How To Write A Curriculum Vitae
Submitting a curriculum vitae is usually a requirement for most job openings and a good curriculum vitae can be an extremely powerful tool for getting you your dream job. But what exactly makes a good curriculum vitae? If you are currently cracking your head trying to figure this out, then you’re in the right place, and we’ll show you, step by step, how to write a great curriculum vitae.
Your curriculum vitae will need to be written in a certain format, in terms of what in formation which is generally acceptable, but you still have a lot of room for expressing yourself.
Instructions
-
1
Contact Details
Generally, your contact details should be presented first, usually as a header; but you could choose to present it differently if you like. Your contact information should include your name, address, telephone numbers and email address. -
2
Opening Statement
The opening statement should be an optional paragraph that you may use to provide a snapshot—two to four sentences at most—of your experience and qualifications, and purpose for seeking employment with the organization. the opening statement is usually called the objective statement or purpose statement, but you may title yours whatever you would like to. -
3
Experience
For fresh graduates, or people with limited work experience, education will often be the next section written; but for people with considerable work experience, work experience should be the next thing on your curriculum vitae.
You will need to list out the following details:
Organizations worked for, dates you worked there, positions you held there, key accomplishments and responsibilities. -
4
Education
Just as with the work experience section, you should list out your educational accomplishments, listing out institutions you attended, dates you attended them, and your major at each one. -
5
Achievements/honors
If you have achieved any noteworthy awards or honors, this would be the place to list them out. -
6
Key skills
Your key skills will be practical competencies that you are proficient at. For example, typing skills, HTML, MS excel, are some key skills that some employers will be interested in. The relevant key skills will differ for each job though, so you should be aiming for key skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. -
7
Languages
If you speak more than one language, this could be an advantage, and you should indicate so on your C.V. -
8
Interests
Lot’s of rookies make the mistake of listing hobbies and interests that are not relevant to the job they are applying for; this section should be used to indicate any interests you may have that are related to the tasks you may be asked to perform on the job. -
9
References/Referees
This is where you will list out the contact details of people such as former supervisors, lecturers and other such people who know you personally, and would be willing to give you a strong recommendation. -
10
Conclusion
A properly written curriculum vitae can make all the difference in your job application, and you should be sure to follow the tips listed above for the best results.
While you should do your best to make your experience and credentials sound as great as possible, remember that euphemism is completely different from outright embellishment and you should avoid the later as much as possible.
