vaaFor most of us, a CV stands for curriculum vitae and it is an important document which summarises our education and work history. It is prepared with a view to applying for jobs.

A well-written CV will give you an edge over other candidates applying for the same post. It speaks about your academic qualifications, professional experiences and achievements, your strengths as a job seeker and your interest in the company.

If you are looking to apply for work in companies abroad, there is a specific format that companies follow. The CV format differs from country to country; examples of CV formats are given below:

The USA: In the USA, people attach their CV to an application form and mail it along with a cover letter. The CV should only include professionalism details like name, address etc.

The UK: The CV format in the UK is generally a letter. The cover page is written in the English language, and the CV acts as an introduction to the person or company for whom it is being prepared.

India: In India, you will find many job-seekers preparing a lengthy CV and attaching it to an application form. In most cases, it will include your personal details along with detailed information about your education, work experience and achievements.

The best practice is to keep it simple and brief. Most companies keep the CV limited to one page. The CV should not exceed two pages at most.

You can find many sample CV formats on the Internet which you can use as a reference . Before using them, check with the company in question for details regarding the exact format they would like you to follow.

Your personal details and education should be written in reverse order so that recruiters can easily read your resume from top to bottom while making a quick decision.

Include a photo, current address and contact details.

Write your name in bold letters.

Always start with good CV example.

Keep the heading brief and attractive. Some examples are given below:

When to use it:

It is the first and foremost document in a recruitment process. It gives an employer an idea about you as a person, your professional skills, etc. It is written before you even meet the employer for an interview.

How to write it: There are two different types of CVs — academic and professional. In India, we mostly use the professional version . In this format, three sections are used — personal details , education and work history . Under personal details are listed your name , addresses , phone numbers , email id etc. Your educational qualifications are put in the last section.

The resume is similar to a CV, but it usually has more details about your achievements and special projects you have worked on. The resume is usually prepared after you have attended several job interview interviews and you feel confident enough to take before it. It is more detailed than a CV or a cover letter. You can find samples online too. Check our free cv example templates.

Sample resumes and CVs are available on the Internet . This is not the place to discuss about this topic at length, but here are just some links for you to explore:

 

Conclusion:

A well-written CV will give you an edge over other candidates applying for the same post. It speaks about your academic qualifications, professional experiences and achievements, your strengths as a job seeker and your interest in the company.