How to Write a Winning Curriculum Vitae, or CV

The word "CV" stands for "Curriculum Vitae" and is derived from Latin, meaning "the path of a person's life". It basically presents the picture of your life, listing all the important milestones, such as education, extracurricular achievements and job details chronologically. The motive for writing a winning CV is to market your self and get selected for an interview.

Your CV is the first introduction that your prospective employer gets about you. It is necessary that your CV furnishes all the required proof that you are apt for the job....but takes care not to publish a biography of sorts. Let me guide you on how to write a winning CV with the following hints:

Research the job requirements. Don't use one copy of CV for all the jobs that you apply. You should alter your CV according to the requirements of that position advertised. Before making any changes, take into consideration points like the job responsibility, the skill sets and experience required. Also check if they are asking for any other special qualities.

Check your skill sets. Now that you are aware of the job's demands in various aspects, determine your suitability for the job. Do you have the proficiencies and attributes required for the job

After you are done thinking about this, put it down under different titles. You may use titles like "Academic", "Extra curricular activities", "Other Interests", "Work experience" (including part time jobs, summer jobs and internships), "Volunteer experience" and "Travel".

What makes you an excellent candidate? The above skills and qualities that we talked about will be mentioned on the first page of your CV, so they have to be those that can give you an edge over the others. The first page of your CV should be gripping so that the employer feels like going through the whole document.

You can choose headings that best describe what you want to put forth to the employer. Format the CV to highlight the vital points and use bold colors for the same. Some minor but important tips:

1.Don't stretch your CV longer than 2 pages, unless a different length is asked for by your headhunter or employer.

2.The first page must display your name and other contact details (phone, email, address) on top. This makes it easy for the employer to contact you.

3.Present the CV in a professional way for that great first impression.

4.Use bullets and numbering wherever needed. Details given in points form is easy to read.

5.Incorporate words like managed, developed, helped and involved to show your accomplishments.

To conclude with, do not:

1.Fill up your CV with lots of words.

2.Lengthy paragraphs.

3.Write your CV in your own handwriting, unless asked for.

4.Change fonts after every paragraph.

5.Give false information as that is the worst thing to do. It will ruin your career before it takes off!

Nobody can stop you from soaring dizzy heights in your career when you are well equipped with a good CV.

So write that winning CV right away. All the Best to you!