The Basics of Writing a CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is one of the most important documents when you apply for a job. The chances of you getting a job depend significantly on your CV. Therefore, it’s essential to invest enough time and effort in creating a resume that interests and impresses recruiters. 

Let’s discuss the basics of CV writing to help you get started.

Use the Right Format

CV formats can vary from industry to industry. Some people even decide to get creative and come up with their own format. Avoid doing this, and adhere to a proven CV format. Here’s the standard CV format used in all industries. 

• Header with personal and contact information
• Resume summary or objective
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Additional sections

It’s essential to use clear and professional fonts. Also, don’t try to make your CV look visually appealing by including images or colors. A standard unicolor or bicolor resume with no images will get the job done. 

Pay Close Attention to Your CV Summary

People sometimes make this mistake. They focus all their efforts on work experience, skills, and education and forget about the most important section of a CV – the Summary or Objective. Recruiters check hundreds of CVs every day, and they don’t have the time to read the entire resume. 

So, they read the CV summary to decide if the candidate is the right fit for the job or not. So, pay close attention to your CV summary and make sure it gives a full picture. 

Pro tip: Tailor the summary as per the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed. 

Make Your Experience Section Detailed

After the summary, your work experience is the most important section when writing your CV. Ensure that you make that section comprehensive by clearly explaining your previous roles, including your responsibilities and achievements. 

Here’s a pro tip. Add numbers to your work experience to make everything look more legitimate and data-driven. 

Keep Your Education to the Point

Most recruiters don’t pay much attention to education unless you’re applying for a specialized field like doctor or lawyer. However, the education sector is still necessary. So, keep it to the point and briefly describe your educational qualifications and honors (if any). Don’t make this section too detailed. 

Optimize Your Skills Section as Per Job Requirements

Apart from your work experience, your skills play a vital role in your selection process. When recruiters check your CV, they look for the skills you possess and match them with the skills needed for the job. If the two overlap, you have a high chance of getting the job. So, make sure that the skills you include in your resume are in line with the skills required for the job. 

Wrap Up

Your CV is like a sales document that allows you to promote your skills and experience. When you apply for a job, your CV plays a vital role in determining whether you’ll get the role. Therefore, it’s essential to write a CV that impresses the recruiters and increases your chances of getting the job you apply for.