What is a Curriculum Vitae : Template and example

Understanding the basics of a CV

When applying for a job, one of the most important documents you need is a CV. But what cv is, and why is it essential in the hiring process? A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, is a detailed document that outlines your professional background, education, skills, and achievements. Unlike a resume, which is often a brief summary, a CV provides an in-depth look at your career journey.

Employers use CVs to assess candidates' qualifications and determine if they are a good fit for a position. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, knowing what is a CV and how to structure it effectively can significantly impact your job search success.

What is a CV

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a comprehensive document that highlights your professional journey, including education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It serves as a detailed representation of your qualifications and is commonly used for job applications, academic roles, and research positions.

Unlike a resume, which is typically one to two pages long, a CV can be more extensive, especially if you have a long professional history or academic background. Knowing what is a CV and how to structure it effectively can improve your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

Want to know how a CV differs from a resume? Check out our in-depth guide on Resume vs. CV: Key Differences & When to Use Which.

How to write a CV

Creating a well-structured CV is essential to make a strong impression on employers. Whether you're applying for a job, an academic position, or a research opportunity, following the right format ensures your CV is clear, professional, and impactful.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a CV:

1. Choose the Right CV Format

Depending on your experience and industry, you can use different CV formats:

Chronological CV – Ideal for professionals with a solid work history.

Functional CV – Focuses on skills rather than work experience.

Combination CV – A mix of chronological and functional formats.

2. Add Your Contact Information

Ensure your CV includes:

Full Name

Phone Number

Professional Email Address

LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)

Portfolio or Personal Website (if relevant)

3. Write a Strong CV Summary or Objective

CV Summary – Best for experienced professionals, summarizing key achievements.

CV Objective – Ideal for freshers, focusing on career goals and aspirations.

4. List Your Work Experience (if applicable)

Include:

Job Title

Company Name

Employment Dates

Key Responsibilities & Achievements

Tip: Use bullet points to make this section easy to scan!

5. Highlight Your Educational Background

Mention:

Degree Name

University/Institution

Year of Completion

6. Showcase Relevant Skills

Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, leadership).

7. Add Certifications, Awards, or Publications (if applicable)

These can help set you apart from other candidates.

8. Include Optional Sections

Depending on the job, you might also add:

Languages Spoken

Volunteer Work

Hobbies & Interests

CV template

CV example

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a CV and why is it important?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document highlighting your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It is important because it provides recruiters with a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, helping them assess whether you're a good fit for a job.

2. What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

The main difference between a CV and a resume is the length and purpose. A CV is more detailed and used for academic, research, or job applications, while a resume is a concise, one-to-two-page document focused on work experience and skills.

Check out our blog on CV versus Resume

3. How long should a CV be?

A CV length depends on experience:

• Freshers/Entry-Level: 1-2 pages
• Mid-Level Professionals: 2-3 pages
• Academics/Researchers: Can be longer (3+ pages)

Check out our blog for more information on how long should a cover letter be?

4. What should be included in a CV?

A well-structured CV format should include:

• Contact details
• Professional summary
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications & achievements
• Additional sections (volunteer work, languages, publications)

5. How do I write a professional CV with no experience?

If you have no work experience, focus on:

• Education and coursework
• Internships or projects
• Skills relevant to the job
• Volunteering or extracurricular activities

Check out our blog on AI Solutions to Overcome 5 Common Cover Letter Writing Mistakes for any further information.

6. Should I customize my CV for each job application?

Yes, tailoring your CV to match the job description improves your chances of getting hired. Highlight relevant skills, keywords, and experience that align with the specific role.

7. What is the best CV format for 2025?

The most effective CV formats in 2025 are:

• Chronological CV (best for experienced professionals)
• Functional CV (ideal for career changers or freshers)
• Combination CV (mix of skills and experience)

8. How do I make my CV stand out?

To make your Curriculum Vitae stand out:

• Use clear formatting and bullet points
• Include quantifiable achievements
• Optimize with keywords for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
• Add a professional summary with key skills

9. Can I use the same CV for jobs in different industries?

While the structure remains the same, you should modify your CV template to highlight industry-specific skills and experience relevant to each job application.

10. Where can I find professional CV templates?

You can find free CV templates tailored for various industries and experience levels on our Cover letter builder

Want to learn more about crafting the perfect CV? Explore our guide on Tips to write a cover letter

How to write a cover letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

Cover letter examples

Conclusion

Conclusion

A well-crafted Curriculum Vitae (CV) can be the key to unlocking new career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, tailoring your CV to highlight your strengths makes all the difference. If you’re ready to create a standout CV, explore our Cover letter builder and check out our blogs on cover letter writing tips and examples too whose links are given above in the FAQs section and build Cover letter that gets noticed.

And while you're at it, checking out other trusted resources can also help refine your application. Platforms like Novoresume offer valuable insights on crafting compelling cover letters that complement your CV. A great resume paired with a strong cover letter? That’s a winning combination.