How do you write a curriculum vita?

Answer 1

The purpose of this document is to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills (and some complementary ones) to do the job for which you are applying. So you need to make a list of jobs you have held in the past (include dates) and make a list of qualifications you have obtained. A curriculum vitae should be longer than resume (up to two or more pages) and catain more detailed synopsis of your background and skills.

Answer 2

A good CV will never be generalized like an all-purpose application. Rather, it would be very target specific, written specially with that organization in mind, matching your best talents and qualification with the particular job's requirement. In other words, the CV should make it obvious to the prospective employer that you are the right candidate for the job. Remember that your CV is actually a key to the interview. Unless the reader feels interested enough from reading your CV, your key will not work; and unless you reach the interview stage, you cannot hope to get the job.

Hence, the CV should be written from the point of view of the reader. Also, be aware that the prospective employer may get hundreds of applications, hence the ones which are best organized and brief will hold his/her attention. Keep the following guidelines in your mind when you write your CV:

• The CV should be accurate and correct
• Your contact information should be clearly visible on the first page of the CV
• Your CV should be typed in an easy-to-follow format, i.e. the headlines should be indented and highlighted so as to catch the attention of the reader easily (this is very helpful when a person wants to take a quick look at your CV)
• The best way to write about your experience, is to write it backwards, i.e. the last job you had first and then the rest backwards chronologically
• Though sometimes your achievements need to be elaborated on to bring out the best fit, preferably they should be listed in a bullet point format. The bullet points should act as headlines in case you need expansion
• Have a 'why do I feel I am suitable and the right candidate for the job' headline on the very first page, where you can summarize the relevant information for the benefit of the employer
• If you have had any skills development training, or additional hands-on experience be sure to include it in your CV
• Your qualifications should be presented clearly and concisely starting with the highest degree and working backwards
• Give two unrelated references (make sure you do inform the person thus named so they would be prepared if the prospective employer contacts them) or mention that references would be provided if required
• Do not forget to write your areas of personal interest, such as hobbies
• In case you know other languages, and/or have additional skills which do not fall in the purview of the job your are applying for, write them under 'other information'; the more knowledge you have, the more valuable you will look - even if it does not have direct bearing on the present job

A CV should be written in several sections.

Section 1 - Personal Details (Name , address, age, etc)

Section 2 - Education Details (schools, colleges, certificate, degrees etc)

Section 3 - Work Experience (Job details latest first. Wages/Salaries, reasons for leaving)

Section 4 - Hobbies and Interests (Clubs etc)

See related link.

AnswerAccording to Resume Edge (an online consulting group that charges about $100 to professionally rewrite CVs and resumes) a curriculum vita should include "not only education and experience but also publications (books, magazines, journals, and other media), certifications, licenses, grants, professional affiliations, awards, honors, presentations, and/or courses taught. Anything relevant to your industry is appropriate to use on a CV, and the resume can be as long as it needs to be."

For more info and examples of curriculum vitae, see "how to write a curriculum vitae" in the links to the right.