Your CV or resume is often the first impression you have the opportunity to make on potential employers. So, it’s not an understatement to say that a CV is an integral part of your job search and probably your way into the next circle of interviews if appropriately written.
But, what is the best way to write a CV, and what parts should be in focus?
We have a detailed guide that will include all the details you should mention, examples, and even additional tips and tricks to set you apart from the competition.
Let’s dive right in.
What Is a CV?
A CV or curriculum vitae is a professional document depicting the most crucial information about you to your potential employer. A good CV should include primary data, education, working experience, and other professional achievements.
While many people believe this piece of information is not essential, it’s the first contact you have with the HR in the company and first impressions matter.
If you want to make your presentation even better, always include a cover letter that will help the employer get to know you more.
What to Include on a CV?
There are many ways to introduce yourself to HR and make a good impression; however, you should consider some of the items mentioned on this list if you want to ensure the best results.
Here are the points each CV should have:
- Contact information – This includes your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address;
- Education – List all the schools you finished and the title or degree you got at the end of your education;
- Professional experience – Write each position you worked at, title, and a summary of your experience there;
- Qualifications and Skills – List all the skills you acquired over the years;
- Awards and publications – Mention all the accomplishments (if applicable);
- Certifications – Write the name and the date of the certificate and the institution that provided it;
How to Write the Best CV or Resume?
Your resume or CV should stand out from the crowd in a good way. It’s not easy to find the balance between bragging and being too humble, but without a detailed CV guide, you will know what the best resume looks like.
Here are the main focuses while writing your CV:
Choose the Right Font
The CV should be easy to read and understandable. It’s recommended to choose the letter size around 10 and 11 points. The layout should be modern and clean, considering each CV gets only a few minutes of attention.
Format Your CV
Even though your CV might be longer because you have a lot of experience and education, it’s still important to use the space wisely and format the text, so it’s easy to go through. This can include making bullet lists, using different headers, bolding keywords, and removing irrelevant information.
Proofread Your CV Before Sending
It’s normal to make mistakes and misspell some words, but if you want to make sure your CV is polished and eye-catching, you should always double-check all the details before sending it.
CV Examples and Templates
Here are some ideas and examples on what to mention in your CV and how it should look. Keep in mind that each CV is unique, and you have to adjust all the information to suit your qualifications and education completely.
CV Text Example:
Gloria Gonzalez
- 3204 Windover Way
- Houston, TX 77204
- ggonzalez@email.com
- 000.123.4567 (Cell)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Hispanic Literature, Latin American Literature, Peninsular Literature
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. in Spanish (US Hispanic Literature), 2018 – University of Houston.
- Dissertation: Quixote Reborn: The Wanderer in US Hispanic Literature. Sancho Rodriguez, Chair
- M.A. in Spanish, June 2015 – University of Houston
- B.A. in Spanish, June 2013 – University of Houston
APPOINTMENTS
- Adjunct Lecturer: the University of Houston, Department of Hispanic Studies, September 2018 to Present.
PUBLICATIONS
Book
- Gonzalez, Gloria. Quixote Reborn: The Wanderer in US Hispanic Literature. New Haven: Yale University Press (forthcoming)
Peer-reviewed Journals
- Gonzalez, Gloria. “Mexican Immigrant Stories from the Central Valley,” Lady Liberty Journal, 6(1): 24-41.
- Gonzalez, Gloria. “Comparing the Hispanic and European Immigrant Experience through Story,” Hispanic Literature Today 12(3): 25-35.
- Gonzalez, Gloria. “Yearning to Be Free: 3 Hispanic Women’s Diaries,” Hispanic Literature Today: 11(2): 18-31.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
- Gonzalez, Gloria. “Storytelling Methods in the Central Valley.” Hispanic Storytelling Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA
- Gonzalez, Gloria. “When Cultures Merge: Themes of Exclusion in Mexican-American Literature.” US Hispanic Literature Annual Conference, Tucson, AZ.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Houston
- Mexican-American Literature, Spanish 3331
- Women in Hispanic Literature, Spanish 3350
- Spanish-American Short Story, Spanish 4339
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Northwestern University
- Elementary Spanish 1501, 1502, 1505
- Intermediate Spanish 2301, 2302, 2610
HONORS / AWARDS
- Mexico Study Abroad Summer Grant, 2018
- UH Teaching Awards, 2017, 2018, 2020
- Dissertation Fellowship, 2017
LANGUAGES
- English (native)
- Spanish (bilingual oral and written fluency)
- Classical Latin (written)
MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS
- National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
- Asociación Internacional de Literatura y Cultura Femenina Hispánica
- Modern Languages Association
CV Template Example
Bonus Tips and Tricks for a Perfect CV
Take your time writing the CV
This vital document is your representation, so make sure you are not rushing it. All the details matter and every job opening is an opportunity to adjust your resume even more. Additionally, always add a cover letter to emphasize your capabilities even more.
Reference the job posting
You might think that one good CV is enough, but in reality, you need to adjust the content each time you apply for a different job. Some of the information will stay the same, but you can include some of the keywords used by the employers to emphasize how well you would fit in the role.
So, always have the original job post opened and try to adjust your CV to make it more attractive to the reader.
Be Honest
While you should mention all of the reasons why someone would benefit from hiring you, you need to be completely honest about your professional past, education, and skills. Most of the time, you will have to prove your knowledge, so mention only the things you feel confident about.
Get Creative
Your CV should set you apart from the competition, so use this opportunity to find a template that is modern, clean, and unique. It’s not a good idea to exaggerate, as it is a professional document, but depending on the position you are trying to get, you can get creative and change up the style to draw attention.
