1. Resume (CV) Guidelines
The following is a list of things to keep in mind when writing or revising your CV
Design: It must first be easily readable, with ample white space. It must also be easy
to navigate and professional in appearance. Get creative (…in moderation!) but
adhere to most expectations.
Avoid full sentences, using bullets when/as needed
Avoid italics and boldface, etc., for design purposes – you may need to
italicize foreign words
Carefully consider the ordering of the CV’s sections – students are
recommended to start with Education
Avoid a heading of “CV” or “Resume” -- unnecessary
Try to keep your CV to one page in length
Do you need a summary sentence or short paragraph at the head of your CV? Up to
you. Note that this is a good way to “tailor” your CV to future jobs. A mission
statement is another possibility: “Embedded Systems Major Applying for Internship
April through July, 2015”
Personal Details and Contanct Information:
Name – First Last, no CAPS
Clear and concise personal address (permanent)
All telephone numbers
Email
Avoid: age; marital status; maiden name; number of children…
Up to you: picture (consider carefully, and this is audience-dependent – ie.,
no photos for a US job/internship); place of birth; citizenship; driver’s license
here or under Skills…
Education (not formation):
Stick to reverse chronological order: most recent first
Note: Do not write a date that has not yet occurred, write “2008 to present,”
or “Anticipated graduation date of May 2018”
Include, for all secondary studies: Dates (period of study written with
months, when applicable); Name of institution; Shortened postal address, ie;
2007 – 2010, Lycée Descartes, 99245 Villeneuve, France
Describe institution, as necessary, or write-out French acronym (ESCE as
Ecole superieur…)
Include your major, qualification obtained; highlight specific modules, as
appropriate; and include any/all distinctions such as “awarded with honors”
Employment:
Use: Employment, Professional Experience, Work Experience…
Maintain reverse chronological order
2. Include all dates (periods) of employment
Name of employer/company, with a brief description of their activity or
section (as needed), ie.: June – August 2013, Britcom Engineering, Hove, United
Kingdom – a computer manufacturer employing 50 people
Detail type of work: internship, permanent, part-time…
Give job title, work done, skills used, achievements… focusing on those most
relevant to the desired position
Language: Past tense in abbreviated sentences, ie., “Designed and
constructed a smart card using…”
Use pro-active vocabulary: “managed” or “led”, not “responsible for”
Technical and Other Skills:
Languages, including native language (avoid “mother tongue”): Indicate
level of skill using: Native Speaker, Fluent, [Highly] Proficient, [Very] [Good]
Working Knowledge, Basic Knowledge, Beginner or Basic Notions, etc.
Include all scores obtained (TOEIC, TOEFL), with dates taken
Computer Skills: be specific, and justify level with “daily/regular use…”
Other certification: licenses, etc.
Personal Interests:
Use: Interests and Leisure Activities, Interests, Extracurricular Activities; but
avoid Miscellaneous, Hobbies…
Balance of individual, social, recreational, intellectual, physical activities…
Use this section to show “character,” ie., discipline, dedication, persistence…
Include any positions of responsibility, ie. Coach, captain…
Explain involvement, as needed: Participated in regular team competitions,
including Paris Regional Championships, 2013; nationally ranked; awarded…
Note: Carefully consider the prejudices or perceptions of your reader,
especially if including religious or political activity (which is not advisable in
most cases)
References:
Typically optional; but if included: Get permission first; include full name and
title, position and post, and contact information.
References Available on Request an acceptable alternative