How to write an impressive CV

Ramyar A. Teimoor

MSc in Computer Science

Director of Career Development 

CV

outline

• What Is a CV?
• CV vs. resume
• CV types
• CV format
• How to write a good CV
• What should a CV include?
• CV template and example

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What do you think? is CV important ?

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What is a CV?

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• A CV—short for the Latin phrase “curriculum vitae” meaning “course of life”—is a detailed document highlighting your professional and academic history.
• CVs typically include information like work experience, achievements and awards, scholarships or grants you’ve earned, coursework, research projects and publications of your work.
• A CV is typically two or three pages long, but it’s not unusual for it to be much longer for mid-level or senior job applicants as it serves as a full outline of one’s career accomplishments.

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CV vs. resume

• A CV and resume are similar in that they’re both documents that summarize your professional history, education, skills and achievements. They’re also both documents you might provide an employer for consideration for an open position.

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• A resume is typically a one-page document that provides a concise overview of your previous roles, skills and details about your education.

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• A CV, on the other hand, is typically a longer, more detailed document focused largely on academic coursework and research. CVs are commonly required in Organizations, industries such as education and academia as well as science and research.

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CV Types

Here are a few more CV types you could choose from:

• Creative CV (for showing skills in marketing, design, and other creative fields)
• Technical CV (for IT-based positions)
• Teaching CV (for teaching roles)
• Academic CV (for research/lecturing based positions or PhDs)
• Skills-based CV (for those with little work experience)

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CV format

• Avoid titling the document 'curriculum vitae' or 'CV'. It's a waste of space. Instead let your name serve as the title.
• Section headings are a good way to break up your CV. Ensure they stand out by making them larger and bold.
• Avoid fonts such as Comic Sans. Choose something professional, clear and easy to read such Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Use a font size between 12 and 14 to make sure that potential employers can read your CV. Ensure all fonts and font sizes are consistent throughout.
• List everything in reverse chronological order. Then the recruiter sees your work history and most recent achievements first.

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CV format

• Keep it concise by using clear spacing and bullet points. This type of CV layout allows potential employers to skim your CV and quickly pick out important information first.
• Name the document when saving - Don't just save as 'Document 1'. Make sure the title of the document is professional and identifies you, such as 'Joe-Smith-CV'.
• Unless the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document) save with a .PDF file extension to make sure it can be opened and read on any machine.
• If you're posting your CV, print it on white A4 paper - Only print on one side and don't fold your CV - you don't want it to arrive creased.

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How to write a good CV

• Use active verbs when possible.
• A good CV doesn't have any spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Avoid generic, over-used phrases 
• Tailor your CV (Write as the company instruction ).
• choose the right type of CV for your circumstances.
• Make sure your email address sounds professional
• Don't lie or exaggerate on your CV or job application

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CV Content

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• While your CV should be specific to your background and tailor to the job for which you're applying, there are several steps you can take to ensure you write an effective CV.

What should a CV include?

• Your personal details (Include your contact information and image)
• Detail your academic history and education in reverse-chronological order
• Record your professional experience(List the company or organization, job title and dates employed starting with your most recent job)
• Include relevant skills and qualifications(Skills and achievements )
• List honors and awards
• Include relevant publications and presentations
• Licenses and certificates
• Volunteer work
• Hobbies and interests (if you think they might help you get the job)
• References (Optional)

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CV Template and example

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