What is a CV? During your job search, you may have wondered what a CV (curriculum vitae) is and how it differs from a resume. These two terms often cause confusion, depending on the countries and the position you apply for. Not understanding the difference between CVs and resumes can lead to the common mistake of using the wrong format when applying for a job, which can diminish your chances of being hired. In this article, we will guide you through the definition of a CV and the key points of creating an ATS-friendly CV. We also provide CV templates for different levels, so make sure to read until the end. Let's dive into the details of crafting an effective CV to start building one! Table of Contents What Is a CV? How to Write an Outstanding Academic CV 5 Extra Tips for Writing Your CV 3 Academic CV Examples Common FAQs about CV What Is A CV? A CV stands for curriculum vitae, comes from Latin and means "course of life." This translation is fitting because CVs are often associated with academic needs. However, in the professional world, even non-academic job postings sometimes ask applicants to send a curriculum vitae instead of a resume. Companies in Southeast Asia, in particular, usually prefer this type of requirement over asking for a "resume." The country that makes the bold distinction between a CV and a resume is the United States. This distinction is made to meet the needs of job seekers themselves. CV formats emphasize the depth of work experience, professional skills, and academic history (include your academic accomplishments) compared to resumes. A CV allows you to detail your entire history of education, courses, training, research, and certifications. For this reason, it is often referred to as an academic CV. CVs are mainly used for candidates who are applying for educational positions, not only for careers but also for scholarships and grants. When an employer asks a candidate to submit a CV, they specifically expect a comprehensive overview of your professional experience and skills. This is very different from a resume, which is usually limited to no more than three pages. Resumes are concise documents highlighting relevant work experience, skills, and achievements tailored to a specific job position. They are designed to be quickly reviewed by recruiters and hiring managers to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the role. However, in some other countries, the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably, and the expectations for the document content may differ. Here is a list of countries and how they typically refer to these documents: United States: Clear distinction between the two. CVs are used for academic purposes, while resumes are used for job applications.Canada: Similar to the United States, with CVs for academic roles and resumes for job applications.United Kingdom: The term CV is used more commonly for job applications, and it usually refers to a document that combines elements of both a CV and a resume.Australia and New Zealand: The term CV is used more frequently than a resume, but the document is similar to a resume in the U.S. context.India: The two terms are often used interchangeably, with CVs being slightly longer and more detailed.South Africa: CV is the commonly used term, similar to a resume in content and length.Europe (General): CV is the preferred term, and the Europass CV format is widely used, combining elements of both a traditional CV and resume. Understanding these regional differences can help you tailor your job application materials to meet the expectations of employers in different countries.Key TakeawaysCV is a comprehensive written list of your work experience (usually related to the field of education). It includes detailed information about your academic background, research, publications, and professional achievements. On the other hand, a resume is a brief, targeted document focused on your qualifications for a specific job. For more details on resumes, you can read more about them in this article.LengthCV: CVs can be longer than 3 pages long, depending on how much experience you have. Some say 10 pages long is the recommended maximum.Resume: The purpose of this is to make it easy for HR to select candidates quickly. Therefore, the recommended length of a resume is one page (three-page max).ContentsCV: A CV does not limit the information you can include as long as it relates to your professional life. If you've had a long career, limiting your list of experiences to the last 15 years is a good idea. 15 years is a long time to work in one field, providing more opportunities to gain accomplishments, attend various trainings, or obtain specialized certifications.Resume: The experience period is even shorter, with only the last 5 to 10 years being the best time to write about. Recruiters usually require candidates to include only information relevant to the position they are applying for.SectionsCV: A CV can contain 9 to 15 sections, including a list of publications.Resume: An average resume consists of 7 sections: personal information, summary, career objective, work experience, skills, education, and other information (languages, certificates, licenses). How to Write an Outstanding CV Crafting an outstanding academic CV requires a meticulous approach that highlights your scholarly achievements, skills, and professional experience in a clear and organized manner. Here's how to write your cv. Personal Information Start with your full name, contact information, and professional title. It's important to be easily reachable, so include your email address, phone number, and any relevant online profiles, such as LinkedIn or an academic website. Ensure this section is clear and easy to find at the top of your CV.Personal Information ExampleDr. Jane SmithEmail: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith Academic Website: janesmithacademic.com Personal Statement Write a concise summary that captures your research interests, career goals, and key achievements. This section should be brief (2-3 sentences) but impactful, giving the reader a quick overview of who you are as a scholar and what drives your academic pursuits.Personal Statement ExampleI am a dedicated researcher with a PhD in Molecular Biology, specializing in genetic engineering. My goal is to contribute to groundbreaking research in gene therapy and mentor the next generation of scientists. I have published extensively in high-impact journals and have secured significant grant funding for my projects. Education List your educational background in chronological order. Include the degree obtained, institution, location, and dates attended. Highlight any honors or distinctions received. This