How to Create a CV or  Curriculum Vitae

Preparing a strong CV (Curriculum Vitae) is crucial for landing job interviews and showcasing your qualifications and experience to potential employers and scholarship boards. Here are some tips to help you create a winning CV.

Choose the Right Format

Use a clean, professional format that is easy to read. Common formats include chronological, functional, and combination/hybrid styles. Consider using a template to ensure a polished appearance and include the following applicable information.

Contact Information

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Make sure your contact information is up to date.

Objective or Summary (Optional)

Provide a concise summary of your career goals and what you can bring to the employer. Tailor this section to the specific job you’re applying for.

Education

 List your educational history in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include the name of the institution, degree(s) earned, graduation date, and any relevant honours or certifications.

Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the job title, name of the company, dates of employment (month and year), and key responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments (e.g., “increased sales by 20%” and “ launched a career event with 500 students in attendance).

Skills

Highlight relevant skills, both technical and soft skills, that are important for the job. Group skills into”Technical Skills” and “Soft Skills.”

Achievements and Awards

Include any awards, certifications, or honours relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Projects and Publications (if applicable)

If you have relevant projects or publications, consider including a section that showcases your work.

Volunteer Work or Internships (if applicable)

Include volunteer work or internships relevant to your career goals. This section is vital for those applying for scholarships abroad for further studies or those without paid work experience. Therefore, engage in volunteering activities to impact lives and gain relevant work experience for the job market.

Languages (if applicable)

Mention any local and foreign languages you speak and your proficiency level. For example, local languages are Dagbani, Mampruli, Ga, Twi, and Gonja, and foreign languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

Professional Memberships (if applicable)

List any memberships related to your field in professional organizations.

References

Include at least two “References” at the end of your CV. Have academic and professional references. 

Please take note of the following

Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV for each job or postgraduate application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description.

Be Concise: Keep your CV concise and to the point. Aim for 1-2 pages unless you have extensive experience.

Proofread: Check your CV for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask a family, friend,  or colleague to review it for feedback.

Formatting Consistency: Use consistent formatting throughout your CV, including fonts, bullet points, and headings.

Quantify Achievements:Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your achievements, such as revenue generated, projects completed, events organized, students taught, or clients served.

Avoid Personal Information unless required: Do not include personal information such as your age, marital status, or photograph, as it’s generally irrelevant and could lead to bias unless needed.

Update Regularly:Keep your CV up to date with your most recent experiences and skills.

Remember that your CV is often your first impression of potential employers and study award committees. Tailor it to make a strong case for why you are the ideal candidate for the job, and be prepared to discuss the contents during interviews.

Websites for sample CV templates

https://resumegenius.com/cv-template

https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates

https://www.jobseeker.com/en/cv/templates

https://www.myperfectresume.com

https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/Creating-Your-Academic-CV.pdf