Writing Guide: How to Write a Curriculum Vitae for a Job Application
Writing a winning CV is a crucial step in the job-hunting process. If you get it right, you are likely to receive multiple interviews in no time and, ultimately, a job opportunity. A Curriculum Vitae, commonly abbreviated as CV, is a document that you submit for your job application that summarizes your educational background, skills, qualifications, and experiences, which allows you to sell your abilities to potential employers. The main aim of a CV is to get a job. Therefore, your main focus should be to create a CV that successfully presents you as the most suitable candidate for a particular position.
While there is no one-size-fits-all perfect CV, there are particular sections that must be included in a CV.
- Personal information– The first section of your CV, which is positioned at the top of the page, should contain your personal information, including your full names, both professional title and contact details. Contact details should include both your official email address and phone numbers.
- A personal profile– This is the second and the most important section of your CV. This segment is basically a short paragraph that gives your potential employers a brief overview of who you are. When developing this section, ensure that you tailor your experience to the job you are applying for. Highlight all qualities and skills that you possess that match up to the role. This section should address who you are, what you can offer, and your career goals.
- Employment History- Beginning with your most recent role, list your employment history, starting with the job title and the company of employment in bold, followed by the time frame when you worked there. Also include other vital points, such as the experience acquired.
- Education and Qualifications- This section covers your educational background and other qualifications. Your education should be presented in reverse chronological order beginning with the name of the institution, followed by the dates and the qualifications achieved.
- Additional sections- Although not mandatory, there are sections that, when included in your CV, make you stand out among other applicants. This may include a section outlining your skills and abilities and another describing your hobbies and interests.
- This is the last section of your Cv. Also, no longer obligatory. Listing your referees and their contacts may strengthen your CV.
A typical CV does not exceed two pages. It should be short and brief with a navigable structure. Some details that are not desirable in your CV include your age and date of birth and your marital status. It takes just a few seconds for a prospective employer to go through your CV. Therefore, ensure to proofread your CV before submission to make it look neat.
