How to Write a Standard CV
Given the competition, proper focus and effective methodology in CV writing is essential. The purpose of a Curriculum Vitae is to acquire an interview with the organization you are applying to. A CV is required rather than a resume when you are applying to an academic, educational, scientific or research post, or to receive a grant or fellowship. The term CV is not simply a cultural linguistic difference, interchangeable with the word resume. Instead there are differences in formatting and content. As stated by "SOON Ministries" April 24, 2010, a CV literally translates from the Latin as "life story".
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Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Paper
- Word processor
- Printer
- Internet access
- Email access
- Education background details
- Employment background details
- Details of two referees
Instructions
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Include a cover letter. The purpose of the cover letter is to ensure it is received by the most appropriate individual doing the hiring and to get your CV read. Get a specific contact name or at least a department that your CV will be sent to. Clarify the exact job you are applying for and why. Provide a succinct overview of your skills and experience, directly linked to the advertised job description. Do not overtly repeat what is included in the CV. Include a sentence encouraging further contact.
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Highlight different experience for each position held. Do not repeat skills. Keep it to the point. Use bullet points if desired. Expansion on any points of further interest is an opportune starting point for discussion at an interview.
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Include title, first name and surname, full home address, telephone, cell and email contact details
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Include date and place of birth plus nationality if applying outside of the USA, as those employers do not adhere to laws restricting this.
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List employment history (in chronological or reverse chronological order). Include name and address of employer, with contact telephone number and general or line manager's email address.
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List all past research and training carried out, including name of organization, address, supervisor and full contact details.
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List all past education including full address of institution, along with qualifications attained and dates attended.
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Include all professional qualifications achieved, including dates obtained and address of organization.
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List any awards received, including dates and awarding body.
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Include any publications acquired, including date and title of both article and magazine/book that it appears in.
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Include any books written or published, inclusive of publisher, title and date of publication.
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List any professional memberships held, with full address of membership body and detail length of membership.
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Include a succinct list of interests, it is recommended that you list not more than six. Try to link these to aspects of the position applied for. Refer to necessary skills and personal qualities mentioned in the job description.
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Tips & Warnings
Before beginning to write or layout your CV, referring to the organization's website or visiting the premises is recommended. This provides an overall feel for what the company stands for and what may be expected of an employee. This should result in a specific approach to your CV writing.
There are a plethora of available online templates and sample CV. Discover which one is suitable. It is possible to amalgamate two styles to create an original layout and design. Consider leaving appropriate visual space on the page for a potential employer to take in all that has been included. Be concise, making sure enough information is included so that the CV reads clearly and fully understandably.
Match individual skills, experience and education to the job description provided as closely as possible. Quote the requirements verbatim. This helps employers to easily complete checklists of necessary qualities against those provided. Always offer to help others do their job more easily.
The length of a CV should be two pages, with flexibility for being up to approximately three or four.
References
- Photo Credit curriculum vitae 10609 image by pablo from Fotolia.com
