How to Write Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A short Guide for writing a Curriculum Vitae

The curriculum vitae, otherwise known as the CV, serves different purposes depending on which country you intend to use it. In parts of Europe and Asia, for example, the CV is used instead of a resume when applying for a job. Meanwhile, in the United States, it is used in applying for academic positions and grants. Some attention for this matters when writing a CV is advised.

But despite the differences of purposes, the CV’s contents and goals remain the same. The CV contains relevant information about the one submitting it and its goal is for it to get read. It is therefore important to have one that gives the most important information in an as little time as possible.

Whatever your reason is for making a CV, the following tips will help you come up with one that grabs people’s attention:

Only write in your CV the relevant information that you think the interviewer, or to whomever you plan to send it, needs. It is therefore important that you customize your curriculum vitae to each organization that you’re sending it to. Don’t be lazy because it could cost you an interview!
Keep your sentences clear and concise. Get your message across in the fewest words possible. Organizations receive a lot of CVs everyday so they don’t have the time to read each one that’s sent to them word for word.
Keep your CV professional. You can start by avoiding contractions such as don’t and can’t. Also try to avoid using slang words. All in all, keep your CVs content formal.
Be sure to make your CV persuasive enough. Keep in mind that you’re trying to sell yourself here so you should make sure to convince organizations to buy you.
Finally, before you send out your CV, check it for any spelling and grammatical errors. Also try to keep your sentences clear.

How to Write a CV

Basic Instructions & Examples:

Choose a Letter Type:

A short Guide for writing a Curriculum Vitae