section should clearly demonstrate your academic progression and qualifications.Education Example PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, 2015-2019: Dissertation: "Advancements in Gene Editing Techniques" Graduated with Distinction MSc in Biotechnology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, 2013-2015 Thesis: "Applications of CRISPR in Modern Medicine" Dean's List BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, 2009-2013 First Class Honors Research Experience Detail your research positions, including the title, institution, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on specific contributions, methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This section should highlight your research skills and published work.Research ExperienceExample Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 2019-Present Leading a project on the development of novel gene therapy techniques for hereditary diseases Published 5 papers in peer-reviewed journals, including Nature and Science Secured a $200,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health Graduate Research Assistant, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, 2015-2019 Conducted experiments on CRISPR technology and its applications in gene editing Presented findings at international conferences and symposia Co-authored 3 publications Teaching Experience If you are applying for an academic role, a teaching experience section is a must. Make sure to include your teaching roles, courses taught, institution, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities to highlight your expertise. Don't forget to emphasize on any innovative teaching methods, student evaluations, and contributions to curriculum development.Teaching ExperienceExample Lecturer, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, 2017-2019 Taught undergraduate courses in Molecular Biology and Genetics Developed and delivered lectures, laboratory sessions, and exams Received outstanding teaching evaluations from students Teaching Assistant, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, 2014-2015 Assisted in the instruction of Biotechnology courses Graded assignments and provided feedback to students Conducted office hours and study sessions Publications List your publications in reverse chronological order. Include the title, journal, volume, pages, and year. Highlight any high-impact journals. This section should reflect your contributions to your field and your ability to communicate your research.Publications Example Smith, J., Doe, J. (2023). "Innovations in Gene Therapy for Hereditary Diseases." Nature, 579(7799), 123-128.Smith, J. (2021). "CRISPR-Cas9: Current Applications and Future Directions." Science, 374(6572), 112-117.Smith, J., Brown, A., Lee, K. (2019). "Advancements in Gene Editing Techniques." Molecular Biology Reports, 46(6), 987-993. Presentations Include your presentations at conferences and seminars. List the title, conference name, location, and date. Highlight invited talks or keynote addresses if applicable. This section showcases your ability to disseminate your research and engage with the academic community.Presentations Example "Novel Approaches in Gene Therapy," International Conference on Genetic Engineering, Berlin, Germany, June 2023"CRISPR-Cas9: Ethical Considerations and Future Implications," Annual Biotechnology Symposium, New York, NY, March 2022 "Gene Editing Techniques and Their Applications," European Congress of Molecular Biology, Paris, France, September 2019 Awards and Honors List your academic awards and honors also in reverse chronological order. Include the award name, granting institution, and date. This section should highlight your recognition and achievements within the academic community.Awards and Honors Example NIH Early Career Investigator Award, National Institutes of Health, 2022 Best Dissertation Award, University of Cambridge, 2019 Dean's List, University of Oxford, 2015 First Class Honors, University of Edinburgh, 2013 Grants and Fellowships Detail the grants and fellowships you have received. Include the grant name, granting institution, amount, and date. This section demonstrates your ability to secure funding and support for your research.Grants an Fellowships Example NIH Research Grant, National Institutes of Health, $200,000, 2023-2025 Marie Curie Fellowship, European Commission, €100,000, 2019-2021 Cambridge Trust Scholarship, University of Cambridge, £50,000, 2015-2019 Professional Affiliations List your memberships in professional organizations. Include the organization name and your role if applicable. This section shows your engagement with professional communities and ongoing professional development.Professional Affiliations Member, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, 2018-Present Member, European Molecular Biology Organization, 2015-Present President, Biotechnology Club, University of Cambridge, 2017-2018 5 Tips for Writing Your CV Created by CakeResume 1) Pay close attention to the design and layout of your CV Have you ever considered making your CV as flashy as possible to attract attention? If so, it's best to put that idea aside and put yourself in the shoes of the first person who will see your resume. A CV doesn't need a complicated design. In fact, the cleaner and simpler it is, the better recruiters will judge it. Therefore, a clean and simple design and layout is the way to go. You can start by: Ensuring that all text is justify-aligned.Ensuring that the use of fonts is consistent throughout each section. The most commonly used fonts are Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri in font size 12.Be careful when using color in your CV. It's better to use bold colors to highlight information.The layout used must be consistent in each section.Use the header feature to highlight your name. A mistake beginners make is to use the header for the word 'CV' or 'resume,' which is not necessary.Make sure that there is not too much white space in each sentence. To make sure your CV’s design and layout are consistent and organized, you can use the preview feature in the Print section to see the entire CV. 2) Include numbers to highlight the experience / academic background As with the resume, the use of numbers in CVs also helps recruiters. Numbers serve to highlight your accomplishments and also reinforce your academic background. Use numbers in the summary section of your CV, for example, by mentioning the number of publications, total academic experience, and so on.In addition to numbers, you can use statistics to support the information in your CV.Don't go overboard with numbers or statistics to keep your CV readable by recruiters. 