Some Tips How to Write a cv

The first thing to remember is that ideas about what makes a good curriculum vitae differ from country to country. It is generally accepted that a CV should be well presented on no more than one side of the A4 paper. Your first objective is to sell yourself for the job you want.

What are the key things to include on a CV? There are some hints how to do it correctly. Writing a CV you should start with brief personal details – your name, age, address, telephone number and so on which should appear at the top of the document. Marital status is OK too, but don’t indicate names of children or pets. Then you ought to list the schools and institutions you’ve attended in chronological order. Be sure that the dates make sense. Don’t forget details of the qualifications you obtained. Remember to put down your grades too. When you proceed to the part of the CV which deals with work experience it is advisable to begin with the present or most recent job first. Then work backwards. Give a brief description of each job and try to list one or two achievements, you may also give details of any part-time or holiday jobs. There is no reason to put your photo on the CV, it can go on an application form or with a covering letter.

At the end you may emphasise your special abilities both in the workplace and outside, such as any languages you speak, computer programs etc. Also mention any relevant hobbies such as team sports and voluntary work you do. This helps to give an idea of your personality.

Remember, writing a CV you should think about the specific job on offer and include all the relevant information about yourself in your CV. Don’t use the same CV for every job you apply for. Keep in mind that the people who get interviews are not the ones with the best qualifications but those who write the best CVs!

Topic	Do	Don’t
Personal details
Education
Qualifications
Work experience
Photographs

Task III. Combine the right headings and categories commonly used in CVs with their definitions.

hobbies and interests	referees	marital status
educational background	skills	surname
employment background	features of character	qualifications
permanent address	personal details	date of birth

1. basic facts about you?

2. practical abilities?

3. a place you live most of the time?

4. things you do in your free time?

5. when you were born?

6. description of your personal character?

7. details about your working life?

8. if you are married or single?

9. people who can tell us about your qualities and character?

10. proof that you have successfully completed a course?

11. schools and colleges?

12. family name?

Task IV. Read the CV of Helen Moroz. Complete the gaps a-h with appropriate headings or categories from Task III.