [Company Name], [Location], [Dates of Employment]
  - [Responsibility/Achievement]
  - [Responsibility/Achievement]

- [Job Title]
  [Company Name], [Location], [Dates of Employment]
  - [Responsibility/Achievement]
  - [Responsibility/Achievement]

Skills
- [Skill]
- [Skill]
- [Skill]

Publications (if applicable)
- [Title], [Publication Name], [Date]

Presentations (if applicable)
- [Title], [Conference Name], [Date]

Awards and Honors
- [Award], [Date]

Professional Affiliations
- [Organization Name], [Role]

Certifications and Licenses
- [Certification], [Date]

References
Available upon request.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and polished CV that effectively showcases your qualifications and helps you stand out to potential employers.

Tips For Writing A Good CV

Writing a good CV involves more than just listing your qualifications and experience. Here are some tips to ensure your CV stands out:

1. Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

Customize your CV to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Use keywords from the job description to help your CV pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

2. Use a Professional Format and Layout

Choose a clean, simple layout with plenty of white space.
Use a professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and consistent formatting.
Avoid using too many colors or overly complex designs.

3. Write a Strong Professional Summary

Craft a brief, compelling summary at the top of your CV that highlights your key qualifications and career goals.
Focus on what makes you unique and how you can add value to the employer.

4. Emphasize Achievements Over Responsibilities

Highlight specific achievements and quantify them where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
Use action verbs (e.g., “led,” “developed,” “achieved”) to describe your accomplishments.

5. Highlight Relevant Skills

Include a skills section that lists relevant hard and soft skills.
Match your skills to the job requirements.

6. Keep It Concise and Relevant

Aim for a CV length of 1-2 pages, depending on your experience level.
Focus on the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details.

7. Include Keywords

Use industry-specific keywords and phrases to make your CV more searchable.
Ensure the keywords match those used in the job description.

8. Proofread and Edit

Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Ensure consistency in formatting, such as date formats and bullet points.
Ask someone else to review your CV for errors you might have missed.

9. Quantify Your Achievements

Use numbers and percentages to quantify your achievements (e.g., “Managed a team of 10,” “Reduced costs by 15%”).
Quantifiable achievements make your contributions more tangible and impressive.

10. Keep Your CV Up to Date

Regularly update your CV with new skills, experiences, and achievements.
Ensure your contact information is current.

11. Use a Professional Tone

Write in a professional tone, avoiding slang and overly casual language.
Be confident but not boastful.

12. Include Relevant Education and Certifications

List your educational qualifications and any relevant certifications.
Include the name of the institution, degree or certification obtained, and dates.

13. Add Professional Affiliations

Include memberships in professional organizations and any roles you’ve held.

14. Mention Relevant Volunteer Work

Include volunteer work if it is relevant to the job you’re applying for or demonstrates transferable skills.

15. Optimize for Digital Formats

Save your CV in a widely accepted format, such as PDF, to ensure formatting is preserved.
Name your file appropriately (e.g., “YourName_CV.pdf”).

By following these tips, you can create a strong, professional CV that effectively showcases your qualifications and makes a positive impression on potential employers.

How To Create a Resume PDF

Creating a resume PDF is a straightforward process and ensures that your resume maintains its formatting and looks professional when viewed on different devices. Here are the steps to create a resume PDF:

1. Choose a Resume Format

Before you start, decide on the format and layout of your resume. Popular formats include chronological, functional, and combination resumes.

2. Use a Word Processor or Resume Builder

You can use a word processor like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a dedicated resume builder tool to create your resume.

Using Microsoft Word:

Open Microsoft Word: Start a new document.
Choose a Template: Go to File > New and search for resume templates. Select a template that suits your needs.
Enter Your Information: Fill in your personal details, work experience, education, skills, and other relevant sections.
Format Your Resume: Customize the template to match your preferences, ensuring it is clean and professional.

Using Google Docs:

Open Google Docs: Start a new document.
Choose a Template: Go to File > New > From template and select a resume template.
Enter Your Information: Fill in your details as per the template.
Format Your Resume: Adjust the template to ensure it looks professional and organized.

Using a Resume Builder:

Choose a Resume Builder: Use online resume builders like Canva, Zety, or NovoResume.
Select a Template: Choose from a variety of templates offered by the tool.
Enter Your Information: Fill in your details as prompted by the builder.
Customize Your Resume: Adjust the layout and design elements to your liking.

3. Save or Export as PDF

Once you have created your resume, the next step is to save or export it as a PDF.

