Guidelines to writing an effective CV

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