How to Write a Great Cover Letter in 2024 | Guide & Tips
Learn how to write a cover letter that makes a great first impressi...
What is a CV?
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document that outlines your professional and academic history. It is designed to provide a detailed overview of your career, education, skills, and accomplishments.
Unlike a resume, which is typically one to two pages long, a CV can be much longer and includes a more extensive listing of your achievements and experiences.
Want to make it easy for yourself? Check out our downloadable CV examples to help you apply to your next job.
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Warehouse Operator CV Example
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Tutor CV Example
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the USA, a CV is primarily used for academic, research, and medical professions. It includes detailed information about your academic background, publications, research projects, and professional experiences.
Outside the USA, especially in Europe and other parts of the world, a CV is used more broadly and is similar to what Americans consider a resume. However, the term CV is often used interchangeably with resume globally, though there are distinct differences in format and content based on regional preferences.
CV vs. Resume
Here is an easy breakdown of the differences between a CV and a resume:
| CV | Resume |
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The primary purpose of a CV is to present a detailed and well-organized account of your professional and academic history to potential employers.
It serves as a marketing tool that showcases your qualifications, skills, and experiences, making you a compelling candidate for a job.
A well-crafted CV can help you stand out in competitive job markets by providing a thorough and clear picture of your career trajectory and accomplishments.
Before You Write Your CV
Before you start writing your CV, it’s essential to research the job you are applying for and understand the industry standards:
- Look for common qualifications, skills, and experiences that are valued in your field. This will help you tailor your CV to meet the specific requirements and expectations of potential employers.
- Use company websites, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn to gather relevant information. This is especially helpful in collecting the keywords you will need to make your CV ATS-friendly.
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are automated recruiting tools that filter out candidates based on qualifications and parameters set by the hiring manager, and this includes keywords for skills and experience.
Additionally, gather all the necessary information about your professional and academic background before you start writing your CV. This includes your contact information, work history, educational qualifications, skills, certifications, publications, and professional memberships.
Having all this information at hand will make the writing process smoother and ensure that you don’t miss any important details.
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UX Designer CV Example
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Teacher CV Example
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Security Engineer CV Example
Formatting Your CV
Writing a CV begins with formatting. Make sure you have the fundamentals in order before you fill your CV in with your qualifications. This includes:
Selecting the Right CV Format
Choosing the right CV format is crucial for presenting your information in a clear and organized manner. The three main types of CV formats are:
- Chronological CV: Lists your work experience and education in reverse chronological order. It’s ideal for those with a solid work history and a clear career progression.
- Functional CV: Focuses on your skills and experiences rather than your chronological work history. It’s suitable for those with gaps in employment or who are changing careers.
- Combination CV: Blends elements of both chronological and functional formats, highlighting both your skills and work history.
Choosing the Right Font and Font Size
Select a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Font size should be between 10 and 12 points for the main text, with slightly larger sizes for headings and subheadings to enhance readability.
Using Consistent Formatting and Bullet Points
Ensure that your CV maintains consistent formatting throughout. Use the same font type, size, and spacing for all sections.
Bullet points are a great way to list your responsibilities and achievements, as they make your CV easier to read and allow key information to stand out.
Keeping It Concise and Easy to Read
While a CV can be longer than a resume, it’s still important to be concise. Avoid long paragraphs and aim to keep each section focused and relevant. Use clear and direct language, and avoid unnecessary jargon.
Each section should be easily scannable, allowing employers to quickly find the information they need. Remember, in some countries, a CV can be just one page.
Utilizing White Space Effectively
Effective use of white space improves the overall readability of your CV. Avoid cramming too much information onto one page.
Use margins, line spacing, and section breaks to give your CV a clean and organized appearance. White space helps guide the reader’s eye and makes your CV more visually appealing.
CV Templates for Professionals
How to Write a CV
After picking the right format and template, a CV is broken down into five main sections:
- Contact information header.
- Profile.
- Professional experience.
- Education.
- Skills.
If you have other relevant qualifications, such as volunteer experience or certifications, you can include them in additional sections as well.
Contact Information
Your contact information is the first section of your CV and provides the details an employer needs to reach you.
Make sure this information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Name: Use your full name as it appears on official documents.
- Phone Number: Provide a phone number where you can be easily reached. Make sure your voicemail is professional.
- Email: Use a professional email address, ideally your name or a variation of it. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional addresses.
- LinkedIn Profile: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile, especially if it is complete and up-to-date. This allows employers to see more about your professional background and endorsements.
