How To Write A CV
How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae): A Comprehensive Guide. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a formal document that presents your academic background, professional experience, skills, and achievements. It is often required when applying for jobs, scholarships, academic programs, or research positions. A well-structured CV gives potential employers or institutions a clear view of your qualifications and suitability for a role.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to write an impressive CV step by step.
What is a CV?
A CV (Latin for “Course of Life”) is a detailed document that outlines your educational background, work experience, skills, achievements, and other relevant information. Unlike a resume, which is concise (1–2 pages), a CV can be more detailed, especially for academic, research, or medical positions.
Why is a Good CV Important?
- It creates your first impression with recruiters or selection panels.
- It highlights your qualifications and skills.
- It helps you stand out among other applicants.
- It secures interviews for jobs, scholarships, and academic opportunities.
Key Sections of a CV
While the format may vary depending on the job or country, most CVs include the following sections:
1. Contact Information
- Full Name
- Address (optional)
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile or Professional Website (optional)
2. Professional Summary / Career Objective
- A brief paragraph (3–5 lines) summarizing your skills, experience, and career goals.
- Tailor it to the role you are applying for.
Example:
A highly motivated marketing graduate with hands-on experience in digital campaigns, social media management, and market research. Seeking to leverage my skills to contribute to the success of XYZ Company.
3. Education
- List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order.
- Include degree, institution, location, and graduation year.
- Mention relevant honors or awards.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of XYZ, 2021 – 2024
- Graduated with First-Class Honors
4. Work Experience / Professional Experience
- List job roles starting from the most recent.
- Include job title, company name, location, and employment dates.
- Describe responsibilities, achievements, and skills gained using bullet points.
Example:
Digital Marketing Intern
ABC Agency, Accra, Ghana | June 2023 – Dec 2023
- Managed social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 35%.
- Conducted market research and presented insights to clients.
5. Skills
- Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the job.
- Examples:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite
- Data Analysis
- Problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork
6. Certifications and Courses (Optional)
- List any professional certifications or relevant online courses.
Example:
- Google Digital Marketing Certificate – 2023
- Project Management Fundamentals – Coursera
7. Volunteer Work / Extracurricular Activities (Optional)
- Mention volunteer experiences, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills or character.
8. Awards and Achievements (Optional)
- Include any awards, honors, or achievements relevant to your career.
9. Publications / Research / Projects (For academic or research CVs)
- List relevant research papers, articles, or major projects.
10. References
- Optional to include. You can write “Available upon request” or provide two references with names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and emails.
Tips for Writing an Effective CV
- Keep It Clear and Concise: Use clear headings, bullet points, and professional fonts.
- Tailor Your CV: Customize it for each job by highlighting relevant experience and skills.
- Use Action Verbs: Use words like “Managed,” “Developed,” “Led,” “Designed,” and “Achieved.”
- Proofread: Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
- Quantify Achievements: Where possible, include numbers to show the impact of your work.
- Keep It Updated: Regularly update your CV with new experiences and skills.
Sample CV Template
John Doe
123 Main Street, Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 55 123 4567
Email: johndoe@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Professional Summary
Results-oriented sales professional with over 4 years of experience in retail sales, customer service, and team leadership. Proven ability to increase sales revenue and enhance customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Ghana, Legon | 2016 – 2020
- Graduated with Second Class Upper Division
Work Experience
Sales Executive
ABC Retail Ltd, Accra, Ghana | Jan 2021 – Present
- Increased sales by 20% within the first year.
- Trained and supervised a team of 5 junior sales representatives.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved complaints effectively.
Skills
- Sales and Negotiation
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Certifications
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP) – 2022
- Customer Service Excellence – 2021
Volunteer Work
- Volunteer, Ghana Youth Leadership Program – 2022
References
Available upon request.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spelling and grammatical errors
- Including unnecessary personal information (age, marital status, religion)
- Using unprofessional email addresses
- Submitting the same CV for every job without tailoring
- Making the CV too long (ideally 1–2 pages for most jobs)
A CV is your personal marketing document and your first opportunity to impress potential employers. By following this guide, keeping your CV well-structured, clear, and targeted, you increase your chances of landing an interview and securing your desired job.
Pro Tip: After writing your CV, ask a friend, mentor, or career advisor to review it for feedback and improvements.