Transitioning to a global development career requires a different CV format than the typical 1-2 page resume found in the private sector, with longer, detailed CVs being the norm. Professionals should adapt their CVs to reflect relevant skills using industry-specific language and demonstrate their experience through context and results. Additional information like training, certificates, and voluntary experience is important in the global development sector, and tailored CVs can increase the chances of success in job applications.

1. Transitioning to a global development job?
Here’s how to write your CV

2. Global development is a highly competitive field demanding a diverse range of skills and
expertise. Shifts in hiring trends are presenting job opportunities for professionals from different
backgrounds to fill these skill gaps.
If you are transitioning from another sector you might be most accustomed to the 1-2 page
resume format favored by the private sector. For the global development sector however, the
usual CV writing rules don’t apply.
Considering a career in global development?

3. CVs which are longer in length and include
additional information are the norm in the global
development sector. Due to the nature of the work,
with short-term projects and consultancy gigs, it is
acceptable for mid-to-senior level global
development professionals to have a CV anywhere
up to five, or even six pages.
If you are transitioning from another sector though,
aim to keep your CV to two pages by including only
the most relevant work experience.
Global development CVs

4. Your CV might be holding you back
Professionals from a range of backgrounds have the skills which can translate into career in
global development. A recent Devex survey found that over 92% of recruiters believe there will a
similar or greater demand for candidates from a non-traditional background, such as the private
tech sector. However, even if you are qualified for the job, simple CV mistakes involving
formatting and language could see your application quickly dismissed.

5. Translate your skills and experience
Make sure you are describing your previous roles and experience in a way which will
resonate with global development professionals and recruiters. Look at the language used in
the job ad and translate your experience to reflect this.
Adapt your CV using industry keywords such as project or program manager, capacity
building, monitoring & evaluation, compliance officer, finance or grant management

6. Tailor your CV to the job description
Previous job titles might not hold much weight in the global development sector which uses
different keywords and titles. Make it immediately clear to the person reading which position
you are interested in by adapting your previous titles and job summaries.
Read the job description noting which requirements you meet and which specific skills you have.
Demonstrate how you used these skills to implement an action and achieve a result – give the
reader context of, for example, what size of project you were managing, the number of staff you
supervised or the business leads you were responsible for generating.

7. And remember to include…
CVs in the global development sector
allow space for you to include additional
information such as training courses or
certificates and language skills. You should
also mention any voluntary or regional
experience you have which could make up
for your lack of field experience.
As a Devex career account member you
can also find global development CV
templates to help you get the format just
right.