How To Write A CV

How To Write A CV: Seeking jobs in modern work is a challenging task. The evolution of technology has contributed to making lives easy and hard at the same time. For example, there are multiple tools and literature on how to write a Curriculum Vitae (CV) at the same time making the process of writing the best one that gets shortlisted hard. CV is often seen as an instrument of matchmaking between the employee and employer.

So in this article, we will understand what is curriculum vitae is and its importance, how to write a curriculum vitae, how different it is from a resume, sections or essential information to be present, and finally, some hacks to make an ATS-friendly CV.

Curriculum vitae also known as a CV, is a comprehensive statement of the educational background, teaching, research experience, professional experience, skill sets and accomplishments of an individual. It’s a comprehensive note of an individual’s academic and professional journey.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is an important document that helps us unlock the door to an interview. This document makes the first impression of a job seeker to his recruiters, human resource managers, or hiring managers.

In simple words, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed version of a Resume. A Resume is a summary of your career, generally limited to a page or two. It is usually customized to the job that you are applying to by the job description (JD) provided. A CV is a detailed documentation that is multiple pages comprised of your educational background, job history and achievements, publications, awards, and any other key skill sets that are important to your industry.

There are no hard and set rules to be followed to write a Curriculum Vitae. However, there are certain standard practices like adding and organizing all necessary sections of information, which will be discussed in upcoming sections of this article. A curriculum vitae should ideally be of 2-3 days and a maximum of 4 pages. It should cover all the necessary details, presented in an organised manner. Resume on the other hand can be a one-pager document, which included necessary portions from CV to meet the job descriptions on need-to-have basis.

Writing a crisp brief introduction

A brief introduction gives an overview of an individual’s full name, professional title, phone number, home address, email address, and links to your social media profile as a part of the header. A particular add-on in this section is to have links to your portfolio which might give an adding edge among competitors.

Employment history with description

This section is important as a job seeker you will be pitching your experience and skills to the recruiter. You can list down all the places you have worked or interned with joining and leaving dates. It’s essential to list the work you have done daily, quantify it, note achievements, crucial projects and responsibilities you have taken on.

Academic history with description

In this section mention all academic activities you have undertaken. It’s an add-on to mention grades, subjects you have majored in so that the hiring managers can have a glance at the foundation knowledge you possess and understand your candidature.

List down skills and achievements

This is the crucial segment that reflects your skills and job readiness. You may add all necessary soft skills, tech skills you have been trained and equipped with. An add-on is to align your skills to those mentioned in the job description so that the recruiter will take cognizance in prioritization. List down all achievements, certificates and put a link to them as well so that your CV stands out in the crowd.

Add any additional details

You are always free to add any additional details that you want the recruiter to know about you. This way people can convey your interests, personal details which you seem significant. Additional relevant details might draw the interest of the recruiter.

There are various types of CV formats prepared for different purposes and career stages:

• Chronological CV: In this CV format lists work experience, educational information is presented in the reverse chronological order, showcasing career progression. This is Ideal for those who have a continuous working experience without any gaps or breaks.

• Functional CV: This CV focuses on skills and achievements rather than work history. This is often suitable for career changers or those with diverse skills who are applying for roles which are different form what they have studies or pratcied earlier.

• Combination CV (or Hybrid CV): As the name suggests its a combination of chronological and functional CV formats. It highlights both work experience and skills.

• Resume or Targeted/Mini CV : It is a concise version of CV which is limited to one or two pages. It highlights key skills and experiences relevant to the job. It’s customized for specific jobs or industries, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.

• Creative CV: This is a way of showcasing personality and creativity through unique design elements, suitable for creative industries. Usally followed by people in Graphics, Design roles.

As the saying goes “Honesty is the best Policy”, covering gaps in career or CV has to be done in a honest way with some subtlety. Carrer-gap is a common phenomena of the new age world. Being vocal and truth about it with employer or recruiting manger will set good precedence.

• Provide an brief explanation to explain the reason for the gap. It maybe due to personal reasons, pursuing further education, taking care of family members, or exploring new opportunities, provide a clear and concise explanation.