Microsoft Word:

Save as PDF: Go to File > Save As.
Choose Location: Select the location where you want to save the file.
Select PDF Format: In the “Save as type” dropdown menu, choose PDF.
Save: Click Save to create the PDF file.

Google Docs:

Download as PDF: Go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf).
Save the File: The PDF will be downloaded to your computer.

Resume Builder:

Export as PDF: Follow the tool’s instructions to export or download your resume as a PDF. This usually involves clicking a Download or Export button and choosing PDF as the format.

4. Check the PDF

Open the PDF: Ensure the PDF opens correctly and all formatting is preserved.
Review Content: Double-check for any errors or formatting issues that may have occurred during the conversion.
File Name: Name the PDF file appropriately (e.g., YourName_Resume.pdf).

5. Save and Backup

Save the PDF: Store the PDF in a location where you can easily find it, such as a dedicated folder for job applications.
Backup: Consider saving a copy on a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for easy access and backup.

By following these steps, you can create a polished resume PDF that maintains its formatting and looks professional when shared with potential employers.

CV Examples & good CV samples for 2024

Sure, here are some examples and good CV samples for 2024, tailored for different professions and stages in a career. Each sample includes a professional summary, relevant experience, education, skills, and other sections as appropriate.

Example 1: Entry-Level Professional CV

Contact Information

Jane Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA
(123) 456-7890
janedoe@example.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Professional Summary

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and strong internship experience. Skilled in digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creation. Seeking an entry-level position to leverage my skills in a dynamic marketing team.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Anytown, Anytown, USA
Graduated: May 2023

Work Experience

Marketing Intern
XYZ Corporation, Anytown, USA
June 2022 - August 2022
- Assisted in developing and executing social media campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in engagement.
- Conducted market research and presented findings to the marketing team.
- Created content for the company’s blog and social media platforms.

Sales Associate
Retail Store, Anytown, USA
June 2021 - May 2022
- Provided exceptional customer service and assisted in maintaining inventory.
- Achieved top sales associate status for three consecutive months.
- Trained new employees on store policies and procedures.

Skills

- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Content Creation
- Market Research
- Customer Service

Certifications

Google Analytics Certification

Example 2: Mid-Level Professional CV

Contact Information

John Smith
456 Oak Avenue, Big City, USA
(987) 654-3210
johnsmith@example.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Professional Summary

Experienced project manager with over 5 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Expertise in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization to drive project success.

Work Experience

Project Manager
ABC Tech Solutions, Big City, USA
January 2020 - Present
- Lead a team of 10 in the successful delivery of software development projects, improving project delivery time by 20%.
- Implemented Agile methodologies, resulting in increased team productivity and improved client satisfaction.
- Managed project budgets of up to $500,000, ensuring financial adherence and cost savings.

Assistant Project Manager
XYZ Enterprises, Big City, USA
June 2017 - December 2019
- Supported senior project managers in planning and executing projects, coordinating schedules, and managing resources.
- Developed project plans and tracked progress using project management software.
- Conducted risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies, reducing project risks by 15%.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Big City University, Big City, USA
Graduated: May 2017

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
State University, Anytown, USA
Graduated: May 2015

Skills

- Project Management
- Agile Methodologies
- Risk Management
- Budget Management
- Stakeholder Communication

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Example 3: Senior-Level Professional CV

Contact Information

Emily Johnson
789 Pine Street, Metropolis, USA
(555) 123-4567
emilyjohnson@example.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyjohnson

Professional Summary

Senior marketing executive with over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing, brand management, and digital transformation. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and brand recognition through innovative marketing strategies. Seeking a leadership role to leverage my expertise in a forward-thinking organization.

Work Experience

Director of Marketing
Global Brands Inc., Metropolis, USA
March 2015 - Present
- Spearheaded the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in brand awareness.
- Led a team of 20 marketing professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
- Managed a $5M marketing budget, optimizing spend and achieving a 20% ROI on marketing initiatives.

