8 answers
Vijay
Student
Pune, Maharashtra, India
1
Question
Asked
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How to make a good cv?
I am studying bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Fergusson college India.
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8 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1349
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Vijay the whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your resume. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.
STEP 1) DO YOUR RESEARCH
Preparation is key. Researching the essential information before you start writing will save you time and ensure you put your best foot forward.
STEP 2) PROFESSIONAL HEADER
Cover letter headers follow the standard business letter format. A cover letter header typically includes your name, address, phone number and email address. It should be placed at the top of the page and center.
STEP 3) COMPELLING INTRODUCTION
The opening sentences of a cover letter act as your elevator pitch. You should clearly and concisely tell hiring managers why you are the best fit for the job. Start your cover letter off strong with a brief explanation of your top skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role. Mention an interesting fact or statistic from an article, news story or the company’s website.
STEP 4) FINISH STRONG
When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear to the employer that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job. Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration. You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you.”)
Hope this is helpful Vijay
STEP 1) DO YOUR RESEARCH
Preparation is key. Researching the essential information before you start writing will save you time and ensure you put your best foot forward.
STEP 2) PROFESSIONAL HEADER
Cover letter headers follow the standard business letter format. A cover letter header typically includes your name, address, phone number and email address. It should be placed at the top of the page and center.
STEP 3) COMPELLING INTRODUCTION
The opening sentences of a cover letter act as your elevator pitch. You should clearly and concisely tell hiring managers why you are the best fit for the job. Start your cover letter off strong with a brief explanation of your top skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role. Mention an interesting fact or statistic from an article, news story or the company’s website.
STEP 4) FINISH STRONG
When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear to the employer that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job. Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration. You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you.”)
Hope this is helpful Vijay
Praveen B.S
14
Answers
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
To create a compelling CV (curriculum vitae) that effectively showcases your abilities, experiences, and credentials, follow these essential steps:
1) Contact Information:
Provide your full name, contact number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile or personal website (if applicable).
Ensure your contact details are current and professional.
2) Personal Statement or Objective (Optional):
Draft a concise overview of your career goals, skills, and what you offer.
Modify this section for each job application, emphasizing relevant experience and skills.
3) Professional Experience:
Present your work history in reverse chronological order, beginning with your latest job.
Detail job titles, company names, locations, and employment dates.
Offer succinct descriptions of your duties and achievements for each role.
Employ action verbs and quantify your accomplishments where feasible (e.g., "boosted sales by 20%," "led a team of 10 employees").
4) Education:
Display your educational history in reverse chronological order, starting with your latest degree.
Include the institution's name, degree obtained, major/minor, graduation date, and any honors or awards.
If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, emphasize relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements.
5) Skills:
Develop a section to highlight your primary skills and competencies.
Include both technical skills (e.g., coding languages, software expertise) and interpersonal skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
Adapt your skills section to align with the job requirements you're applying for.
6) Certifications and Training (Optional):
If you have pertinent certifications or completed training courses, list them in a distinct section.
Include the certification's name, the issuing organization, and the acquisition date.
7) Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities (Optional):
If relevant, include any volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate applicable skills or experience.
Emphasize leadership roles or significant contributions.
8) Formatting and Design:
Ensure the layout is neat, structured, and easy to scan.
Use a professional font and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document.
Use bullet points for clarity and to emphasize crucial information.
Maintain appropriate spacing and margins.
Consider using bold or italic formatting sparingly to highlight important details.
9) Proofread:
Carefully proofread your CV to detect any grammatical mistakes, typos, or inconsistencies.
Consider seeking feedback on your CV from a friend, family member, or mentor.
10) Tailor for Each Application:
Personalize your CV for each job application by emphasizing relevant experiences and skills that match the job requirements.
Investigate the company and the role to comprehend what they're seeking in a candidate, and adapt your CV accordingly.
Remember, your CV should be a succinct and persuasive overview of your qualifications and experiences, effectively demonstrating why you're an ideal candidate for the position you're applying for.
