• Study Abroad

How to write a CV?

859 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Sep 28,2023 01:18 PM IST

Candidates can benefit immensely by learning how to write a CV, as it’s their first chance to promote themselves to an employer. A CV is a short, written summary of skills, achievements and experience related to the job role.

Recruiters only spend eight seconds looking at the CV, so one has to be sure that it stands out for all the right reasons. A CV should ensure that the application is progressed to the interview stage. A CV stands for curriculum vitae, a Latin phrase meaning ‘course of life’, and is a document used for applying for jobs.

It summarizes the candidate’s education, skills and relevant work experience, enabling them to successfully sell their abilities to potential employers. Alongside the CV, employers may also ask for a cover letter. A cover letter acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell the application.

Does one need a CV or a Resume?

The usage of a resume and a CV depends on the location, as both are used interchangeably in Europe, but in the United States, it’s a bit different. Along with LOR, a CV or a resume needs to be enlisted.

• A resume is a one-page summary of work experience and background to the job one is applying for.

• A CV, meanwhile, is a longer academic diary that includes all their experience, publications and more.

• The major difference is that a resume is about one page or a maximum of two, whereas a CV can be longer.

• A resume is used for job hunting in all industries, and a CV is used for jobs and admissions in academia.

• The resume is tailored to the specific job one is applying for, and a CV is a comprehensive overview.

How to write a CV?

There are different CV styles. Out of these, one should be used that best matches the role, and the stage candidate is in their life or career.

Traditional CV or Chronological CV

It lists the work and education history, starting with the most recent.

Skills-based or targeted CV

It focuses on the job-related skills and the personal qualities.

Technical CV

It is used in professions like IT and engineering and highlights the skills that are important in the relevant industry.

Creative CV

It is used in creative and digital arts and can link to an online portfolio, contain video or infographics, or include digital tools that make it stand out from the others.

Academic CV

It’s generally longer than a traditional or skill-based CV and is often used for teaching and research careers.

What should be included in a CV?

A CV includes some additional information as compared to a resume and is mostly written in a detailed manner.

Contact details

Full name, home address, mobile number and email address should be included. There could also be an online portfolio link, networking profile and a website within the contact details.

Profile

A CV profile is a concise statement that highlights the key attributes and relevant achievements and skills while expressing the career aims. A good CV profile focuses on the sector one is applying to, as the cover letter will be job-specific.

Education

List and date all previous education, including professional qualifications, and place the most recent first.

Work experience

List the work experience in reverse date order, ensuring everything relevant to the job is mentioned. Job title, name of the company, duration with the organization and key responsibilities should be included.

Skills and achievements

Skills like the number of languages spoken or any skill relevant to the job should be mentioned. Achievements should not be exaggerated, as one must back up the claims at the interview.

Interests

Relevant interests can provide a more complete picture of who the candidate is, as well as something to talk about at the interview. Good examples could be writing one’s own blog, community newsletters, etc.

References

It can be mentioned that ‘references are available upon request’, but most employers would assume this to be the case, so if one is stuck for space, one can leave this out.

Tips for writing a good CV

After comprehending what the difference between a CV and a resume, some tips could be handy for writing a good CV.

how to write a good cv.webp

Use active verbs when possible

Include words like ‘created’, ‘analysed’, and ‘devised’ to present oneself as an individual who shows initiative.

No spelling or grammar mistakes

Use a spell checker and enlist a second pair of eyes to check over the document.

Avoid generic, over-used phrases

Instead of the terms ‘team player’, ‘hardworking’, and ‘multitasker’, provide real-life examples demonstrating all the skills.

Don’t lie or exaggerate on the CV or job application

Not only will you demonstrate dishonesty to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences, too.

Always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise

The cover letter will enable to personalize the application. It can be utilized to draw attention to a particular part of the CV.

For more detailed information on how to write a CV, get complete assistance from Canam Consultants, the leading overseas consultants.

Conclusion

Essentially, a CV is the first part of the job search process and should be a brief account of one’s education, qualifications, and previous employment. It is a form of personal marketing, and so one should make sure that when they write a CV, it should show them in the best light. Candidates should conduct sincere research on how to write a CV and then proceed with the process of writing it well.

Also read: How to write a statement of purpose

FAQ

Does a CV need a signature?

It can be added. The candidate’s signature should be hand-written and could be scanned or photographed if sent electronically.

How many pages of CV is allowed?

Most recruiters agree that the average golden length for a CV is two or three pages. Though it is always best to keep it crisp.

What is most important in a CV?

The essentials are most important, which include contact information, resume summary, work experience, education and skills.

What is the golden rule for CV?

Relevance is always the number one rule one should follow when building a CV. It will ensure that everything mentioned is relevant to the role.

Which format is used for CV?

