How to Build a CV in 5 Easy Steps
How to Build a CV in 5 Easy Steps
Have you ever wanted to build a CV in an easier way than sending it out by email? The process of building your own CV is not difficult and shouldn’t take up too much time. In this article, we will provide you with five easy steps for creating the perfect resume from scratch
What is a CV?
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a document that summarizes your scholarly career. It is typically used when applying for jobs or academic positions in the United States, Canada and Australia. A CV is a comprehensive description of your professional and academic career. In Canada, the terms “resume” and “CV” are used interchangeably. However, in Europe, New Zealand and Australia, a CV means curriculum vitae.
How to Build a CV in 5 Easy Steps
- Pick the Best CV Format
When it comes to resumes, there are three popular formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Each format has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll want to choose the right one for you.
The chronological resume format is the most common and best suited for recent graduates or people with plenty of relevant work experience. It lists your work history in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position first. This type of resume is good for highlighting your career progression and strong points. However, if you lack relevant experience or are applying for a position that is unrelated to your previous jobs, then this format may not be ideal for you.
The functional resume format is the best choice for applicants with a short amount of experience, or who are just starting out in their career. It focuses on skills and abilities rather than work history, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to change careers or don’t have any related job experience yet. The downside is that recruiters may find it difficult to see how your skills apply to the role they’re hiring for.
The skills-based resume format is a better choice if you lack work experience but have valuable skills that can be transferred into any role. This type of resume highlights your skills rather than your work history, so it’s perfect for people who are changing careers or have a diverse set of skills. The downside is that recruiters may find it difficult to see how your skills apply to the role they’re hiring for.
The combination resume format is a good choice if you want to target specific roles with your CV. It combines the best features of the chronological and functional resume formats, so it’s perfect if you have a diverse set of skills or experience. However, this type of resume can be more difficult to read than the other two formats.
So, which CV format should you choose? It depends on your individual situation – but the reverse chronological resume format is a popular choice for people with plenty of relevant work experience.
- Ensure To Add Your Contact Information the Right Way
When you’re applying for a job, it’s important to include your contact information the right way. Recruiters use this information to research you online. If your LinkedIn profile is unprofessional, or if you don’t include the right information on it, you’re out of the race immediately.
So, be sure to have your full name, location, and email address at the top of your resume. You can also list all social media accounts that you are linked with before moving on to other sections of the resume. Make sure your social media is updated and presentable – after all, it will reflect how you act online. Finally, make sure the resume reflects how you want potential employers to see you.
- List Your Relevant Work Experience and Key Achievements the right way
Your work experience section is the most important part of your CV. You need to list your position, dates worked, and responsibilities in order to create a great resume that will help you get hired.
A CV should focus on your measurable, relevant achievements and not just duties. Use action verbs in your CV, as they illustrate that you have done the tasks described rather than simply been responsible for them.
- Build Your CV Education Section the right way
Include only your education on a CV. Average the number of hours you’ve studied, and divide by 10,000 to get your GPA. If you graduated before or after the year listed in the “Graduation Year” section, include that date as well so they can see how long it took you to graduate.
The education section should be above the work experience section. Include, for instance: your dissertation title, favorite fields of study, and relevant coursework.
- Put Your Relevant Skills that Fit the Job Opening you are applying for.
The skills you include on your CV have to be relevant to the job that you are applying for. As such, start with a spreadsheet and list all of your professional skills.
Employers typically value skills that are hard or soft. Hard skills are those which can be easily quantified and measured, such as programming languages or software abilities. Soft skills, on the other hand, cannot always be measured but demonstrate how well you work with others or how efficient you are. Employers look for a mix of the two in their CV.
Skills with descriptions such as “Excellent,” “Advanced,” or “Basic” indicate which level of proficiency the skill is at – make sure these are updated accordingly! Finally, check out this piece and impress every recruiter. There are thirty different tips for what to put on a CV – be sure to read each one!
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed list of qualifications and experience. It is often used in Europe when applying for jobs, whereas the resume is more common in the United States and India. The purpose of both documents is the same – to provide potential employers with information about your skills and experience.
The CV usually contains more information than a resume, such as date of birth, marital status, parents’ names, and educational history. It also includes a full list of your professional experience, starting with your most recent position. A resume typically only includes your job title, company name, start and end dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities.
Another key difference between CVs and resumes is that CVs are often used to apply for academic positions, while resumes are generally used when applying for jobs in the private sector.
