Discover what a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is, what it should include, and how to create a compelling CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements to land your dream job. Essential tips, expert guidance, and formatting advice included.

What Is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a professional marketing tool and one of the most critical documents in your career journey. It serves as a comprehensive summary of your educational background, work experience, and key skills, crafted to align with your career goals. Think of it as your personal advertisement—one that must instantly demonstrate your value to a potential employer.

Recruiters often spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV, so it’s crucial that yours clearly communicates why you are the right fit. Your CV should be well-structured, easy to read, and should highlight your strengths, achievements, and qualifications.

What to Include in a Curriculum Vitae

1. Personal Information

• Full name
• Current and permanent address
• Phone number(s)
• Email address

2. Career Objective

A clear, concise statement of your career goals, tailored to the job you are applying for. If your goals vary by employer, include this in your cover letter instead.

3. Summary of Skills/Professional Expertise

Highlight your top skills and professional capabilities. This section is especially helpful if you have diverse experience across industries or roles.

4. Education

• List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order.
• Include institution names, degree(s), major(s), honors, and any special programs like internships or study abroad.
• Only include GPA if explicitly requested by the employer.

5. Work Experience

Include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, freelance projects, and any relevant unpaid roles:

• Job title
• Organization name
• Location (city, state)
• Dates of employment
• Description of responsibilities and accomplishments
• Use reverse chronological order and emphasize achievements using action verbs and measurable results.

6. Publications (if applicable)

Include research papers, articles, or books that are relevant to your career goals. For extensive lists, mention that a full list is available upon request.

7. Computer Skills

Mention proficiency in relevant software, platforms, or tools.

8. Language Skills

Clearly state your level of fluency. Example: “Fluent in French, proficient in Japanese, basic Spanish.”

9. Interests

Add a brief line or two about hobbies, travel, or other interests that may spark conversation and demonstrate soft skills.

10. References

You can simply write: “References available upon request.” Prepare a separate reference list when needed.

CV Writing Tips

Content Tips

• Use spell check and have someone proofread your CV.
• Use strong action verbs like “achieved,” “managed,” “led.”
• Emphasize recent, relevant experience.
• Focus on accomplishments, not just duties.

Design Tips

• Use clean, professional fonts (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri) in sizes 10–14.
• Stick to black text on white or off-white paper.
• Avoid using graphics, excessive bolding, or colored fonts.
• Keep layout simple and avoid using tables or lines.
• Keep your CV to one or two full pages—never 1.5 pages.

Online Presence

Consider uploading your CV to professional platforms or job boards. Many global recruitment agencies allow you to post your resume for free.

Final Thoughts

A strong CV is your gateway to job interviews. It must be visually appealing, content-rich, and tailored to the job you’re pursuing. Take the time to fine-tune your resume so that it accurately reflects your strengths and professional value.