3) How you write your academic CV matters An academic career can vary from teaching to being a resource person for newspapers, magazines, or discussions. But clearly, all of these jobs are not far removed from the world of writing. Just like a scientist who presents his ideas or findings through writing, academics gain credibility in the same way. So if the CV of someone with an academic background is written in a chaotic manner, recruiters will certainly question his or her competence. When creatng your CV, keep the following points in mind: Use consistent grammar to reduce distractions in conveying information, clarify communication in your resume, enhance the recruiter's understanding of your position, and demonstrate your professionalism.Carefully choose the words you use to reinforce and detail your experience. You can use action verbs to avoid passive and weak word choices.Combining action verbs with quantifiable results to maximize their impact would be even better.To make it easier to read, use bullet points to highlight information. 4) Stop using repetitive words Imagine a hiring manager reading your CV and suddenly frowning because he or she feels that the information you provide is repetitive. The reason is that you use too many of the same words in each paragraph. In addition to distracting the reader who is trying to digest information about your background, repetitive words only make you look like an unprofessional academic. Doesn't an academic have to read a lot, from books to newspapers to journals, in order to gain new knowledge? The use of repetitive words in no way reflects the activities that should underpin the way an academic works. There is no other way to increase your vocabulary than to read more, start actively using a thesaurus, and of course, check out the CV online examples at Cake! 5) Tailor your CV document to the job description Tailor your resume by highlighting your experience based on the specific job listing. For example, if you are applying to be a lecturer at Campus A, focus on emphasizing your teaching experience, course development, and student engagement. You might include detailed descriptions of the courses you've taught, innovative teaching methods you've implemented, and positive feedback or evaluations from students. For instance, you could highlight a successful curriculum you designed for a course on Molecular Biology that received outstanding reviews from both students and peers. Additionally, you might mention any workshops or seminars you conducted to enhance student learning. 3 Academic CV Examples Academic CV example for Undergraduate Fresh Grad Pursuing Master's DegreeAcademic CV example for Undergraduate Fresh Grad Pursuing Master's Degree Academic CV example for a graduate student with extensive working experience who has a master's degree and now needs a CV to apply for a PhDAcademic CV example for a graduate student with extensive working experience who has a master's degree and now needs a CV to apply for a PhD Academic CV example for someone who has both a master's degree and a PhD and now is looking for a job at a universityAcademic CV example for someone who has both a master's degree and a PhD and now is looking for a job at a university Common FAQs about CV 1) When to use a CV? / Who should use a CV? The next question is when is the right time to use a CV instead of a resume? What kind of candidates are best suited to use a CV? The answer to this question is that it all depends on the context. Companies may ask applicants to send a CV instead of a resume, even if the job offered is not education-related. In this case, candidates with any background are welcome to use a CV.Use a CV if you are applying for a scholarship to pursue a Master's or Ph.D. degree.Your CV will meet the needs of those applying for positions as researchers, scientists, teachers, and lecturers.In international conferences, especially those related to academic matters, both the appointed speakers and the audience are also required to send CVs for the needs of the event committee.However, if you are still unsure whether the employer wants a shorter resume or a longer CV, it is acceptable to ask before submitting if they'd prefer a comprehensive CV or a resume consisting of highlighted information. 2) What should a CV include? Personal Information: This is basic information such as your name, email address, LinkedIn, GitHub, and so on. You can write this personal information the same way as the resume format.Professional summary: A brief statement of your experience, skills, and accomplishments.Education: A list of your education from highest to lowest. Don't forget to include information such as the name of the institution, the degree you earned, and the date you graduated.Work Experience: A detailed, chronological list of your work experience. For each job, be sure to include the job title, the name of the institution or company, and the dates of employment.Certifications and Licenses: Certifications and licenses are a form of validation of your competence. This information is useful for additional consideration by the institution to which you are applying.Awards and Honors: Awards and honors are achievements bestowed upon you by third parties. They can make your CV stand out.Volunteer Experience: This section is great for graduate students pursuing a master's degree; a list of volunteer experiences can be useful when looking for scholarships.Projects: Project experience is slightly different from work experience. A project is a job with a short duration (a few months), with a working system that is not as fixed as when you work for a company.Publications: The credibility of academics is measured by the number of publications and citations. Publications here are not limited to journals but also include newspapers, magazines, and websites whose credibility can be taken into account.Professional affiliations and memberships: Belonging to a professional organization shows your commitment to your profession. Don't hesitate to include them in your CV.Languages: English is the most common means of communication in academia. An academic needs to be able to communicate with other academics from around the world. So, the more languages you can speak, the better.Hobbies and Interests: This information can be included in the CV if you are a recent graduate to see how active the candidate is outside of work. However, this section is not required at the Master's or Ph.D. level. 