A CV (curriculum vitae) is a document that outlines an individual's educational and professional experience and skills. There are different formats for a CV, including chronological, functional, and chrono-functional. The chronological format lists experience in reverse chronological order and is commonly used in corporate settings. The functional format focuses on skills rather than dates and is useful for those with gaps in employment. An effective CV includes sections for contact information, education, work experience, research experience, honors and activities, and references. It should be tailored to the specific job or program being applied to and maintained regularly.

1. Effective CV
Writing
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CV Purpose, URL:"http://www.gradjobsuncovered.com/img/gju_employer_registration_engagement.jpg", Feb 12, 2012

4. 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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5. Purposes of a CV
 Marketing 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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6. CV Formats
 Chronological
 Functional
 Chrono-functional
/Combinational/Combined
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7. Chronological
 Reverse chronological
order
 Widely used for
corporate sector
 Mainly used by
individuals with
 Solid work history
 Few or no gaps between
jobs
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Chronological CV, URL:"http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/22708087.png", Feb 12, 2012

8. Functional CV
 Focuses on the skill set
of an individual
 Mainly used by
individuals
 with significant gaps in
employment
 a mixed employment
background
 very short work history
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Functional CV, URL:"http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/44419483.png", Feb 12, 2012

9. Chrono-Functional CV
 Specific work experience
 Specific skills and talents
 Used mainly by
individuals
 Freshly graduated from
school
 With uninterrupted
work history
 Applying for specific
jobs
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Combined Resume, URL:"http://www.resume-resource.com/Examples/functional-resume-sample.gif", Feb 12, 2012

10. Functional Types
 Academic
 Used for academic applications (graduate student
applications, scholarship applications)
 Usually more detailed
 Focuses mainly on academic achievements,
 Relevant projects and courses mentioned
 Corporate
 Used for getting jobs
 Specific to the needs of the employer
 Focuses mainly on work experience and relevant
academic affiliations
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11. CV Format
 Header
 Objective
 Education
 Honors/Activities
 Work Experience
 Research Experience/Projects
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12. Header Section
 Name
 Must be the first line of resume
 Bold
 Larger than the largest font used in body
 Address
 Current address preferable
 Email Address
 Use professional email addresses preferably with
name
 Phone number
 Preferably use both home and cell phone numbers
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13. Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address
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Image Source: Personal

14. Objective Section
 Optional but highly recommended
 Statement must be clear, concise and to the point
 Bad: “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 specific
 Target the company’s perspective
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15. Education Section
 Educational qualifications from highest to lowest
 Do not use high school details once you have
graduated
 Must include years in school
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Image Source: Personal

16. 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
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Image Source: Personal

17. Research Experience Section
 Focus on relevant research experience
 Must include graduate level research
 In reverse chronological order
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Image Source: Personal

18. Honors/Activities Section
 This section should scream “I am a leader”
 Must contain all academic and professional awards
 May include extra-curricular awards
 Include a brief description if not self-evident from
title
 Don’t include hobbies or activities not related to
the job or your story
 Good to include leadership positions
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19. References
 One of the most crucial things
 Follow the requirement
 If not mentioned, then “On Request/demand”
 Ask referees beforehand
 Use the best ones
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20. Additional Sections
 Professional Certificates/
 Specialized Experience
 Publications/Theses
 Additional Training/Assistantships
 Membership/Affiliations
 Volunteer Experience/Community Service
 Language or Computer Skills
 Continuing Education
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21. Types of CV
Resume
Electronic
Scannable
Email
HTMLPaper
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22. Important Points
 Professionalism
 One page only (for corporate CVs)
 Stick to the truth
 Focus on achievements and results
 Maintain a consistent writing style
 Avoid the use of “I” or “my”
 Modify your CV according to requirement
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23. Important Points
 Use easy-to-read language
 Get grammar and punctuation correct
 Follow the instructions
 Proofread
 Spell Check
 Update your CV regularly
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