1. Header with contact information
At the top of your CV page, include a header containing your full name, phone number, and email address. This concise information enables potential employers to readily identify you and reach out for further communication.
2. A professional summary
Your professional summary serves as a brief biography introducing you to the reader. It encapsulates your top qualifications and outlines your envisioned career trajectory.
3. Education in detail
A CV primarily caters to the academic job search process, making it imperative to incorporate a comprehensive section devoted to your educational background. Arrange your education entries in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent degree. Ensure to include both completed degrees and those currently pursued within the CV.
4. Include your work experience
Provide a thorough account of your practical work experience to offer prospective employers insight into your career trajectory, encompassing:
- Full-time and part-time employment
- Internships
- Research projects
- Lab work
- Volunteer engagements
- Field experience
Include the position title, employer name, location, and employment dates for each entry. Beneath these details, offer two to three bullet points elucidating your job responsibilities and contributions.
5. List your relevant skills
Enumerate relevant skills pertinent to the potential job, such as proficiency in foreign languages or specific software expertise. Tailor these skills to align with the job description, enhancing your candidacy by showcasing abilities directly related to the role's requirements.
6. Include additional sections
CVs typically extend beyond resumes, allowing ample space to delineate all pertinent achievements relevant to the potential role. Consider adding sections as necessary to comprehensively list your accomplishments, incorporating:
- Publications
- Presentations and lectures
- Community service involvement
- Grants, fellowships, or scholarships received
- Awards and honors bestowed
- Professional memberships held
- Consulting engagements undertaken
- Fieldwork experience
- Study abroad participation
- Conference presentations attended
7. Describe your interests
This section is optional. You can choose to write a short description of your hobbies and interests. Including a few hobbies can help you build personal connections with the hiring manager.