1) Contact Information:
Provide your full name, contact number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile or personal website (if applicable).
Ensure your contact details are current and professional.
2) Personal Statement or Objective (Optional):
Draft a concise overview of your career goals, skills, and what you offer.
Modify this section for each job application, emphasizing relevant experience and skills.
3) Professional Experience:
Present your work history in reverse chronological order, beginning with your latest job.
Detail job titles, company names, locations, and employment dates.
Offer succinct descriptions of your duties and achievements for each role.
Employ action verbs and quantify your accomplishments where feasible (e.g., "boosted sales by 20%," "led a team of 10 employees").
4) Education:
Display your educational history in reverse chronological order, starting with your latest degree.
Include the institution's name, degree obtained, major/minor, graduation date, and any honors or awards.
If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, emphasize relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements.
5) Skills:
Develop a section to highlight your primary skills and competencies.
Include both technical skills (e.g., coding languages, software expertise) and interpersonal skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
Adapt your skills section to align with the job requirements you're applying for.
6) Certifications and Training (Optional):
If you have pertinent certifications or completed training courses, list them in a distinct section.
Include the certification's name, the issuing organization, and the acquisition date.
7) Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities (Optional):
If relevant, include any volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate applicable skills or experience.
Emphasize leadership roles or significant contributions.
8) Formatting and Design:
Ensure the layout is neat, structured, and easy to scan.
Use a professional font and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document.
Use bullet points for clarity and to emphasize crucial information.
Maintain appropriate spacing and margins.
Consider using bold or italic formatting sparingly to highlight important details.
9) Proofread:
Carefully proofread your CV to detect any grammatical mistakes, typos, or inconsistencies.
Consider seeking feedback on your CV from a friend, family member, or mentor.
10) Tailor for Each Application:
Personalize your CV for each job application by emphasizing relevant experiences and skills that match the job requirements.
Investigate the company and the role to comprehend what they're seeking in a candidate, and adapt your CV accordingly.
Remember, your CV should be a succinct and persuasive overview of your qualifications and experiences, effectively demonstrating why you're an ideal candidate for the position you're applying for.
Valerie Lenihan
Recruiter
2
Answers
Limerick
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Hi Vijay,
Firstly, delighted to hear that you are taking your Bachelors in Biochemistry. How is this going for? What made you choose this area of study?
Prior to writing your resume, i would consider your audience? Eg. what type of roles are you going to apply for upon graduation?
''Creating a standout resume involves more than just listing responsibilities. The key is to tell a compelling story through your bullet points, using effective narrative, impactful wording & showcasing measurable results''
There are 3 things you can do to ensure you have a winning resume:
1. Have a good structured resume
Layout should include the following:
Contact Information
Personal Information
Employment History
Education
Languages
Nice to have:
Hobbies & Interests
References
2. Align your resume with the Job description
3. Highlight your skills and achievements that are key for the role you applying for.
So let’s start with the structure! Keep it simple!
The Layout - We would recommend you use 2 pages if possible , then save it as a PDF with your first and last name as the file name so it’s easier to find. Use only one font size 14 to 16 for name and headlines , size 12 for other text, and again keep it simple. Feel free to bold relevant sections and use bullet points whenever is necessary.
Contact information - Is literally only information on how we get in touch with you and for that , all we need as recruiters is your Name, Phone Number and email address - a good extra would be your LinkedIn profile if you have one but nothing else is mandatory. So no need to add your marital status, nationality, date of birth, photo or any other private information.
Personal Information/summary - This should be just below your contact information and is essentially a short summary (3-4 sentences) of your experience, skills and achievements and how they make you a good fit for the role you are applying for. Determine what roles will you be applying for so you know what keywords you need to have here - This is a good chance to add some buzzwords such as “analytical” , “organised” , “proactive” that can really sell yourself in the first few minutes of reading your profile.