3) How long should a CV be? There is no hard and fast rule on how long a CV should be, but some experts suggest that 10 pages is sufficient. It's also a good idea to limit the information you include to the last 15 years of experience. However, if the CV is being used to apply to fields outside of academia, it's best to keep it to no more than 3 pages. Such companies usually use AI engines to filter out suitable applications. A CV that is too long will only put you at a disadvantage. On the other hand, if you are applying for a scholarship, a research position, or even a teaching position, your CV should be comprehensive and include all the details. Logically, the number of applicants in academia will not be as high as in the corporate world, because the requirements are very specific. 4) Should I Put Keywords in My CV? The most frequently asked question is whether keywords are required on a CV. According to Scholarship Canada, it turns out that you still need to include keywordsin your CV, just as you would for a resume. The use of keywords is especiallyimportant if you are applying for a scholarship with hundreds or thousands of applicants. The same source also provides a list of the 7 most popular scholarship resume keywords: LeadershipVolunteerSchool of Community InvolvementAcademic AchievementAthletic AchievementFinancial needExtracurricular activities Meanwhile, you can minimize keywords for teaching positions (teachers, lecturers) and researchers because the competition is usually only in the tens. This is because these positions are very specific, allowing recruiters to read resumes one by one. Educational and research institutions tend to reduce the use of AI in the hiring process. So, whether your resume needs keywords or not, adjust them according to the estimated number of competitors and also the type of position you are seeking. 5) What else should I prepare besides my CV? First, you will need to prepare a motivation letter, which is often called a personal statement. The purpose of this letter is to convince the hiring manager or selection committee that you are the best candidate worthy of selection. There is no specific formula for writing a motivation letter. You just need to ensure that important information, such as work experience and a list of accomplishments, is included in the letter. To strengthen your cover letter, you will also need to include a letter of recommendation or referral from an influential person who is close to you and understands your accomplishments. If you are a recent graduate applying for a master's scholarship, you may request a letter of recommendation from your professor. Key takeaways In some countries, especially in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe, CVs and resumes are often used interchangeably. In fact, a CV is intended for academic purposes, such as applying to be a teacher or lecturer, seeking scholarships, applying for grants, and filling a position as a researcher.A CV has more sections than a resume. Sections in a CV consist of personal information, professional summary, education, work experience, certifications and licenses, awards and honors, volunteer experience (for recent graduates), projects, publications, professional affiliations and memberships, languages, hobbies, and interests (for recent graduates).The CV must be carefully written in a simple design and layout. Applicants should avoid the use of colors, unusual fonts, and grammatical inconsistencies.There is no limit to the number of pages in a CV, although most applicants will include only the last 15 years. The point of a CV is to present information about your professional activities comprehensively. We hope that by now, you will have the answer and all the information you need for the question, "What is a CV?". In addition to providing online CV samples, Cake also has hundreds of articles that can help you in the world of work. Join us now! Ready to give your resume the edge it needs? Try our AI-powered resume checker to identify gaps and optimize your content in seconds. Check My Resume — Originally written by Erika Rizqi —

Created by CakeIn this article, we will include:What Are Achievements in a CV?Where to List Achievements in a CVHow to List Achievements in a CVCV Achievement ExamplesTips on How to Write Achievements in a CVWhen writing a CV, many candidates are lost and unsure about how to impress the recruiter. If that’s your case, consider listing achievements in your curriculum vitae. Listing achievements in a CV helps the recruiter understand how well you can do the job, rather than the responsibilities you’re expected to fulfill. Let’s see some examples of achievements in a CV:X: I am responsible for social media (FB, Instagram, and Tik Tok) marketing material planning.O: Increased fan base by 25% and reached 2M international audience on social media (FB, Instagram, and Tik Tok) by designing cross-platform campaigns. Clearly, an achievement-based CV with convincing details will catch the recruiter’s eyes. Want to win a dream interview? Let’s walk you through how to write achievements in a CV.What Are Achievements in a CV?First, achievements are not what you’re expected to do. If you are a waiter, making tables and taking orders are not achievements. Achievements in a CV are impressive highlights that demonstrate your outstanding skills or capability. Key achievements prove that a person surpasses the average quality and aims at being better than required.Here are the types of achievements that can be included in a CV: 💡 Personal achievements Personal achievements in a CV might include experience like completing a full marathon or having been to more than 25 countries. There are debates on whether a professional CV should include personal achievements. The best strategy is to think from the recruiter’s perspective. Personal achievements like those can be eye-catching if you are applying for roles in the entertainment or sports industry. However, you should try to include only the relevant personal achievements in your CV to spark the hiring manager’s interest. 💡 Professional achievements Professional achievements are career highlights that can represent your job skills. It is the most common type of achievement in a CV that applicants list. Key professional achievements in a CV are extraordinary performances that prove a candidate fulfills the duty and make additional contributions to the company and the client. Examples of professional achievements to put in a CV:Work-related awards received (e.g., Best Customer Service of the Year)Industry or competition awards (e.g., Red Dot Design Award)Special promotions you got in your jobMoney saved for the company (with the amount or percentage specified)Revenue or sales you increased (with the amount or percentage specified)Time saved for a project or procedure (with the amount or percentage specified)Media exposure or coverage earned for the companyEfficient procedures or systems you developed, streamlined, or optimizedProblems you identified or analyzedSuccessful solutions you have suggested, deployed, and implementedAdditional professional training or certifications you completed 💡 Academic achievements It’s crucial to provide distinguished academic achievements in the CV for students or recent graduates if they have limited to no professional experience. The benefits of listing academic achievements, such as a high GPA, Latin honors, Dean’s lists, or publications in a CV, are that they show a candidate’s potential and characteristics, such as hard-working, that are valued. Other unique academic CV accomplishments, such as joining a foreign university lab research or helping organize an academic conference, are also ideal experiences that add value to your CV. 