CV GUIDE
What is a CV?
A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, is a Latin phrase meaning “the course of my life.” It is a detailed 1-2 page document that presents an overview of your skills, experience, achievements, and personal attributes. It serves as your first introduction to a prospective employer, making it a crucial tool in securing job opportunities. CV gives you the chance to make a strong first impression and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CV AND RESUME
| CV | Characteristics | Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed, Can be 2 pages or more | Length | Concise, single page |
| Overview of your experiences, qualifications and accomplishments | Content | Quick and targeted short summary of the most relevant information about you |
| Chronologically, Changes as your accomplishments grow | Layout | Reverse-chronologically, Highly customised to each job |
FORMATTING TIPS
CV Writing Tips
Keep your CV professional and structured to make a strong impression on employers.
- Keep the CV to 1 page, max 2 pages: Employers spend an average of 7-8 seconds reviewing a CV. Make it concise and impactful.
- Use a professional font: Stick to font size 11, Black, Arial/Calibri – avoid fancy fonts.
- Structure the content effectively: Use bullet points and subheadings for readability.
- Tailor your CV: Adjust your base template to highlight relevant skills based on the job description and company research.
- Check for mistakes: Ensure there are no spelling, grammar, or capitalization errors.
- Be honest: Employers verify backgrounds, check references, and may question CV details in interviews.
- Use buzzwords and keywords: Avoid passive language like "I did XX" or "I worked XX". Instead, use action words like "Collaborated with XX" or "Designed XX".
Examples of buzzwords: Download here
KEY SECTIONS
Personal Information
Full name, Contact Details (Phone number, Email Address that contains your name), and Linkedin Profile. A professional photo is optional!
Academic History
List your education in reverse chronological order, mentioning the institution, years of study, and key relevant courses.
Professional Experience
Include job title, company name, duration, key contributions, and achievements using the STAR method.
Skills and Qualifications
- Soft Skills: Teamwork, Communication, Leadership, Time Management
- Technical Skills: Data Analytics, Programming, Social Media, Project Management
Achievements and Awards
List key achievements with the award name, year received, and organization.
Publications and Presentations
Include academic or conference papers with citations.
Hobbies and Interests (if space permits)
List hobbies that add value to your profile.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Spelling and Grammar Errors
Typos and grammatical mistakes can create a bad impression. Always proofread your CV before submitting it.
Irrelevant Information
Including unrelated work experience or personal details can clutter your CV. Keep it relevant to the job you're applying for.
Poor Formatting
Inconsistent font sizes, poor alignment, and a lack of structure can make your CV hard to read.
Not Tailoring the CV
A generic CV may not highlight your suitability for a particular role. Customize it to match job requirements.
Overloading with Jargons and Buzzwords
Excessive use of technical terms and corporate buzzwords can make your CV difficult to understand. Keep it clear and concise.