How to Create a Winning CV

As we step into a new academic session or post-graduation life, many ANSSIRites are gearing up to apply for internships, scholarships, or full-time positions. Crafting a professional, well-structured CV is essential to making a strong impression in the competitive job market. This guide will walk you through the key steps to creating a standout CV, suggest helpful online resources, and provide a simple, effective CV template that you can easily customize.

Why Your CV Matters

Your CV is often the first point of contact between you and a potential employer. It summarizes your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, giving the hiring manager a snapshot of who you are as a professional. A well-organized and polished CV shows employers that you are serious, detail-oriented, and prepared.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Great CV

1. Contact Information

Ensure your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile are easily visible at the top of your CV. A professional email address and LinkedIn profile can reinforce your credibility.

2. Personal Profile/Objective

Write a brief, compelling personal statement (3-4 sentences) that captures your key skills and career goals. Tailor this section to the role you’re applying for. This helps employers understand what you bring to the table and why you’re a good fit.

3. Work Experience

List your previous jobs, internships, or volunteer roles in reverse chronological order (starting with your most recent experience). For each role, include:

Job title
Company name
Dates of employment
Key responsibilities and accomplishments (use action verbs such as “managed,” “developed,” “coordinated”)

Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your skills and impact.

4. Education

Clearly state your academic background, starting with the most recent degree or diploma. For each entry, include:

Degree/Qualification
Institution Name
Graduation Date
Scholarships, awards, or key coursework that relate to your field of study (don’t forget to mention your ANSSIR scholarship, as it highlights academic excellence and leadership).

5. Skills

Include both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. For example:

Technical skills (e.g., proficiency in Excel, coding languages, data analysis tools)
Language skills (e.g., English, Russian)
Soft skills (e.g., problem-solving, leadership, communication)

Ensure that your skills align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

6. Certifications/Training

Include any certifications, courses, or additional training you’ve completed. For instance, mention courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning, as these showcase your commitment to continuous learning.

7. Languages

List all the languages you speak, along with your proficiency level. If you are fluent in English and Russian, it could be a key differentiator, especially for international or global roles.

8. Volunteer Experience

Volunteering or extracurricular activities demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative. List your volunteer roles, especially those that align with your career goals.

9. References

It’s common to add “References available upon request” rather than listing contact details. Ensure you have up-to-date references ready when needed.

Helpful CV-Building Tools and Resources

Canva: Canva offers hundreds of professional, customizable CV templates. You can create a visually appealing CV by simply selecting a template and adding your content. Canva is user-friendly, even for beginners.
Zety: This platform provides modern CV templates and allows you to customize them with ease. Zety also offers tips to improve your CV’s structure and content.
Novoresume: A popular online CV builder that helps you create personalized resumes that are ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly. It also offers industry-specific examples.
Jobscan: Jobscan’s resume scanning tool compares your CV with job descriptions, helping you optimize it for ATS. It’s an invaluable tool for tailoring your CV to specific roles.
LinkedIn Learning: This platform offers numerous courses on CV writing, interview preparation, and professional development. Use it to refine your CV and job-hunting strategy.

Final Thoughts

September is a key time for ANSSIRites, whether you’re entering a new academic session or embarking on your career journey. Crafting a CV that is tailored to your goals and the job market is an essential step in setting yourself up for success. With the right structure, clear language, and the help of the online resources mentioned, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning CV that stands out to employers.

Best of luck, ANSSIRites!