💡 Sports achievements Participation in sports is a great way to display key soft skills for a future career on a CV. It demonstrates teamwork skills, perseverance, self-motivation, and more. Where to List Achievements in a CVTo outperform other applicants, you need to know where to list your achievements in a CV. There are four sections in a CV to write about different kinds of achievements. 1. CV summary A CV summary is a short passage with 3-5 sentences that describes your professional profile. For job applicants, it’s also a key section to incorporate their best career performance into.Pros:A CV summary is like a hook. Adding accomplishments in the CV summary invites the recruiter to learn more about you and read on to other sections.Cons:If your accomplishments in the CV profile are written in an uninviting manner, the recruiters might drop your CV immediately. Example of including achievements in a CV summary:Versatile cyber security project manager with 5+ years of experience organizing projects for diverse clients. Seeking to join Camellia to help provide high-class service and raise profit. At Turbo, cut average project time by 15% and saved $5k per project by improving communication and implementing effective risk management solutions. 2. Work experience section For recruiters, the work experience section is the most important part of a CV. They expect to review your work history and accomplishments to determine whether or not they should invite you to an interview. As a result, this is the best section in a CV to include all your exceptional achievements. Example of including achievements in the work experience section:Software Engineer | PlayStationImplemented server features 15% earlier than the estimated delivery.Documented key technical areas for presentation with a team of 20+ engineers.Trained 8 interns to develop 7 migration plans for micro-service components. Pros:The work experience section is the section recruiters care about most. Junior level applicants or more experienced ones can simply list accomplishments in this section of your CV.Cons:To position yourself as a strong applicant, you must list CV accomplishments related to the job posting. Hiring managers will easily dismiss irrelevant accomplishments.3. Education section The education section in a CV is another highlight for recent graduates or students looking for an entry-level job or an internship. Academic achievements in a CV will immediately add value to a candidate, especially when hiring managers are looking for freshers with high potential and dedication.Pros:Including achievements in the education section in a CV is favorable for freshers and students.Cons:Emphasizing GPA or other achievements in a CV works best for students and recent graduates but is less helpful for job candidates who have 3+ years of experience. Example of including achievements in the education section:University of Michigan, Ann ArborB.S. in Information2020GPA 3.9, Dean’s List 2018, 2019.Exchange program at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, GPA 4.0.Organized activities to o promote inclusiveness in data science and managed the second largest student club in the school of management (50+ members). 4. Awards achievements section Recruiters from different industries look for different accomplishments in a CV. For example, design awards are definitely a huge plus for the design industry. If you have several industry-related awards that do not fit in the work experience section, consider adding the accomplishments in an additional “Awards” section in the CV.Pros:Creating a specific section for your awards is eye-catching and will make you look like a professional.Cons:It might take up extra space in your CV. Example of including achievements in the awards achievementssection:Awards AchievementsWon 6 “Sites of the Day” by AwardsCore77 Service Design winner 201967th TDC Communication Design Competition How to List Achievements in a CVNow you know where to put accomplishments in a CV. Here comes the ultimate question: How do you describe previous work experience in a CV to prove that you have impressive achievements? There are many ways to put your effort into words. Nevertheless, which is most appealing and persuasive for the hiring managers? Here’s the formula to describe your accomplishments in a CV and make them shine.. ✨ Measurements It’s great that you’ve done a lot for your work. Yet, when describing your work, adding understandable context to the hiring manager is important. Measurements are tools to help us calculate things and be more specific.Here are several questions to help you measure your accomplishments in your CV:How many people are involved?How much money is involved?How often do you perform a certain task?Did you exceed any expectations? If so, by how much? ✨ Duration When writing about your achievements, it’s best to add the duration of the project alongside measurements. How long does it last? Specify the duration, whether it’s a year, a month, or a week. ✨ Quantifiable results Finally, after you provide background knowledge of your achievements, don’t forget to add the final results. Results, similar to the measured background of your work, should be quantifiable. Don’t hesitate to spend some time calculating percentages or the amount of financial impact you make in your CV achievements. CV Achievement ExamplesAchievements to put on a CV for teenagers:Managed food catering and table set up for a $10k fundraiser party.Commended by the manager for being detail-focused and attentive.CV Achievements in a CV for freshers:Developed a habit-tracking app with 10k downloads on App Store with Swift.Organized marketing campaigns for an anti-drug club that reached 50k people.Achievements in a CV for students:Assisted the organization of a 1-week SIGCHI international conference with 800+ attendants.HR achievements in a CV:Ogranized training events for 15 new employees and received 