Example Contact Information for CV:
John Doe
(123) 456-7890
john.doe@fake.example.com
fake.linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Personal Profile: Summary or Objective
A CV profile, also known as a professional summary or career objective, is a brief paragraph at the beginning of your CV.
It provides an overview of who you are, your career goals, and what you bring to the table.
This section should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
- Who You Are: Start with a brief introduction about your current role or professional identity.
- Career Goals: Mention your career aspirations and how they align with the job you are applying for.
- What You Bring to the Table: Highlight your key skills, achievements, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position.
A summary will go into your past work experiences, while an objective discusses your aspirations for the position you are applying to.
In general, it is better to use the summary so that employers can quickly determine your most relevant qualifications.
However, if you lack experience, then an objective can help highlight your transferable skills and passion for the job.
Example of a CV Summary:
As an experienced marketing professional with over 10 years in the industry, I have a proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that drive brand growth and customer engagement. I am seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization where I can leverage my skills in digital marketing, content creation, and data analysis to contribute to the company’s success and further my career in marketing.
Example of a CV Objective Statement:
Recent MBA graduate with honors from the Business Administration department at Stanford University. Seeking to expand my skills in data management and marketing analytics in the field of financial data services.
Professional Experience
Your professional experience section should provide a detailed overview of your work history.
This includes your job titles, the companies you worked for, the locations, dates of employment, and a list of your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
This section should highlight your career progression and the skills you’ve acquired over time.
Job Title
- Company Name: Include the name of the company you worked for.
- Location: The city and state (or country) where the company is located.
- Dates of Employment: The time period you worked at the company, typically in the format Month Year – Month Year.
Responsibilities and Achievements:
- Use bullet points to list your key responsibilities and achievements in each role.
- Start each bullet point with a strong action verb.
- Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
- Focus on results and the impact you had in the role.
- Include keywords from the job description to make your CV ATS-friendly
CV Professional Experience Example:
Marketing Manager
Company XYZ, New York, NY
June 2015 – Present
- Developed and executed marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness by 30%.
- Managed a team of 5 marketing professionals, improving team productivity by 15%.
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities, leading to a 20% increase in sales.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch new products, achieving a 25% market penetration in the first year.
Education
The education section of your CV should detail your academic qualifications, including the institutions you attended, the dates of attendance, and the degrees earned.
This section highlights your educational background and any relevant coursework or honors that may be pertinent to the job you are applying for.
- Institution Name: The name of the school or university you attended.
- Location: The city and state (or country) where the institution is located.
- Dates of Attendance: The period you attended the institution, typically in the format Month Year – Month Year.
- Relevant Coursework or Honors: Optionally, include any specific coursework or honors that are relevant to the job.
CV Education Example:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of ABC, Los Angeles, CA
September 2010 – June 2014
- Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Market Research, Consumer Behavior
- Honors: Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Skills
The skills section of your CV should highlight the relevant skills you possess that are applicable to the job you are applying for.
These can include hard skills, technical skills, soft skills, and language proficiency.
Be sure to list skills that are specifically mentioned in the job description to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Hard Skills:
- Measurable skills that are specific to a certain ability, usually through training/education (such as data analytics or content management)
Technical Skills:
- List software, tools, and technologies you are proficient in (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, programming languages).
Soft Skills:
- Highlight interpersonal and organizational skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving).
Languages:
- Include any foreign languages you speak, along with your proficiency level (e.g., Spanish – Fluent, French – Intermediate).
Example Skills Section for CV:
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experienced with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Soft Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Proven leadership and team management skills
Languages:
- Spanish – Fluent
- French – Intermediate
Additional information
Sometimes you may need to include additional sections to your CV to showcase your qualifications better. Such sections include:
- Awards.
- Certifications.
- Volunteer work.
- Research projects and publications.
- Conferences attended.
- Relevant hobbies.
Only add additional sections if you can justify their relevance. Otherwise, any information should be placed in the work experience section or skills section of your CV.
Certifications and Awards (optional)
The Certifications and Awards section of your CV highlights any professional certifications and notable awards you have earned.
These credentials can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your field.
Professional Certifications:
- List any certifications that are relevant to your profession. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date of certification.
Notable Awards:
- Highlight any awards or honors you have received. Include the name of the award, the organization that presented it, and the date it was received.
Example:
Certifications and Awards:
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, June 2018
- Six Sigma Green Belt, American Society for Quality, September 2019
- Employee of the Year, Company XYZ, December 2020
Publications and Research (optional)
If you have academic publications, research projects, or presentations, this section allows you to showcase your contributions to your field.
Include full citations and a brief description of your role in each publication or project.
Academic Publications:
- List your publications in a consistent citation format (e.g., APA, MLA). Include the title, journal name, publication date, and co-authors if applicable.
