How to write Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV (also called resume) is a clear summary of your qualifications, skills and experiences.
Your CV should be no longer than 2 sides of A4 and should be sent out with a covering letter. Entry-level candidates may fit their CV into one sheet of A4 paper.

Main headings of your CV should be:

• Personal details: Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email - Information that you provide should be sufficient for an employer to contact you.
• Education: University education, any relevant courses with their periods. Most recent on the top of the section;
• Work experience: period of employment, name of the company, your position and key responsibilities
• Skills: languages you speak and on what level, certificates and qualifications you posses, computer skills, general skills that are your strongest assets (communication, teamwork, etc.)
• Interests and achievements: Tell you new employer briefly about your passions, sports you like and don't forget to list your greatest achievements!

Make sure it meets the following requirements:

• use good qualities, dense paper (white or cream) if you plan to send your CV in an envelope or bring it yourself
• tailor your CV to individual vacancy that you apply for and clearly demonstrate how you meet requirements of your future employer
• use the same font throughout (Times New Roman or Arial)
• font size 12 is recommended
• bold out only few key elements - things you would like your interviewers to notice if they had just a look on you CV (names of companies that you have previously worked, name of your university and faculty, most important qualifications and achievements)
• use short sentences and formal language
• word-process it carefully (use margins, headings options, tables), make sure it looks good when printed, you may use horizontal lines to separate sections
• use tab stops to intend your information and bullet points/capitals to separate and highlight information
• use email address with professional username - preferably your university address (don't send your application from an email account of your current employer)
• attach both your CV and covering letter in separate files in either .doc or .pdf format to your application email; in message write that it is an application for position with company you apply to and that application documents can be found in attachment. Use formal language
• in title of your email write the reference code number if it is given or information that it is an application for job
• read job announcements carefully and meet the requirements of your future employer. Check their website to see if they have any specific requirements concerning CV layout or additional information
• don't use special effects and footnotes in your application documents
• double check your application papers and ask your friends to check it for you - they might find mistakes that you don't notice
• get career office advice or ask persons with higher qualification, preferably a friend working with company that you apply to, on their opinion on your CV
• use positive language and aim for confident tone