How to write CV? | Curriculum Vitae | Akrivia HCM

What is CV?

A curriculum vitae, also known as a CV, is a document that summarizes your educational, professional, and research experience. CVs are typically longer and more detailed than resumes. The purpose of a CV is to outline an individual’s employment and educational history and any special awards or recognitions they have received.

What to include in a curriculum vitae?

A CV typically includes the following information:

• Name: Your full name, including any middle names or initials.
• Contact information: Your mailing address, email address, and phone number.
• Education: A list of your educational institutions and degrees earned.
• Professional experience: A list of your professional positions, including dates of employment, job titles, and responsibilities.
• Awards and honors: A list of any awards or honors you have received.
• Memberships: A list of any professional organizations you belong to.
• Skills: A list of your skills and abilities, including technical skills, language skills, and other relevant skills.

How to write a CV for a job?

When writing your curriculam vitae, it is important to be clear, concise, and consistent. Focus on showcasing the skills and experience that are most important to the job opening. And proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.

Below are some further pointers for creating an impressive CV:

• Use the right font: Use a professional font and format. Use a standard font size and font type, and left-align your text.
• Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page CV for entry-level positions and two pages for more experienced candidates.
• Use numbers and metrics: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This will help employers understand the impact of your work.
• Proofread your CV carefully: Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional. Make sure to proofread your curriculam vitae carefully before submitting it.

Three CV Format Types

The three main types of CV formats are reverse-chronological, functional, and combination.

• Reverse-chronological CV: This is the most common CV format. It is a more traditional style of CV that focuses on work experience, education, and accomplishments from the most recent and relevant to the least recent. It is ideal for job seekers with a solid work history and career progression.
• Functional CV: A functional CV is the one that is organized around a summary of your skills and relevant experience rather than around the job history. It’s a good choice if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment history.
• Combination CV: This format is a hybrid of the reverse-chronological and functional formats. It lists your work experience but also includes a skills section. This type of CV is best suited for applicants who possess a diverse range of skills and have varied job histories.

Advantages & Disadvantages of CV

The pros and cons of each CV format are summarized in the table below:

Ultimately, the best CV format for you will depend on your job prospects, career goals, and aspirations.

CV Template

a. Name and contact information

• Your name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Your LinkedIn profile URL (optional)

b. Summary

• Craft a summary of your skills and experience tailored to the job you intend to apply for.

c. Work experience

• List your recent work experience, beginning with your most recent job.

d. Professional summary

• Job title
• Company name
• Dates of employment
• Brief description of your duties and responsibilities

e. Education

• List your educational institutions, the degrees you earned, and the dates you attended.
• Include any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities.

f. Skills

• List your hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills).
• Use keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

g. Awards and honors

• Showcase any awards or honors that you have received.

h. Publications

• List any publications that you have authored or co-authored.

i. References

• List the names and contact information of three references who can speak to your skills and experience.

j. Other

• Include additional information, such as volunteer experience or professional affiliations, in your application if relevant.