Research Projects:
- Provide details of significant research projects you have been involved in. Include the project title, your role, the institution or organization, and the dates.
Presentations:
- Include any presentations you have given at conferences or seminars. Provide the title of the presentation, the event name, and the date.
Example:
Publications and Research:
- Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2020). “Innovative Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age.” Journal of Marketing Research, 58(3), 345-367.
- Led a research project on consumer behavior in e-commerce, University of ABC, January 2019 – December 2020.
- Presented “The Future of Digital Marketing” at the International Marketing Conference, March 2021.
Professional Memberships (optional)
This section lists any memberships in professional organizations, which can indicate your engagement with your industry and commitment to professional development.
Memberships in Professional Organizations:
- List the names of the professional organizations you are a member of. Include any positions held and the dates of membership.
Example:
Professional Memberships:
- Member, American Marketing Association, January 2015 – Present
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Board Member, Digital Marketing Association, June 2018 – Present
Member, Society for Human - Resource Management, March 2017 – Present
These steps are key to writing an effective CV. Make sure to take your time with each section to showcase your qualifications!
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Tips for Writing a CV & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing a good CV means understanding proper formatting. Consider the following tips when you write your CV:
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Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application: Customizing your CV for each job application is crucial. Employers look for candidates who meet the specific requirements of the job. Tailor your CV by:
- Highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Using keywords from the job description in your CV.
- Modifying your personal statement to reflect your interest in the specific role and company.
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Use Strong Action Verbs & Quantifiable Achievements: To make your CV more impactful, use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements wherever possible. This demonstrates your contributions and the results you’ve achieved.
- Action Verbs: Managed, led, developed, increased, implemented, designed, achieved, etc.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Numbers provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. For example, “Increased sales by 20%,” “Led a team of 5,” “Implemented a new system that reduced costs by 15%.”
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Keep the Layout Clean & Easy to Read: A clean and organized layout makes your CV more readable and professional. To achieve this:
- Use clear headings and subheadings.
- Maintain consistent formatting (fonts, font sizes, bullet points).
- Avoid clutter by leaving enough white space between sections.
- Use bullet points instead of paragraphs to list responsibilities and achievements.
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Proofread for Errors & Consistency: Proofreading is essential to ensure your CV is error-free and professional.
- Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
- Ensure that dates and job titles are consistent throughout.
- Ask a friend or colleague to review your CV for any mistakes you might have missed.
- Consider using a spell-check tool or grammar-check software.
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Avoid Irrelevant Information: While it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, including irrelevant information can make your CV look cluttered.
- Focus on experiences and skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Avoid personal details such as age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies.
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Don’t Use Generic CV for All Applications: Submitting the same CV for different job applications can reduce your chances of getting noticed.
- Customize your CV for each job by highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills.
- Use the job description to guide what information to emphasize.
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Don’t Provide Too Much Text or Unnecessary Details: A CV should be informative yet concise. Overloading it with too much text can make it hard to read.
- Keep your descriptions brief and to the point.
- Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements.
- Avoid unnecessary details that do not add value to your application.
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Update Your CV Regularly: An outdated CV can hurt your chances of landing a job. Regularly update your CV to reflect your most recent experiences and achievements.
- Add new skills, certifications, and job experiences as they occur.
- Remove outdated or less relevant information to keep your CV current.
- Periodically review and refresh the layout and formatting to ensure it looks modern and professional.
CV vs. Resume
Knowing the difference between a CV and a resume is a common question, so let’s explore it more deeply. Remember that a CV around the world can have a different meaning!
CV in the USA
In the USA, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is primarily used in academic, medical, and research fields. It is a detailed document that outlines an individual’s entire career history, including academic achievements, research, publications, presentations, and work experience.
Typical Length and Content
- Length: Unlike resumes, which are typically one to two pages long, a CV can be several pages in length.
- Content: Includes a comprehensive list of all academic qualifications, work experience, publications, research projects, presentations, awards, and professional memberships.
Specific Sections to Include
- Contact Information
- Personal Statement
- Education
- Professional Experience
- Publications and Research
- Certifications and Awards
- Professional Memberships
- References
CV in Other Parts of the World
CV formats and expectations vary significantly across different regions.
Europe: Europass Format
- Europass: A standardized CV format used across Europe to ensure consistency. It focuses on skills, education, and work experience.
- Content: Includes personal information, work experience, education and training, language skills, and digital skills.
UK: Focus on Education and Experience
- Content: Similar to the US CV but often includes more detail on education and work experience. It also usually contains a personal profile or objective at the beginning.
