How Curriculum Vitae (CV) Is Written: A Complete Guide to Writing a Professional CV

Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is one of the most important steps in your career journey. Whether you’re applying for your first job, a new position, or higher studies, your CV is often the first impression a recruiter or institution will have of you.

A well-written CV doesn’t just list your qualifications — it tells your professional story in a clear, concise, and convincing way. In this article, we’ll break down how to write a perfect CV step-by-step, what sections to include, and how to make it stand out.

What Is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

The term Curriculum Vitae (Latin for “course of life”) refers to a detailed document that outlines your academic background, work experience, achievements, and skills.

Unlike a short résumé, a CV is more comprehensive and detailed, typically used for academic, research, and international job applications.

Difference Between a CV and a Résumé

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a key difference between the two:

How to Write a CV: Step-by-Step Guide

A good CV follows a clear structure. It should be easy to read, professionally formatted, and free from errors. Below is the ideal structure for a CV:

1. Personal Information

At the top, include your essential personal details such as:

• Full Name

• Contact Number

• Email Address

• LinkedIn Profile (optional but recommended)

• Location (City and Country)

Avoid adding unnecessary details like religion, marital status, or a full address — these are not required in modern CVs.

2. Professional Summary

This is a short paragraph (3–4 lines) that summarizes who you are, your career goals, and what you can offer to an employer.

Example:

Motivated accounting professional with over 3 years of experience in financial reporting and tax compliance. Skilled in auditing, GST, and corporate law. Looking to contribute to a dynamic organization where accuracy and efficiency are valued.

A strong summary instantly grabs attention and encourages the reader to explore your CV further.

3. Education

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Example:
Master of Commerce (M.Com) — Delhi University, 2022
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) — Delhi University, 2020

If you have achieved academic distinctions, scholarships, or completed special training, mention them here.

4. Work Experience

This is the most important section for professionals. List your job history in reverse order, including your job title, company name, dates of employment, and key responsibilities.

Example:
Account Executive | XYZ Finance Pvt. Ltd. | July 2022 – Present

• Managed client accounts, audits, and financial statements.

• Prepared tax filings under GST and Income Tax regulations.

• Coordinated with management for risk and compliance audits.

Use action verbs like managed, led, analyzed, implemented, and developed to make your CV sound active and confident.

5. Skills

This section highlights your core strengths and technical abilities. Tailor it according to the job you’re applying for.

Example:

• Financial Analysis

• Tally ERP / Excel / QuickBooks

• GST & Income Tax Filing

• Corporate Law & Compliance

• Team Collaboration

You can also divide skills into technical and soft skills (communication, leadership, time management, etc.).

6. Achievements and Certifications

Include any awards, honors, or certifications that add value to your profile.

Example:

• Certified in Advanced Excel from NIIT

• Completed GST Practitioner Course from ICAI

• Awarded “Best Intern” at ABC Accounting Firm

This section helps your CV stand out among other candidates with similar qualifications.

7. Projects or Research (Optional)

If you’re applying for an academic or research position, you can list projects, papers, or dissertations you’ve worked on.

Example:

• “Impact of GST on Small Businesses” — Research paper presented at DU Commerce Conference 2021.

8. References (Optional)

You can mention references like professors or previous employers who can vouch for your work — but this is optional. Alternatively, simply write “References available on request.”

Key Tips for Writing a Strong CV

• Keep it concise: 2 pages is ideal for most professionals.

• Use a clear font: Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (size 11–12).

• Be honest: Never exaggerate qualifications or experience.

• Use bullet points: Makes it easy to scan and read quickly.

• Tailor for each job: Adjust your CV to match the job description.

• Proofread: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much design or color — keep it clean and professional.

• Adding irrelevant personal details like hobbies or full address.

• Writing long paragraphs instead of short, impactful points.

• Forgetting to update your CV with recent experience.

Final Thoughts

A well-written Curriculum Vitae is your personal marketing document  it shows who you are, what you’ve achieved, and what you can offer. Whether you are a fresher or a professional, your CV should be clear, well-organized, and tailored to the opportunity you’re aiming for.

Take time to plan, format, and proofread your CV carefully. A great CV doesn’t just get you noticed  it opens the door to your next big opportunity.