CV writing

Basics of CV Writing

100

What does CV stand for?

• CV stands for Curriculum Vitae.

200

True or False: It is important to tailor your CV for each job application.

• True. Tailoring your CV for each job application is important. Customizing your CV allows you to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that align with the specific requirements and preferences of the job you are applying for. This increases your chances of being selected for an interview.

300

What information should be included in the header of a CV?

The header of a CV typically includes the candidate's full name, contact information (such as phone number and email address).

400

What is the purpose of a CV?

• The purpose of a CV is to provide a comprehensive summary of an individual's education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It is typically used for academic, research, or job applications to showcase qualifications and suitability for a particular role or opportunity.

500

What is the preferred file format for submitting a CV electronically?

The preferred file format for submitting a CV electronically is typically PDF (Portable Document Format). PDF files are widely compatible, preserve formatting, and ensure that the document appears the same on different devices and operating systems.

CV Structure and Formatting

100

Name one section that should be included in a CV.

• One section that should be included in a CV is the "Work Experience" section. This section provides details about your previous employment, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements.

200

What is the recommended font style and size for a CV?

• The recommended font style for a CV is a clean and professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. The recommended font size is usually between 10 and 12 points, making the text easy to read.

300

True or False: It is important to include a professional summary or objective statement in a CV.

• True. It is important to include a professional summary or objective statement in a CV. This statement serves as a brief introduction at the beginning of the CV, highlighting your career goals, key skills, and relevant experience. It helps the reader quickly understand your profile and sets the tone for the rest of the CV.

400

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

In the United States, a resume should be a concise and curated collection of your professional experience, skills and qualifications that are strictly relevant to the job you’re applying for. In contrast, a CV is more comprehensive, presenting an in-depth history of your professional and academic credentials and accomplishments.

500

What are some key don'ts when it comes to CV formatting?

• Don't use excessive colors, graphics, or fancy fonts that may distract from the content.
• Don't overcrowd the CV with too much information. Keep it concise and relevant.
• Don't forget to proofread and edit your CV for spelling and grammar errors before submitting it.

CV Content and Sections

100

Name one example of a relevant skill or qualification to include in a CV.

• One example of a relevant skill or qualification to include in a CV would be proficiency in a specific programming language, such as Python or Java, especially if you are applying for a position in software development or data analysis.

200

What information should be included in the education section of a CV?

• The education section of a CV should include details about your educational background. This typically includes the names of the educational institutions you attended, the degrees or qualifications you obtained, the dates of enrollment and graduation, and any honors or awards received.

300

True or False: It is acceptable to include personal hobbies and interests on a CV.

True. It is generally acceptable to include personal hobbies and interests on a CV, especially if they demonstrate relevant skills or qualities. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires teamwork, mentioning your involvement in a sports team can showcase your ability to work well with others.

400

What is the purpose of the work experience section in a CV?

The purpose of the work experience section in a CV is to provide details about your previous employment, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements.

500

What is the recommended order of sections in a CV?

Header (with contact information)

Professional Summary or Objective Statement

Skills

Education

Work experience

References (optional)

CV Tips and Best Practices

100

What is the recommended length for a CV?

The recommended length for a CV is typically 1-2 pages. However, this can vary depending on your level of experience and the specific requirements of the job you are applying for.

200

True or False: It is a must to include references on a CV.

False. It is not necessary to include references on a CV. Instead, you can state "References available upon request" at the end of your CV. If an employer is interested in moving forward with your application, they will typically ask for references separately.

300

What information should be included in each work experience entry on a CV?

Each work experience entry on a CV should include the following information:

• Job title and company name
• Dates of employment (including month and year)
• Description of your responsibilities and achievements in that role

400

Which software can you use to proofread your CV?

Grammarly: Grammarly is a popular online proofreading tool that checks for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style errors. It provides suggestions for improvement and helps ensure your CV is error-free.

Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word has built-in spelling and grammar checking features. It underlines potential errors and offers suggestions for corrections. It can be a helpful tool for proofreading your CV.

Hemingway Editor: Hemingway Editor is a web-based tool that helps improve readability and clarity. It highlights complex sentences, excessive adverbs, and other areas that may benefit from simplification.

ProWritingAid: ProWritingAid is another comprehensive online proofreading tool that checks for grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and readability issues. It provides detailed reports and suggestions for enhancing your writing.

500

Name one way to make your CV stand out from other applicants.

One way to make your CV stand out is to showcase your achievements and quantify your results. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, highlight specific accomplishments and provide measurable outcomes.

CV Mistakes

100

What is wrong with the following phrase/ sentence:

"Assisted with organize and coordinating events for the university club."

Error: "organize" should be corrected to "organizing."

200

What is wrong with the following phrase/ sentence:

"Developed strong communication and leadership skill."

Error: "skill" should be corrected to "skills."

300

What is wrong with the following phrase/ sentence:

"Managed a team of 15 personal and achieved sales targets."

Error: "personal" should be corrected to "personnel."

400

What is wrong with the following phrase/ sentence:

"Participated in a team project that resulted in the successful launch of a new product, exceeding the company's expectancies."

Error: "expectancies" should be corrected to "expectations."

500

What is wrong with the following phrase/ sentence:

"Implemented new marketing campaign that led to a significant increase in sells."

Error: "sells" should be corrected to "sales."