How To Write A High Quality CV: Step-By-Step
Your CV
(Curriculum Vitae) is your marketing tool - it’s how you introduce yourself to
a potential employer, demonstrate skills, and explain experience. Establishing the right foundation for your CV
means the difference between getting an interview, or being overlooked.
Regardless of whether you are a recent graduate or experienced professional,
this guide will help you write a CV that gets attention!
1. Know the
Purpose of a CV
A CV is meant
to do more than proclaim to the employer your work history. The functions of a
CV are to:
Showcase your
skills, education, and experience.
Demonstrate how
you are the right fit for the position.
Make a strong
first impression.
2. Select the
right format
Chronological
CV – emphasizes work history (best for experienced professionals).
Functional CV –
emphasizes skills and abilities (for career changers or or those that have gaps
in employment).
Combination
CV – emphasizes skills and professional
experience (suitable for most job seekers).
3. CV Section
Types
a) Personal
Information
Your full name,
contact phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. Do not
include unnecessary information such as marital status or religion unless
required.
a) Personal
Information
Include your full
name, contact number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Avoid
unnecessary details like marital status or religion unless specifically
required.
b)
Professional Summary
A short
paragraph (3–4 sentences) that highlights your career goals, skills, and
achievements. Example:
"Detail-oriented Mathematics Teacher with 4+ years of experience in
curriculum design and classroom management, passionate about integrating
technology into education to enhance student learning outcomes."
c) Education
List your
qualifications in reverse chronological order:
- Degree, Institution, Graduation Year.
- Add honors, special projects, or relevant coursework
if applicable.
d) Work
Experience
Include job
title, organization, years of employment, and bullet points of achievements
(not just responsibilities).
Example:
- Improved student performance by 20% through the use
of interactive teaching methods.
- Trained 50+ teachers in modern classroom technology
tools.
e) Skills
List both technical
skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, Data Analysis, Programming) and soft
skills (e.g., communication, leadership, teamwork).
f)
Certifications & Achievements
Add relevant
certifications, awards, or recognitions.
g)
References
Optional. You
can state “Available upon request.”
4.
Formatting Tips
- Keep it 1–2 pages maximum.
- Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri,
Times New Roman).
- Maintain consistent headings and bullet points.
- Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
5. Tailor
Your CV to the Job
Never send
the same CV everywhere. Read the job description carefully and:
- Highlight keywords from the posting.
- Emphasize experience and skills that match the
role.
6. Use
Action Verbs
Instead of
writing “responsible for teaching”, say “delivered engaging lessons that
improved student performance.” Strong verbs make your CV dynamic and
result-focused.
7. Final
Check
Before
sending:
- Proofread your CV.
- Ask a mentor or colleague for feedback.
- Save as PDF to maintain formatting.
Conclusion
Your CV is
your passport to career opportunities. By keeping it clear, concise, and
tailored, you’ll greatly increase your chances of getting noticed. Remember: a
great CV opens the door, but your skills and confidence seal the deal during
the interview.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Template
1. Personal Information
Full Name: ____________________________
Phone: _______________________________
Email: _______________________________
LinkedIn/Website: ____________________
2. Professional Summary
A short 3–4 sentence summary highlighting your career goals,
skills, and key achievements.
3. Education
Degree | Institution | Graduation Year
Example: MSc in Mathematics Education | Mount Kenya
University | 2024
4. Work Experience
Job Title | Organization | Years of Employment
• Achievement or responsibility 1
• Achievement or responsibility 2
• Achievement or responsibility 3
5. Skills
• Technical Skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, Data Analysis,
Programming)
• Soft Skills (e.g., Communication, Leadership, Teamwork)
6. Certifications & Achievements
• Certification 1
• Award/Recognition 1
7. References
Available upon request.
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