Guide to writing a curriculum vitae

When it comes to looking for a job, your CV is crucial. Getting your CV right will determine whether you will be considered for a job or not. Despite each person’s CV being different, every CV follows a similar structure.

This guide will assist you in how you can write and improve your CV for 2020 and beyond.

Your CV is basically a personal marketing tool that you use to sell yourself to potential employers. It would ultimately tell employers more about you, your skills, experience, abilities, and achievements. A CV’s main goal is to highlight why you’re the best person for the job. When it comes to applying for a job, it is required and in some cases, a cover letter is required.

When it comes to drawing up your CV, it is advisable for it to not be longer than two pages. However, you should provide a more detailed synopsis of your skills, previous work experience as well as education and contact details.

The first part of your CV should focus on your name, contact details, and professional title. When it comes to your contact details, make sure to include your email address, contact number, and location.

After your contact details have been added, add in a personal profile. This is essentially a short paragraph that follows after your name and contact details. This is quite important because it gives potential employers an overview of who you are and what you’re all about.

Note that when you’re writing out your personal profile, make sure that you are able to highlight specific qualities that match your profile to the position you are applying for.

By indicating your previous employment history, internships and experience, it will help the prospective employer know if you are best suited for the job. When listing your previous experience, put them in chronological order, including your job title, employer and dates that you’ve worked there. Lastly, state the role and key responsibilities of that role.

Like your experience section, your education should be listed in chronological order. This should include the name of the institutions and dates you were in attendance, as well as the qualifications and grades you achieved.

If you still have room on your CV, you can include your key skills as well as your hobbies and interests. This will help you showcase how well you fit in the company or industry.