Asia: Including Personal Details and a Photograph
- Content: Often includes personal details such as date of birth, gender, marital status, and a photograph. There is a strong emphasis on educational background and work experience.
Australia: Emphasis on Achievements and Skills
- Content: Australian CVs emphasize achievements and skills. They often include sections such as career summary, key achievements, and professional development.
Differences Between a CV and a Resume
Understanding the key differences between a CV and a resume is crucial when applying for jobs, especially if you’re applying internationally.
Length
- CV: Generally longer, providing a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history.
- Resume: Shorter, usually one to two pages, providing a concise summary of your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Content Focus
- CV: Focuses on the complete history of your academic and professional achievements.
- Resume: Focuses on relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments tailored to the specific job you are applying for.
Usage in Job Applications
- CV: Used for academic, research, medical, and international job applications.
- Resume: Used for most non-academic job applications, particularly in the corporate
When to Use a CV vs. a Resume
Knowing whether to use a CV or resume is critical to ensuring your application is properly accepted by any potential employer.
- Use a CV: When applying for academic, research, medical positions, or jobs outside the USA where a CV is the standard.
- Use a Resume: When applying for most corporate, non-academic jobs in the USA and Canada. Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
Key Takeaways
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is primarily used for academic, research, and medical professions in the USA and for most job applications internationally.
- Research the job and industry to tailor your CV. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, use keywords from the job description, and modify your personal statement to reflect the specific role and company.
- Select the right CV format (chronological, functional, or combination) and use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) with consistent formatting. Keep the layout clean, concise, and easy to read, utilizing white space effectively.
- Include essential sections such as Contact Information, Personal Statement, Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications and Awards, Publications and Research, Professional Memberships, and References.
- Proofread for errors and consistency, and avoid common mistakes such as including irrelevant information, using a generic CV for all applications, overloading with too much text, and failing to update your CV regularly.
Pro Tip:
Use strong action verbs and quantify achievements to demonstrate your impact, and keep your CT ATS-friendly!
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FAQ
Updated: July 19, 2024
In the United States, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive document detailing your professional and academic history. It is typically longer than a resume and includes detailed information about your education, work experience, publications, research, and more.
A resume is a concise summary of your skills, experience, and education, usually limited to one or two pages, tailored for specific job applications.
The sections of a CV are:
- Personal contact information.
- Personal profile (CV summary or objective statement).
- Work experience.
- Education.
- Skills
You can add other additional sections if the information is relevant to your job application, such as:
- Awards.
- Certifications.
- Trainings.
- Conferences attended.
- Volunteer experience.
- Hobbies.
In any country other than the United States, an employer will likely treat a resume and a CV as the same thing. Only when an employer specifies a traditional academic CV, which is much longer and more detailed, will you know that they prefer a CV over a resume.
An example of a CV statement can either be for a CV summary or a CV objective statement.
If it’s a CV summary, then it will focus on how past experiences make you qualified for the job.
Here is an example of a CV summary:
“Certified registered nurse with over 7 years of experience, including intensive care and emergency room services. I want to apply my skills in critical thinking, empathy, and time management to new opportunities within pediatric care.”
If you are writing a CV objective statement, then you will focus on your goals and the reasons why you want your next job. Here is an example of a CV objective statement:
“Recent MBA graduate with honors in from the Business Administration department at Stanford University. Seeking to expand my skills in data management and marketing analytics into the field of financial data services.”
In either case, make sure you demonstrate the value you bring as a potential employee.
Most CVs are one to two pages long unless it is an academic CV for an academic or research position, in which case your CV can be up to ten pages long. This is because these types of CVs are a comprehensive record of your academic and professional experiences.
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you use a template or example to help you write your CV. A CV template or example will help ensure your CV is formatted and structured correctly. This will mean that hiring managers, recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily read your CV and not be turned away by any unprofessional errors.
Our amazing collection offree and premium CV templates andCV examples is a great place to help you get started!
Choose a clean and professional format. Use clear headings and subheadings, a professional font (such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman), and consistent formatting. Utilize bullet points to list responsibilities and achievements, and ensure there is enough white space to keep the layout clean and easy to read.
To make your CV stand out:
- Tailor it to the specific job you are applying for.
- Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements.
- Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
- Keep the layout clean and professional.
- Proofread for errors and ensure consistency.
It’s optional to include references on your CV. You can either list the contact details of your references or simply note that they are available upon request. Ensure you have permission from your references before listing them.
To tailor your CV for each job application:
- Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.
- Use keywords from the job description.
- Modify your personal statement to reflect your interest in the specific role and company.
- Focus on achievements and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the job.
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