98% positive feedback.Nurse CV achievements:Monitored and documented 20 patients daily to assist doctors with diagnosis.Customer service achievements in a CV:Awarded "customer service representative of the quarter" based on customer satisfaction, speed, and sales performance.Key achievements in retail:Exceeded sales goal by more than 20% in Q1-Q3.Reduced search time from 6 mins to 2 mins by introducing inventory reorganization systems.Software developer achievements in a CV:Reduced monthly cost by $300 by streamlining online chat service with social marketing accounts.Developed business dashboard to provide real-time monitor platforms for inventory and procurement.Accountant achievements in a CV:Designed customized accounting procedures to reduce paperwork by 15%.Trained new accounting staff to abide by rigorous document regulations.Sales manager CV achievements:Increased sales by 6% each quarter after implementing an efficient sales strategy.Key achievements in a CV for project managers:Streamlined project cycle and unified document format to reduce average stage development time by 10%.Sports achievements in a CV:Maintained a rigorous 3.5 hr training from 5.00 am daily.Assisted members with communication and conflict resolutions during stressful national league games.UX/UI Designer achievements in a CV:Established logical surveys and conducted 6 insightful interviews to create a clear persona.Administrative Assistant achievements in a CV:Saved $2,500 expenditures in office supplies by renegotiating with the current supplier.Reorganized email reply schedule to reduce time by 35%, from 14 hours per week to 9 hours.Tips on How to Write Achievements in a CVSurely, describing your achievements in a CV can be a pain in the neck.You might encounter problems like: Not knowing the result of the work you doNot sure about what counts as achievements in a CVNot sure if the hiring manager would be interested in your accomplishmentsNot sure how to put your achievements in the CV to make it attractive Here are some tips to help you write about accomplishments on your CV: ✅ Reach out to previous clients or employers for details. Oftentimes, we don’t have access to financial details or back-end data that we can use to back up our achievements in the CV. If you’re wondering about the numbers or outcome of your work, asking your manager or previous clients may be a good idea. The employer and clients, in most cases, are willing to share the result unless classified data is involved. Asking for KPI information or numerical documents is acceptable. Of course, you should explain your purpose politely and add that it’s solely for job searching purposes and writing about your accomplishments in your CV, and these materials would not be leaked or utilized with malicious intention. ✅ Utilize adjectives or adverbs. When writing accomplishments in the CV, word choices matter. Adding powerful adjectives or adverbs like “significant” or “accurately” will make your accomplishments look influential. ✅ Differentiate achievements from responsibilities. After finishing your achievements in your CV, read it again. How does this description portray you? Ideally, your accomplishments in the CV are elements that reflect your goal-oriented and problem-solving working skills. If the descriptions are merely information about what you’re asked to do, you should rewrite them. ✅ Always use quantifiable results. Numbers really pop. Arabic numbers are not only easier to interpret and calculate, but they are also visually distinguishable from letters. Whenever it’s possible, use numbers to write about your accomplishments and work results in the CV. Moreover, it shows that you value the result of your work and are willing to dedicate more to achieving your goal. ✅ Highlight key accomplishments and be ready to talk about them in an interview. Suppose that there are more than 5 accomplishments you’d like to add to each job in your CV. In this case, you can choose to highlight one or two of your best performances for the recruiter in the CV like this:Key performance: Cut production cost by 35% and $10k annual expenditure by establishing a positive rapport with suppliers and utilizing negotiation skills. Since it’s your key achievement in the CV, you are likely to be asked about it in the interview. Make sure you can present the details of the achievement coherently. 🔑Key Takeaways:Collect and calculate the results of your past work.List your accomplishments in the CV work experience section.Use metrics and quantifiable results to make achievements more specific.Make your achievement as relevant to the job posting ad as possible.Add accomplishments in your CV profile to catch the hiring manager’s attention.With Cake, you can easily create a CV online and download your CV’s PDF format for free. Land your dream job and create your CV online (free download) now!Create CV--- Originally written by Wu Chao Min ---

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, we'll cover:What Is a CV Personal Profile and When to Use It?How to Write a CV Personal Profile25 CV Personal Profile ExamplesWriting a CV Personal Profile – DOs DON’TsA personal profile on a CV is a brief statement that summarizes your key skills, professional experience, and accomplishments. Think about it as a self-description for your CV through which recruiters and potential employers can quickly get an idea about you. Some of you may confuse a CV personal profile with a profile summary and CV objectives. Essentially, a CV personal profile summarizes your expertise, skills and achievements instead of your goals and objectives. Read on to learn about the differences, what should be included in a professional personal summary for your CV, and how to craft a strong statement.What Is a CV Personal Profile and When to Use It?Depending on the context, a CV personal profile can go under various names such as: CV opening statementProfile summary for CVsCV intro/profileetc. Regardless of the name, these should be placed at the top of the document and in a separate section. The purpose is to briefly introduce you as a potential candidate, meaning that you have to highlight your expertise, outstanding skills, and achievements in the field. When well-written, it can pique the hiring manager’s interest right from the start. Keep in mind that a CV personal profile is different from a CV objective which mentions your motivation to apply for the vacancy opening and states your goals for professional development. If you’re writing a graduate CV profile or applying for entry-level jobs, consider combining both statements in your CV personal profile. This way, you can pitch yourself effectively without showing a lack of work experience. How to Write a CV Personal ProfileWhen writing a CV personal profile, you need to at least include the following 3 elements: Your best personal qualitiesHighlights of your skillsYour notable experiences✨ Your best personal qualities The personal profile on your CV is a section where recruiters can catch a glimpse of who you are as a person and as a potential employee. Hence, here is the perfect place to show off the qualities that make you unique.Here are some examples of how you can showcase your personality in your CV personal profile:“Able to meet deadlines while making sure all information collected is accurate.”