• Study Abroad

How to write a CV?

1908 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.

Red River College Polytechnic - Exchange District Campus

Manitoba, Canada • 36 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 14000-21500 / year

Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii, USA • 71 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 29000-45000 / year

University of South Australia - Mount Gambier Campus

South Australia, Australia • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 30500-31000 / year

Study Group - The University of Sheffield international College

England, UK • 270 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 20000-22000 / year

Nipissing University

Ontario, Canada • 77 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 23000-23500 / year

Brunel University London

England, UK • 319 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 14500-22000 / year

ATMC - New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 14000-19000 / year

Tamwood International College - Vancouver Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 8500-19000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop - Virtual

Study in Canada

11:00AM

Virtual Event

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop - Virtual

Study in Canada

11:00AM

Virtual Event

Study Abroad Application Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, France

New Delhi • 11:00AM

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.

ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?

Many colleges and universities require students to submit scores from the SAT or ACT- both recognized standardized exams as part of the admission proc...

Updated on • Apr 12,2025 05:40 PM IST • Study Abroad

Five Types of IELTS Essays

Love giving opinions? Welcome to IELTS writing task 2. In this task, you get different types of essays, one of which is an opinion essay. There are fi...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 05:53 PM IST • IELTS

Backlog Certificate: A Complete Guide

What is a backlog?In an academic context, a "backlog" refers to a course or subject that a student did not pass on their first attempt during their re...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 01:47 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 09,2025 05:37 PM IST • PTE

Master's in Computer Science in the USA

Silicon Valley in the United States of America has been the global mecca of technology and invention. Every significant technological advancement has ...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 05:59 PM IST • USA

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses worldwide and consistently tops the list of preferred study abroad courses for Indian students. Now, wheth...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 04:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 05:50 PM IST • IELTS

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 03:19 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Apr 01,2025 05:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Student Life in Ireland in 2025

“World-Class Standards, Warmest of Welcomes”. The tagline highlights the ideal balance of a high-quality education and a tremendous, hospitable cu...

Updated on • Mar 29,2025 05:50 PM IST • Ireland

Top Public Universities in Germany

It’s a notion that studying abroad is expensive, but there is one country that is breaking this notion. Germany, also known as the land of ideas, of...

Updated on • Mar 26,2025 04:33 PM IST • Germany

Top Universities for Masters in Ireland in 2025

Learning never stops. Humans learn till their last breath. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you might be considering pursuing a master’s d...

Updated on • Mar 25,2025 04:36 PM IST • Ireland

Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2025

Once a poor island nation, Singapore now has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Also known as Lion City, Singapore is becoming an in...

Updated on • Mar 22,2025 11:57 AM IST • Singapore

PTE vs IELTS : Know the Difference and Which is Easier?

An English proficiency test is required to study in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and others. PTE and IELTS are th...

Updated on • Mar 21,2025 03:38 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Score for Germany 2025

Germany is an emerging study-abroad destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. Its other benefits include a wi...

Updated on • Mar 20,2025 10:19 AM IST • Germany

IELTS Score for Ireland 2025

Ireland is one of the top study-abroad destinations targeted by international students. The country is ranked 2nd in the Global Peace Index 2024, has ...

Updated on • Mar 12,2025 11:20 AM IST • Ireland

Master's in Robotics in USA

Technology keeps improving daily and leads to new inventions. One such invention is robotics, which is making human life easier. The USA, being a top ...

Updated on • Mar 11,2025 01:18 PM IST • USA

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Looking for the best countries to study abroad in 2025? Studying abroad can be an endeavour for Indian students to upgrade their skill set towards bet...

Updated on • Mar 08,2025 01:24 PM IST • Study Abroad

Nursing Courses in UK

Do you want to pursue a nursing course in the United Kingdom? The UK has been at the forefront of professional nursing ever since it has been consider...

Updated on • Mar 05,2025 12:19 PM IST • UK

Fastest Growing Job Sectors in Germany in 2025

Thousands of job opportunities in Germany are waiting for Indians. Fill them before someone else grabs these. But how? Do you know which sector these ...

Updated on • Feb 28,2025 04:04 PM IST • Germany

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