• Highlight Relevant Activities and skills gained in any volunteer work, freelance projects, part-time roles, or professional development activities during the gap period, include them in your CV. This emphasizes on the skills and experiences gained during the gap period that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.

As a result of the digitalization phenomenon, new-age job recruitment has turned completely digital from drafting CVs on computer, using AI to make resumes, seeking jobs, submitting CVs by email and job portals, recruitment interview process on Zoom calls or online meeting each phase of candidate recruitment has seen digital intervention.

On this line, many big companies and job portals have automated the process of shortlisting candidates using technology. Many software are built to shortlist suitable candidates based on their job and skill requirements and candidates’ CVs. This software is called an applicant tracking system (ATS).

Tips for ATS complaint CV

• Keep the CV Clean and use a standard professional font style while preparing a CV.
• Preferably send out CVs or resumes in a PDF format so that it’s easily readable.
• While applying for the job include relevant skills as keywords and use titles as asked in the Job description.
• Make CVs easy to read, and arrange information using bullet points and short sentences to list details.
• Use a professional email address and keep things professional.
• Proofread and correct grammar before sending out resumes or CVs.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

Objective:
[Optional: Brief statement about your career goals or the position you are seeking]

Work Experience:
[Job Title]
[Company Name], [Location]
Dates of Employment (Month, Year - Month, Year)

[Job Title]
[Company Name], [Location]
Dates of Employment (Month, Year - Month, Year)

Description of responsibilities and achievements
[Continue adding work experience as needed]

Education:
[Degree Earned], [Major/Field of Study]
[Institution Name], [Location]
Year Graduated]


Skills:
[Skill 1]
[Skill 2]
[Skill 3]


Awards and Honors:
[Award/Honor Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year Received]

Certifications (if applicable):
[Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Date Earned]

Volunteer Experience (if applicable):
[Organization Name], [Role/Position], [Dates of Involvement]

Publications (if applicable):
[Publication Title], [Journal/Conference Name], [Year Published]

References:
[Available upon request]

Mahesh R 
Bengaluru
India
[mailmrb@gmail.com
+91 99999 99999

Objective:
Dynamic and results-driven Computer Science Engineer with a passion for research in computer networks. Seeking opportunities to leverage expertise in coding and networking to contribute to innovative projects and solutions.

Work Experience:
Software Engineer Intern
Juniper Network, New York
Jan 2018 - Present
- Developed and maintained software applications for networking routers.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement new features and enhancements.
- Gained hands-on experience with computer netwokring softwares.

Education:
Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering - 2016
Banglore University, Bengaluru
9.2 CGPA 

Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Engineering - 2014
VTU, Dharwad
8.6 CGPA

Skills:
- Proficient in programming languages including Java, Python, C++
- Strong understanding of computer networks concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, etc.)
- Experience with network simulation tools such as NS-3 and Wireshark
- Knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN) principles
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities

Research Experience:
Conducted in-depth research on computer networks.
Published research paper titled "Privacy Protection in Networking" in IEEE Xplore.
Presented findings at IEEE Conference, Tokyo.

Research Assistant
Banglore University, Bengaluru
Jan 2015 - June 2016
- Assisted in conducting experiments and data analysis for research projects in computer networks.
- Contributed to the writing and editing of research papers and technical reports.

Publications
Mahesh, et al. "Privacy Protection in Networking." IEEE Explore, 2017.

Awards
Best young researcher award - 2016

References:
Prof. ABC
mailabc@gmail.com

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What is the ideal length of a CV?

Ideal length of a CV is around 2-4 pages, however more importance is on content than length.

Where to make a CV?

CV’s can be made online usinh any CV maker tool or website. Also one can use MS-Word. Google Docs and other related softwares to make a CV. Its preferred to send a CV in pdf format.

Is A CV the same as a resume?

Yes, they are used interchangeably. One difference is that CV is a lengthier version and resume is a summary of a CV.

Is a CV a cover letter?

No, CV is a deatiled documnet of the candiate whereas Coverletter is a note written by candidate to compliment their CV and show intent for the job.

What is the format or important sections of a CV?

Important CV sections include persona contact information, work experience, educational background, skills and achievements.

What is a good ATS score?

A good score on an ATS resume scan is typically considered to be 80% or higher.