“Capable of motivating team members to ensure the operational flow while maximizing the team’s working efficiency.”“In my previous role as a nurse, developed essential skills such as time management, attention to detail, and emergency handling.” ✨ Highlights of your skills Aside from your personality, the skills you possess also makes a great selling point when appealing to potential employers. Therefore, they should be mentioned in the CV personal profile which readers view first when reading a CV.Here are some examples: “Utilizing strong critical thinking skills to offer advice in structuring operation principles and manufacturing methodologies.”“A team leader who trained, led, and supervised 20+ in-house writers and freelancers.”“Leveraged strong research skills to employ technical advancements for better delivery of the network.” ✨ Notable experiences The best way to show credibility in the skills you possess is through proof of your past experiences. If the experience is relevant to the job you are applying for, it is highly recommended that you mention these notable experiences in the CV personal profile.Here’s how you want to mention your experiences:“Dynamic security supervisor with 10 years of experience in conducting security audits in high-pressure environments.”“Attentive resident assistant with a proven track record in developing students’ communities and providing guidance.”“IT Executive working on 12 social projects across the region of Southeast Asia.” 25 CV Personal Profile ExamplesCustomer Service CV Profile “Experienced Client Relations Manager who excels in building and maintaining relationships with clients and key personnel within customer companies. 3 years of experience in hiring, training, and supervising interns to juniors to secure high-standard telephone manners and customer satisfaction in general.” Student CV Profile Example “Goal-oriented graduate student majoring in Geological Science. Spent nearly 2 years of experience researching the volcanic activities Mt. Qixing and Dayoukeng. Eager to work at the National Institute of Geological Sciences to further leverage my research and analytical skills as well as in-depth knowledge in geology.” CV Profile Summary Examples for Freshers “Self-motivated Nursing Sophomore at St. John’s Medical College looking for a one-year internship. Passionate about taking care of people while being able to perform a variety of administrative tasks. Worked for the German Red Cross as a volunteer in 2019.” CV Profile Summary for Software Developer Fresher “PE Certified Software Developer with proficiency in Agile Development, Software Development Life Cycle, and Systems Process Improvement. Having 7 years of experience in programming and creating innovative solutions to distributed system issues. In the former position in NextTech, led a team of 5 developers to successfully build scalable features for client software using Scala and Kotlin.” CV Profile Summary for HR Fresher “MBA graduate seeking with a passion for working and interacting with people. A confident communicator who worked as an HR intern at Inteplast for 6 months. Currently seeking an entry-level HR position where I can apply my strong organizational skills and knowledge in HR practices.” Profile Summary for Electrical Engineer Fresher “Senior electrical engineer with 9 years of experience in electric motors manufacturing and a demonstrated history of Integrated Circuit design, workforce allocation, and electric layout optimization. Adept at using 3D, CAD modeling software, C++, and reverse engineering.” Profile Summary for Computer Science Fresher “Computer science graduate with solid data analysis and problem-solving skills. Possess 2-year experience as an intern at MaSaTech. Proficient in using SML/SQL, Ethernet, VPN, and PHP to design technical initiatives and automate business solutions.” Profile Summary for Fresher Accountant “Entry-level accountant working towards a CPA License. Worked as a part-time accounting clerk in Toma Corp. and accomplished the “2020’s Rising Star'' award. Looking to provide my accounting assistance to FPG Group.” Profile Summary for Fresher Teacher “Fresh graduate with an education major and exceptional communication skills. 3 years of after-school creativity class volunteer experience and being able to stimulate students’ curiosity. Looking to guide students on their early educational journey at Alta California Elementary School.” Java Developer Profile Summary Example “Professional Java developer well-educated about Java SE/EE and experienced in developing and delivering PC and mobile applications. Recognized for conducting relevant tests and evaluating the overall performance to make sure changes are aligned with client requirements.” CV Profile Summary Example For Fresher Engineer “Goal-driven computer science graduate with comprehensive knowledge in AI and machine learning. Gained experience in designing web pages as well as AI-related side projects. Looking to be a part of the Software Engineering team at Ragic so that I can utilize my existing skills in JavaScript, Django, and Python and learn more from senior developers.” Data Analyst CV Personal Profile Example “Goal-oriented data analyst with 6 years of experience in the Food Beverage industry. In-depth-expertise in R, SQL, Tableau, and C++. Achievements include boosting annual sales by 31% and designing a new database model to reduce service waiting time.” Sales CV Profile Example “Data-driven specialist working in B2B sales for 5 years and gained significant achievements. Highly recognized for increasing quarterly sales, building customer loyalty, and managing cold emailing campaigns. Ranked #3 in the sales competition held corporate-wide.” Social Media CV Profile Example “Dynamic social media marketer with 5 years of experience in creating engaging content on relevant platforms and managing business pages on Facebook. Key skills include researching the latest social media trends and maintaining content distribution. Completed 3 Social Media Marketing online courses on Hubspot.” Marketing CV Profile Example “Customer-oriented