Curriculum Vitae (CV) Format

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Format

Written by nigcareer on January 17th, 2011

It is startling to discover that many candidates find it difficult to prepare standard curriculum vitae. “When I receive some curriculum vitae, I am disturbed about the manner in which some applicants prepare their curriculum vitae” a recruiter commented. One of the issues he discussed was the inability of some applicants to provide certain information about themselves which can help the recruiter to assess their suitability for the job.

For this purpose, we have highlighted the basic information which curriculum vitae should contain. This, at least will serve as a guide.

1. Contact Information
a. Your name (Your surname should come first, followed by other names)
b. Address: Your address should not be P. O. Box address. Use the address where you can easily be contacted
c. Telephone: If you have more than one phone number, it is better to include at least two numbers
d. E mail. Applicants are expected to have active email address.

2. Personal Information
a. Date of Birth (Don’t put your age on your Curriculum Vitae. This is wrong. Instead, you should put your date of birth)
b. Place of Birth
c. Nationality
d. Sex
e. Marital Status

3. Employment History

You indicate your employment history in a chronological order starting from the present backward. This will possibly contain the names of the organisations with dates, position(s) held and your responsibilities/achievements

4. Education.

This section will contain the names of the institutions attended with dates and the qualifications you obtained. List them from the most recent to the oldest

5. Professional Qualifications

Professional qualification is different from your educational qualification. Educational qualifications refer to the degree you obtained such as BSc, HND, MSc etc. Examples of professional qualifications are ACA, ACCA etc

6. Skills

It is possible you possess certain skills which can distinguish you from others. If you have such, then, you can bullet point them.

7. Awards/Honours.

List your awards or honours here (if any)

8. Hobbies/Interests

Your hobbies may be reading, travelling etc. This can be an added advantage for you in certain circumstances. For example if you are applying for the position of a marketer, travelling as a hobby can be an added advantage.

9. Referees

Some employers expect applicants to indicate their referee. Applicants may decide to make this available on request.