Marketing Manager
Tech Innovators, Metropolis, USA
July 2010 - February 2015
- Developed and implemented digital marketing strategies that increased online sales by 25%.
- Collaborated with product development teams to launch new products, successfully positioning them in the market.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer insights to inform marketing strategies and decision-making.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing
Metropolis University, Metropolis, USA
Graduated: May 2010

Bachelor of Arts in Communications
University of Metropolis, Metropolis, USA
Graduated: May 2005

Skills

- Strategic Marketing
- Brand Management
- Digital Transformation
- Team Leadership
- Budget Management

Certifications

Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Example 4: Academic CV

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Lee
123 University Lane, College Town, USA
(444) 987-6543
michaellee@university.edu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drmichaellee

Professional Summary

Dedicated academic professional with over 10 years of experience in research, teaching, and publishing in the field of environmental science. Proven track record of securing research grants and publishing in top-tier journals. Seeking a faculty position to contribute to academic excellence and research innovation.

Education

Ph.D. in Environmental Science
College University, College Town, USA
Graduated: May 2012

Master of Science in Environmental Science
State University, Anytown, USA
Graduated: May 2008

Bachelor of Science in Biology
State University, Anytown, USA
Graduated: May 2006

Academic Experience

Associate Professor
College University, College Town, USA
August 2016 - Present
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental science.
- Supervise graduate student research projects and theses.
- Conduct research on climate change and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Assistant Professor
State University, Anytown, USA
August 2012 - July 2016
- Developed and taught courses in environmental science and biology.
- Published research articles in top-tier journals and presented at international conferences.
- Secured research grants totaling $500,000 to fund environmental science projects.

Publications

- Lee, M. (2022). Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 45(2), 123-135.
- Lee, M., & Smith, J. (2021). Sustainable Practices in Urban Planning. Environmental Research Letters, 38(1), 45-58.

Grants and Awards

- National Science Foundation Research Grant, $300,000 (2021-2024)
- Environmental Science Association Best Paper Award (2020)

Skills

- Research and Data Analysis
- Grant Writing
- Teaching and Mentoring
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Scientific Writing

These samples provide a good starting point for creating a CV that effectively showcases your qualifications, experience, and achievements. Adjust the content to fit your specific career path and the requirements of the job you are applying for.

CV FAQ

1. What is a CV?

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a detailed document that outlines your academic and professional history, including your work experience, education, skills, achievements, and other relevant information.

2. What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A CV is typically longer and more detailed than a resume. It includes comprehensive information about your academic background, publications, and work experience. A resume is usually shorter, focusing on work experience and skills, and is often tailored for specific job applications.

3. How long should a CV be?

The length of a CV can vary depending on your experience. For most professionals, a CV is typically 2-3 pages long. Academics and researchers with extensive experience may have longer CVs.

4. What should I include in my CV?

Contact Information
Professional Summary
Education
Work Experience
Skills
Publications (if applicable)
Presentations (if applicable)
Awards and Honors
Professional Affiliations
Certifications and Licenses
References (optional or available upon request)

5. How should I format my CV?

Use a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting. Choose a readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and use font size 10-12 for the main text. Use headings and bullet points to organize sections and make the document easy to read.

6. How do I tailor my CV for a specific job?

Customize your CV by highlighting the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that match the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your CV is tailored to the position.

7. What is a professional summary?

A professional summary is a brief statement (2-4 sentences) at the beginning of your CV that highlights your key qualifications, skills, and career goals. It provides a quick overview of what you bring to the table.

8. Should I include a photo on my CV?

In some countries, it is common to include a photo on a CV, while in others it is not. Research the standard practices in the country where you are applying. In the US, it is generally recommended not to include a photo to avoid potential bias.

9. How do I list my work experience?

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Include job titles, company names, locations, dates of employment, and descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

10. How can I highlight my achievements?

Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%,” “Managed a team of 10”). Focus on specific accomplishments and their impact.

11. What should I do if I have gaps in my employment history?

Address employment gaps briefly in your CV or cover letter if necessary. Focus on what you did during the gap (e.g., further education, volunteering, freelance work) and highlight the skills you developed during that time.

12. Should I include references on my CV?

You can include a section for references or indicate that references are available upon request. If you choose to include references, provide the names, job titles, contact information, and your relationship to the reference.

13. How often should I update my CV?

Regularly update your CV with new skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s a good idea to review and update your CV at least once a year or whenever you gain significant new experience or qualifications.

14. What file format should I use to save my CV?

Save your CV as a PDF to ensure the formatting is preserved when viewed on different devices. Name the file appropriately (e.g., “YourName_CV.pdf”).

15. How can I make my CV stand out?

Tailor your CV for each job application.
Use a professional and clean format.
Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements.
Include keywords from the job description.
Proofread for errors and ensure consistency.

By following these guidelines and tailoring your CV to each job application, you can create a compelling document that effectively showcases your qualifications and helps you stand out to potential employers.