Submitting a CV as a PDF file is among the most popular choices for many candidates and hiring companies.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Australian Technical and Management College (ATMC) - Western Sydney University - Melbourne Campus

Victoria, Australia • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 34000-34500 / year

Navitas Group - Western Sydney University International College

New South Wales, Australia • 347 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 23500-37000 / year

Confederation College - Thunder Bay Campus

Ontario, Canada • 32 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17000-26000 / year

International Institute of Business and Technology (IIBT) - Perth Campus

Western Australia, Australia • 2 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 21000-21500 / year

Kaplan Group - University of Victoria

British Columbia, Canada • 95 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 29500-32500 / year

EDUCO - Golden West College

California, USA • 44 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 9000-10000 / year

Toronto Metropolitan University

Ontario, Canada • 79 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 31500-39000 / year

University of Bradford

England, UK • 194 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 16000-23500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Dubai

5th June to 15th June • 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In-Person Event

Final Call For Fall 2024

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland • Application Days

All Canam Offices, India • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visits - Vancouver Film School

Study in Canada • University Visit

kochi2 • 01:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Colleges in Canada for International Students

Canada has some of the greatest colleges in the world. These colleges build their course content to accommodate both in-class and practical training s...

Updated on • May 08,2024 01:49 PM IST • Colleges in Canada

Minimum IELTS Score for USA

The USA is considered to be one of the best study-abroad destinations in the world. It offers high-quality education, a diverse environment, and infin...

Updated on • May 03,2024 04:23 PM IST • USA

Finance Courses & Universities in Canada

Canada is one of the best countries to pursue higher education, as several students want to pursue finance courses in Canada after 12th grade. Finance...

Updated on • May 02,2024 05:16 PM IST • Courses in Canada

Top Colleges & Universities in Christchurch for Indian Students

Christchurch, a city in New Zealand, is the land of dreams for international students who have chosen this city to start their academic journey. It is...

Updated on • May 02,2024 01:55 PM IST • New Zealand

Education loan with Collateral to Study Abroad

Studying abroad requires a lot of money, which is not easy for any middle-class person; therefore, an aspiring Indian student often takes the help of ...

Updated on • May 01,2024 05:37 PM IST • Education Loans

Chevening Scholarships in UK

Chevening Scholarships in the UK help international students study in a stress-free way and focus entirely on their studies. It’s a fully-funded sch...

Updated on • May 01,2024 03:11 PM IST • study in the UK

How Students Can Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing While Studying Abroad

Embarking on a study abroad adventure is like diving into a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, exhilarating experiences, and enriching academ...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 05:30 PM IST • Study Abroad

Accommodation for Students in Canada

Thousands of students go to Canada every year to pursue higher education. Before going there, one needs to consider various factors, one of which is a...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 05:28 PM IST • Study in Canada

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2024

Canada, one of the most preferred study destination, offers abundant prospects for a student’s career growth. The cost of living in Canada is one of...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 03:21 PM IST • Study Abroad

IELTS Cue Card Sample 559 - Describe your favourite dress

IELTS is one of the most popular English language proficiency exams worldwide. It assesses a student's language proficiency via four major modules: re...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 03:12 PM IST • IELTS

English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words

Silent letters are one of the most important aspects of the English language. Although they are not usually pronounced, they can make a huge differenc...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 04:44 PM IST • IELTS

Admission in Canada: UG & PG Application Requirements for Canadian Universities

After getting admission to Canadian institutions, International students have immense personal growth and career enhancement opportunities. These oppo...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 03:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

LLM in Australia: Top Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Scholarship for Indian Students

Master in Laws (LLM) is a globally recognised postgraduate degree designed to broaden the legal knowledge of students. LLM (Master of Laws) in Austral...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 05:26 PM IST • Australia

Cost of Studying in UK

Did you know Brits drink about 100 million cups of tea daily? That sounds a lot, but that's not the only astounding fact about the UK; apparently, the...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:18 PM IST • UK

SOP for MBA - Format, Samples and Expert Tips

A statement of purpose (SOP) is essential for an MBA application and allows students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations ...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:11 PM IST • SOP

Why Study in Ireland ?

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, which is home to the world's most reputed universities and colleges, famous for their we...

Updated on • Apr 25,2024 03:43 PM IST • Ireland

Why study in Canada?

The thought of international education and studying in Canada go hand in hand, and there’s an interesting reason for this. The thing is, almost 80% ...

Updated on • Apr 23,2024 12:15 PM IST • Study in Canada

Timeline for USA Summer Intake: Deadlines & Universities Requirements

Studying in the USA provides high-quality education with diverse academic programs along with personal and professional growth opportunities. The Unit...

Updated on • Apr 19,2024 03:45 PM IST • USA

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

IELTS is one of the most popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test has many versions, such as IELTS Academic, IELTS General Tra...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 05:42 PM IST • IELTS

Study in Canada after 12th

Canada is a popular study abroad destination for international students seeking to study in Canada after 12th due to its world-class education system,...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 01:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

How to write a CV?

Table of Contents

Does one need a CV or a Resume?

How to write a CV?

Traditional CV or Chronological CV

Skills-based or targeted CV

Technical CV

Creative CV

Academic CV

What should be included in a CV?

Contact details

Profile

Education

Work experience

Skills and achievements

Interests

References

Tips for writing a good CV

Use active verbs when possible

No spelling or grammar mistakes

Avoid generic, over-used phrases

Don’t lie or exaggerate on the CV or job application

Always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams