How to Write a CV: A Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

career tips

In today’s competitive job market, having a well-written CV (Curriculum Vitae) is essential to stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. However, many people find CV writing to be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing a strong CV that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and concise manner. From choosing the right format to highlighting your achievements, we will cover all the essential steps to help you write a winning CV.

What is a CV

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a document that summarizes your work experience, education, and skills. It is used to apply for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities.

A CV is typically longer than a resume, and it can include more detail about your work experience and education. It can also include information about your awards, honors, and publications.

How to write a CV

Here are the steps on how to write a CV:

  1. Choose the right format. There are three main CV formats:
    • Reverse chronological: This is the most common format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first.
    • Functional: This format focuses on your skills and abilities, rather than your work experience. It is a good option if you are changing careers or have gaps in your employment history.
    • Combination: This format combines elements of the reverse chronological and functional formats. It is a good option if you have a lot of work experience and want to highlight your skills and abilities.
  2. Include your contact information. At the top of your CV, include your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. You can also include your LinkedIn profile URL.
  3. Write a personal summary. This is a brief paragraph that introduces you and highlights your skills and experience. It should be no more than a few sentences long.
  4. List your work experience. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each job, include the following information:
    • Job title
    • Company name
    • Dates of employment
    • Responsibilities
    • Accomplishments
  5. List your education. List your educational institutions in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. For each institution, include the following information:
    • Degree
    • School name
    • Dates of attendance
    • GPA (if applicable)
  6. List your skills. List your skills in a bulleted list. Be sure to include both hard skills (e.g., proficiency in Microsoft Office) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, and problem-solving).
  7. Add any additional information. You may want to add any additional information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. This could include things like:
    • Awards and honors
    • Professional memberships
    • Languages spoken
    • Volunteer experience
  8. Proofread your CV carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. You can also ask a friend or family member to proofread it for you.
  9. Tailor your CV to each job you apply for. Be sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
  10. Use a professional CV template. There are many free and paid CV templates available online. Using a template can help you create a professional-looking CV.

How to make a CV

There are two main methods to make a CV:

1- Use an online CV Builder like GetYourCV

A CV builder is an online tool that helps you create a professional-looking CV quickly and easily. These tools usually have pre-designed templates and prompts to guide you through the process of filling in your information. You can customize the template to fit your style, add or remove sections, and make adjustments as needed.

2- Create a CV withe Microsoft Word

Creating a CV from scratch gives you more control over the content and format of your CV. You can use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create your CV.

If you don’t know how to create a CV from scratch, you can use ready-made templates.

  1. Download a CV template. There are many free CV templates available in our website.
  2. Open the template in Microsoft Word.
  3. Replace the placeholder text with your own information.
  4. Format the CV to your liking.
  5. Save the CV as a PDF or Word document.
  6. Proofread the CV carefully before submitting it.