product marketing manager with a specialization in new skincare product development and launches. Recognized for an increase of 28% in annual sales by bringing a new moisturizer to the market. Able to speak English, French, and Spanish fluently in a business setting.” IT CV Profile Example “Seasoned professional with 10 years of experience as an IT support specialist. Skilled in the practices of technical personnel, training, and preparation of technical documentation. Looking to be part of PledgeCamp with a goal to effectively assist the hardware configuration and phone system support of the company.” Business Management Profile Example “Regional business manager with 8+ years of experience in developing business strategies for Zara Home in South East Asia. Effectively implemented new initiatives and campaigns which increased the sales revenue by 33% in less than 2 years. Superb negotiation and leadership skills.” Teaching CV Profile Example “Dedicated ESL teacher gaining plenty of experience in helping non-native speakers learn grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of spoken and written English. Adept at motivating learners of all ages and levels to confidently communicate with others. Familiar with online teaching platforms and tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, EdAp, and LearnCube.” Hospitality Profile Example “Freelance Tour Guide who led and navigated 15+ groups of hikers through the Angels Landing, and Bryce Canyon National Park. Certified Tour Director and Guide by ITMI in 2019. Proven experience in providing essential knowledge of specific areas and encouraging participants to overcome their obstacles.” Administrative Assistant Personal Profile Example “Top-rated administrative assistant with over 6 years of experience in a fast-paced office environment. Looking for a new position where I can utilize my skills and experience in scheduling, database management, and office management.” Healthcare Professional CV Profile Example “Devoted public health officer with 7 years of experience in educating the community on healthy living strategies and reducing the risk of illness, disease, and infection. In former roles, increased wellness survey grades by 23% and educated 350+ residents about healthy eating choices and other nutrition-related behavior.” Project Management CV Profile Example “Certified Associate in Project Management working in various industries for 10 years, including fashion, tourism, and creative arts. Awarded the Top Performer Recognition for 2 years in a row. Key skills include project scope administration, risk assessment, resource allocation, and budget control.” MBA CV Profile Example “Hard-working undergraduate student who has earned a bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a GPA of 3.9. Currently pursuing a master’s program in Communications and International Public Relations. Gained 2 years of experience as a freelance writer and a content contributor for various magazines.” Profile Summary for Graphic Designer “Freelance graphic designer with a strong passion about transforming clients’ brands into powerful materials. Specialties include digital and print advertisements, corporate identity, marketing materials, and social media graphics. Highly skilled at using Adobe Creative Suite and Illustrator to effectively deliver high-quality works.” Profile Summary for CEO “Strategic-driven CEO with 12 years of experience in 2 multinational companies. Significantly increased the client database by 250% in 2 years and developed strong relationships with over 20 tech unicorns in Asia. Core competencies include management leadership, business operations, and risk assessment.” Writing a CV Personal Profile – DOs DON’Ts✅ DO #1 - Be brief and to the point. Having a short CV intro allows valuable space for other key sections such as work experience, education, qualification and skills, etc. Besides, hiring managers prefer to see the key points about you rather than a detailed personal summary. ✅ DO #2 - Include active adjectives. You may notice that the personal profile CV examples listed above all start with a power adjective such as goal-driven, passionate, dynamic, detail-oriented, professional, etc. Using them properly can make your personal statement more impressive and partly show your personal trait. ✅ DO #3 - Add measurable accomplishments. Do you know that using measurements to highlight your achievements can make your claims more credible and convincing. Refer to these pieces of information if you don’t know how to add numbers to the CV opening statement: Years of work experienceQuantified achievements in previous jobs ✅ DO #4 - Use either first person or third person pronouns. It’s recommended that you use the first and third person pronouns when writing a personal profile. However, make sure to be consistent, meaning that you need to stick to one certain pronoun. ✅ DO #5 - Tailor to the specific position. Hiring managers may sort through hundreds of CVs for a single vacancy, meaning that they often scan to find the most relevant details only. The best way to quickly grab their intention is tailoring your CV personal profile to the job posting. ❌ DON’T #1 - Over-use buzzwords. Active adjectives and power verbs can become buzzwords if inserted improperly. To avoid this, make sure your claims are all facts, not an exaggeration. Also, using 1-2 buzzwords is enough. ❌ DON’T #2 - Forget important keywords from the job description. You will not want your CV to fail through the Applicant Tracking System as there are no keywords found. Hence, look for the right keywords in the following sections in the job description about: Job responsibilitiesJob requirementsSkills qualifications ❌ DON’T #3 - Write the same things from your cover letter. You may be asked to submit a cover letter along with your resume or CV. If so, keep in mind not to repeat what you’ve mentioned in the other sections. Avoid this to save your CV space and hiring manager’s time. ❌ DON’T #4 - Contain spelling or grammar errors. Don't let such minor errors on your CV cost you the job interview. Many recruiters and employers see this as a common problem among job applicants nowadays, so you should pay more attention and proofread your document before submitting it. ❌ DON’T #5 - Write too long. A CV personal profile shouldn’t be more than 70 words. The reason is that employers tend to quickly scan this section at first glance rather than extensively read it just to know. Save the space for other important information in your CV.Not getting the responses you deserve? Let our AI resume checker reveal what's keeping your resume from getting noticed.Reveal Issues Now--- Originally written by May Luong ---