Writing CV: the do’s and the don’ts

CV or Curriculum Vitae often referred to as resume, bio-data, and profile or even as summary, is a statement of the personal history of a person in black and white. In includes work experiences, educational qualifications, achievements, biographical details and some references, if possible.

The purpose of CV is to get an applicant selected for a certain job. CVs are generally attached to an application letter. A perfectly created CV should have the power to convince the interviewer that the applicant is perfect candidate for the post. CV should be easy to read, attractive and unique. In addition, they should also be visually effective.

If you are eager to get some tips on writing CV or how to write CV, here are the tips as well as the do's and don'ts. Follow them and develop your CV that would help you to be selected for the best job for you. Before that, let us concentrate on the factors that aught to be included in the CV of a person.

Personal details like name, address, contact details like phone number or email address, mother tongue, career objectives, strengths and other languages known should be included in the CV. The arrangements of these aspects should be according to the post for which you are applying. In some cases you may have to mention details like height and weight. If you do not have a permanent address, the contact address should be mentioned.

Another important element of an ideal CV is details about the educational qualifications. You have got to mention the degrees and the diplomas you have achieved so far. The names of the institutions from which you have achieved the degrees and the diplomas should also be mentioned. Do not for get to mention the year of acquiring the degrees. You may also mention details about scholarships received, awards and participation in some projects or seminars, if there is any.

Another important thing that should be focused on in the CV is work experience. You have got to provide minute details about the fields you have worked in, with names of the companies or institutions or organization. You have also to mention the duration for which you have worked. References play a great role in making you a more suitable candidate for the post for which you are applying.

The do's:

• Keep the content of the CV brief

• The front and the arrangement of the content of the CV should be attractive.

• The language in the CV should be of good English in correct grammar and spelling.

• The strengths should be highlighted while the weak points should be de-highlighted.

• Be honest in whatever you say in your CV.

The Don'ts:

• Do not use first person pronouns like I, Me, My etc.

• Don't use too complex language. Long winded sentences should not be there in your CV.

• Don't use abbreviations unless they are accepted universally.

• Don't criticize the company where you worked earlier.

• Don't fold the CV.