How To Write A High Quality CV: Step-By-Step



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

 There are three format types of a CV:

 

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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