Effective cv writing
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Effective CV Writing
Bibaswan GhoshalTeaching Assistant, ALES 204
Graduate StudentDepartment of Agriculture, Food and
Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Alberta
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2Image on left: CV, URL:” http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8NEuWoLjHYrd2hrmoZocuIVUNiWRfh50QotiOBp1Kf9LyPKmeFQ”, Feb 12, 2012 Image on right: Business man and woman, URL:” http://snobtopia.com/files/2011/11/business-man-and-woman.jpeg”, Feb 12, 2012
3CV Purpose, URL:"http://www.gradjobsuncovered.com/img/gju_employer_registration_engagement.jpg", Feb 12, 2012
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Curriculum Vitae
A CV is a written description of your work experience, educational background and skills
Curriculum Vitae (CV) means "course of life" in Latin
A CV is a typically a "living document" which will reflect the developments in a professional's career
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Purposes of a CVMarketing tool: First impression is the one
which lasts
Request for an interview: We are always looking for jobs
Your “big picture”: A detailed snapshot of your professional and academic life
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CV FormatsChronological
Functional
Chrono-functional /Combinational/Combined
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ChronologicalReverse
chronological orderWidely used for
corporate sectorMainly used by
individuals withSolid work historyFew or no gaps
between jobs
Chronological CV, URL:"http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/22708087.png", Feb 12, 2012
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Functional CVFocuses on the skill
set of an individualMainly used by
individualswith significant gaps
in employmenta mixed employment
backgroundvery short work
history
Functional CV, URL:"http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/44419483.png", Feb 12, 2012
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Chrono-Functional CVSpecific work
experienceSpecific skills and
talentsUsed mainly by
individualsFreshly graduated
from schoolWith uninterrupted
work historyApplying for specific
jobsCombined Resume, URL:"http://www.resume-resource.com/Examples/functional-resume-sample.gif", Feb 12, 2012
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Functional TypesAcademic
Used for academic applications (graduate student applications, scholarship applications)
Usually more detailedFocuses mainly on academic achievements, Relevant projects and courses mentioned
CorporateUsed for getting jobsSpecific to the needs of the employerFocuses mainly on work experience and relevant
academic affiliations
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CV FormatHeaderObjectiveEducationHonors/ActivitiesWork ExperienceResearch Experience/Projects
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Header SectionName
Must be the first line of resumeBoldLarger than the largest font used in body
AddressCurrent address preferable
Email AddressUse professional email addresses preferably with
namePhone number
Preferably use both home and cell phone numbers
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Name
Address
Phone NumberEmail Address
Image Source: Personal
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Objective SectionOptional but highly recommendedStatement must be clear, concise and to the
pointBad: “I want to get a job”Weak: “To attain an internship in livestock
industry.”Good: “To attain an internship in the livestock
industry with detailed insight into genomics and bioinformatics.”
Avoid being over specificTarget the company’s perspective
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Education SectionEducational qualifications from highest to lowestDo not use high school details once you have
graduatedMust include years in school
Image Source: Personal
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Work Experience Section
Experience should be listed in reverse chronological order
POSITION TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME, CITY, STATE/PROVINCE, DATES EMPLOYED (Include months unless this shows big gaps of unemployment )
Describes specific roles in bullets
Image Source: Personal
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Research Experience SectionFocus on relevant research experienceMust include graduate level researchIn reverse chronological order
Image Source: Personal
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Honors/Activities Section
This section should scream “I am a leader”Must contain all academic and
professional awardsMay include extra-curricular awards Include a brief description if not self-
evident from titleDon’t include hobbies or activities not
related to the job or your storyGood to include leadership positions
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ReferencesOne of the most crucial thingsFollow the requirementIf not mentioned, then “On Request/demand”Ask referees beforehandUse the best ones
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Additional SectionsProfessional Certificates/LicensesSpecialized ExperiencePublications/ThesesAdditional Training/AssistantshipsMembership/AffiliationsVolunteer Experience/Community ServiceLanguage or Computer SkillsContinuing Education
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Types of CV
Resume
Electronic
Scannable
HTMLPaper
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Electronic CVsScannable
Best to use black color fontsUse proper font type (do not try anything fancy)Many companies scan paper resumes into their
database
Email AttachmentCurrently the most widely used delivery methodPDF most widely used formatEasily convert your Microsoft Word CV to PDF using
various online resources (www.pdfonline.com)
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HTML ResumeEase of accessShows your creativityEasily available and free of cost from many
service providers like googleLink to different sections of your CVVery detailedYou can add forms of social media like
twitter, facebook pages and personal/professional blogs
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Tips Use Action Words
List of Action Words, URL:"http://www.my-easy-resume.com/image-files/action-words.gif", Feb 12, 2012
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Do’sProfessionalismOne page only (for corporate CVs)Stick to the truthFocus on achievements and resultsMaintain a consistent writing styleAvoid the use of “I” or “my”Modify your CV according to requirement
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Do’sUse easy-to-read languageGet grammar and punctuation correctFollow the instructionsProofreadSpell CheckUpdate your CV regularly
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Don’tsUSE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
Harder to readAvoid whitespace
Actually avoid using border linesInclude a picture of yourself
It’s not the cover of a fashion magazineUse extremely professional image when asked by employer
Use several fonts to catch their attentionCreates a “ransom effect”Use Times New Roman or Arial
Focus on you and your needsEmployers are not interested on who you are but what you
can do
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Don’tsUse templates to construct your resume
Don’t use fancy onesYou have got other ways to show your creativity
Use superlatives to emphasis your workInformative and stick to the basic facts
Use long flowing sentencesShort, concise and to the point
Print your resume on “day glow” paperIt is not going to an art workshop
Illogical Order UseUse relevant information at the beginning
Bad Resume Examples, URL:"http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/22467385.png”, Feb 12, 2012
Bad Resume Example, URL:" http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ViJKBVHeG3U/SMau560W8BI/AAAAAAAAFns/BC-Hb9gPB8M/s400/bad-resume-sample-page4.jpg”, Feb 12, 2012
CV is a marketing tool or
advertisement of a person:
Sell yourself properly