How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) for a Job

How to Write a CV

How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) for a Job – Here are all you need to know to write a good Curriculum Vitae for jobs in Nigeria and abroad. See below for details.If you are pursuing a career in research or academia, you may need to create a CV for potential employers. A CV allows you to detail your scholarly accomplishments and educational history to show you’re qualified for the role. Understanding how to format a CV will help you create a compelling document that leaves a positive impression on the hiring committee.

What is a CV?

Table of Contents

Toggle

CV stands for curriculum vitae, which is Latin for “course of life.” In some countries like India, South Africa and Australia, a CV and resume are interchangeable. However, in the United States and many parts of Europe, a CV is a detailed outline of your academic career and accomplishments.

In the United States, you may need a CV to apply for a teaching or research position. If you’re applying for a job outside the US that requests a CV, you can send your resume.

How to write a CV

Here are seven basic steps for writing a CV:

1. Create a header with contact information

Your header should be at the top of the page and include your name, phone number and email address so employers immediately know who you are and how to reach you.

2. Write a professional summary

Your professional summary is a short bio that introduces you to the reader. This section sums up your best qualifications and explains your ideal career path.

3. Detail your education

Since a CV is often used for the academic job search process, it’s important to include a section on your educational history. List your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree first. Include both degrees you’ve earned and those you’re pursuing.

4. Provide your work experience

Detail all your practical work experience so your prospective employer can see your career path, including:

Full-time and part-time employment
Internships
Research projects
Lab work
Volunteer work
Field experience

Include the title of your position, the name and location of your employer and employment dates. Below this, list two to three bullet points that explain your job duties.

5. List your relevant skills

List any abilities that apply to the potential job, such as foreign languages or a type of software. Try to include skills that relate to the job description to make yourself a more desirable candidate.

6. Include additional sections

CVs are usually longer than resumes so you can detail all the achievements relevant to the potential role. Add sections as needed to list all of your accomplishments, including:

Publications
Presentation and lectures
Community service
Grants, fellowships or scholarships
Awards and honors
Professional memberships
Consulting work
Fieldwork
Study abroad experience
Conferences

7. Describe your personal interests (optional)

You can choose to include a brief description of your hobbies and interests. Including a few hobbies may help you form a personal connection with the hiring manager.