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What is a CV?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a detailed document highlighting an individual’s educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Unlike a resume, which is typically concise and tailored for a specific job, a CV provides a comprehensive overview and is often used for academic, research, or scholarship applications. It includes sections on personal details, objectives, academic achievements, work experience, skills, and references, presenting the candidate’s qualifications in a structured format.

The Concept of CV in British and American English

All or most of you will have to write an effective Curriculum Vitae, in short, CV (called ‘resume’ in American English), for various purposes such as obtaining a job or scholarship. Writing a good CV is a skill you will need for your career.

In British English, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed document summarizing a person’s education, work experience, and skills, primarily used for job applications. In contrast, American English often uses the term “resume,” which is typically shorter and more focused on specific job applications. While both serve similar purposes, a CV in the U.S. may include more academic accomplishments and research, especially in academic and medical fields, making it more comprehensive than a resume.

How many page should I write CV?

The CV is meant to introduce you and your background to someone who does not know you. It should present you in the best possible light, in a concise and well-structured manner. A regular CV for business purposes should not exceed one A4 size page. If used for academic purposes, the CV can extend beyond this limit, allowing space to describe academic activities, such as conferences and publications.

A CV should typically be one page long for most job applications, especially in business contexts. However, if you’re applying for academic positions or have extensive experience, it can extend to two or more pages to include detailed information about your education, publications, and relevant experiences. The key is to keep it concise while including all necessary information relevant to the position you’re applying for.

The purpose of Well write CV

A well-written CV highlights what is most important while containing all relevant information. To achieve this, it is advisable to adapt it to suit your target (specific type of job or scholarship). Pay attention to the order in which you present information in your CV. A well-written CV is essential for effectively presenting yourself to potential employers or academic institutions.

It serves as an introduction that highlights your qualifications, skills, and experiences in a structured manner, making it easier for the reader to evaluate your suitability for a position. A strong CV creates a positive first impression, summarizes your career progression, and acts as a marketing tool for your professional journey. Overall, it is crucial for showcasing your capabilities and setting you apart from other candidates.

9 Essential Steps to Crafting an Impactful CV

Here are guidelines for writing a good CV. Although there are various ways to write a CV, they agree on some common details.

The information you need to provide in your CV includes:

Personal Details: Here, you should include your date of birth, contact address, telephone number, and nationality. If you have a permanent address different from your temporary address, include both. Personal details can be written in smaller fonts than the rest of the CV to save space. You should write your name in a larger font than the rest of the text so that the reader can easily see whose CV they are reading.

Objective: State very concisely what you aim to do. Say something like, “To develop a career in…,” or be more specific, such as “to obtain a position in… where I can use my skills in…” You can write a few lines describing this specifically, but keep in mind that you should focus on what you can offer the organization or company you are applying to, rather than what the company can do for you. Writing a good objective can be challenging, so take some time to think about what exactly you want to convey.

Academic Achievements: After your personal details, provide information about your education. It is recommended to present educational details in reverse chronological order, starting with your latest degree and moving backward. Mention all your academic achievements, including grades/divisions/classes. Include any scholarships and awards you received, along with achievements in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Experience: Include any relevant experiences for the position you are applying for. Demonstrate that you are a person who can take initiative, is creative, and is innovative. Convince employers that you are the best candidate for the job.

Extracurricular Activities: If you are writing a professional CV rather than an academic one, mention any activities or programs you have attended or participated in.

Language Skills: Mention your proficiency in any languages you know, assessing your skills in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening as average, good, very good, or excellent.

Computer Skills: Specify your knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word or other computer programs.

Hobbies: List your hobbies if there is space left on the page. They can enhance your CV by showing you are well-rounded and not solely focused on work.

Reference: In a CV, the reference section is where you provide contact information for individuals who can vouch for your skills, experience, and character. Typically, you should list 2-3 referees, including their name, title, organization, email address, and phone number. It’s important to seek permission from your referees beforehand and to choose individuals who are familiar with your work ethic and achievements. This section adds credibility to your application and allows potential employers to verify your qualifications.

You may introduce other headings that suit your needs. Include a references section, listing the contact details of 2 or 3 people who can write recommendation or reference letters for you.

These are the usual components of a CV. Print the CV on plain white paper. Never send a CV without a cover letter. If the advertisement does not specify anything about a cover letter, you should still include one. Send the CV with the cover letter in a matching A4 size envelope.