If you want to work in research or academia, you may need to develop a CV for prospective employers. A CV allows you to highlight your academic achievements and educational history to demonstrate your suitability for the position. Understanding how to construct a CV can assist you in creating a captivating document that will impress the hiring committee. This post will explain what a CV is and how to write one.

What is a CV?

CV is an abbreviation for curriculum vitae, which is Latin meaning “course of life.” A CV and resume are equivalent in certain countries, such as India, South Africa, and Australia. A CV, on the other hand, is a thorough account of your academic history and accomplishments in the United States and many areas of Europe.

A CV may be required to apply for a teaching or research post in the United States. You can send your resume if you’re looking for a job outside the United States that requires a CV.

How to write a CV?

The following are the six essential steps in creating a CV:

1. Make a header with your contact information.
   Your header should be at the top of the page and include your name, phone number, and email address so that employers know who you are and how to contact you right away.
2. Compose a brief executive summary
   A professional summary serves as a brief introduction to you for whoever is reading it. In this part, you can highlight your most impressive skills and describe the kind of work you’re looking for.
3. Explain your academic background
   It is common practice to add a section about your educational background on a CV when applying for academic positions. Make sure to include your most recent degrees first when providing your educational history. Don’t forget to mention any and all academic accomplishments.
4. Provide your employment history
   Include all of your practical work experience so that your prospective employer can see your career progression, such as:
   • Employment on a full-time and part-time basis
   • Internships
   • Research initiatives 
   • Laboratory activity on research
   • Volunteer work Field experience
     
     Include the position title, employer’s name and location, and dates of employment. Below, list two to three bullet points that describe your job responsibilities.
5. Describe your relevant talents.
   List any skills relevant to the desired employment, such as foreign languages or software. To make yourself a more acceptable applicant, try to mention talents that are related to the job description.
6. Include extra parts
   CVs are often longer than resumes in order to explain all relevant achievements to the possible position. Add sections as needed to list all of your achievements, such as:
   • Publications
   • Lectures and presentations
   • Volunteering in the community
   • Scholarships, fellowships, and grants
   • Honors and awards
   • Professional affiliations
   • Fieldwork Consultation
   • Extensive study abroad experience
   • Conferences