Employment History - The most important part of your resume. Firstly , for each job, you want to add the company name & location, job title, start and finish dates (month year) . Then you want to start with the most recent roles and work your way backwards.
Given you may not have had the opportunity as a student to have a professional career history yet, for this section I would recommend including any current or previous projects you have worked on both on your own and as a team. Also, if you have any voluntary work experience or completed previous internships please add those in.
It is important to tell a story behind the experience:
Tell a Story: Instead of only listing responsibilities, tell a story of your achievements. Explain the challenges you faced, actions you took, and the positive outcomes.
Focus on Impact: Highlight the impact you made in previous roles. Try to show how your contributions positively influenced projects, teams, or the overall success of the company.
Use Action Verbs: Begin bullet points with strong action verbs to convey a sense of initiative and accomplishment. For example, "led," "implemented," or "achieved."
Show Progression: Clearly showcase your career progression. Describe how you evolved in your roles and took on increased responsibilities.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. This adds credibility and provides a clear understanding of your contributions.
I hope this helps and best of luck!
Firstly, delighted to hear that you are taking your Bachelors in Biochemistry. How is this going for? What made you choose this area of study?
Prior to writing your resume, i would consider your audience? Eg. what type of roles are you going to apply for upon graduation?
''Creating a standout resume involves more than just listing responsibilities. The key is to tell a compelling story through your bullet points, using effective narrative, impactful wording & showcasing measurable results''
There are 3 things you can do to ensure you have a winning resume:
1. Have a good structured resume
Layout should include the following:
Contact Information
Personal Information
Employment History
Education
Languages
Nice to have:
Hobbies & Interests
References
2. Align your resume with the Job description
3. Highlight your skills and achievements that are key for the role you applying for.
So let’s start with the structure! Keep it simple!
The Layout - We would recommend you use 2 pages if possible , then save it as a PDF with your first and last name as the file name so it’s easier to find. Use only one font size 14 to 16 for name and headlines , size 12 for other text, and again keep it simple. Feel free to bold relevant sections and use bullet points whenever is necessary.
Contact information - Is literally only information on how we get in touch with you and for that , all we need as recruiters is your Name, Phone Number and email address - a good extra would be your LinkedIn profile if you have one but nothing else is mandatory. So no need to add your marital status, nationality, date of birth, photo or any other private information.
Personal Information/summary - This should be just below your contact information and is essentially a short summary (3-4 sentences) of your experience, skills and achievements and how they make you a good fit for the role you are applying for. Determine what roles will you be applying for so you know what keywords you need to have here - This is a good chance to add some buzzwords such as “analytical” , “organised” , “proactive” that can really sell yourself in the first few minutes of reading your profile.
Employment History - The most important part of your resume. Firstly , for each job, you want to add the company name & location, job title, start and finish dates (month year) . Then you want to start with the most recent roles and work your way backwards.
Given you may not have had the opportunity as a student to have a professional career history yet, for this section I would recommend including any current or previous projects you have worked on both on your own and as a team. Also, if you have any voluntary work experience or completed previous internships please add those in.
It is important to tell a story behind the experience:
Tell a Story: Instead of only listing responsibilities, tell a story of your achievements. Explain the challenges you faced, actions you took, and the positive outcomes.
Focus on Impact: Highlight the impact you made in previous roles. Try to show how your contributions positively influenced projects, teams, or the overall success of the company.
Use Action Verbs: Begin bullet points with strong action verbs to convey a sense of initiative and accomplishment. For example, "led," "implemented," or "achieved."
Show Progression: Clearly showcase your career progression. Describe how you evolved in your roles and took on increased responsibilities.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. This adds credibility and provides a clear understanding of your contributions.
I hope this helps and best of luck!
Megha Bhattacharya
Solutions Engineer
2
Answers
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Megha’s Answer
To write a good resume, keep these tips in mind:
- Make it catchy and consider adding an accent color to stand out visually.
- Use Microsoft Word to create the resume but save it as a PDF to ensure proper formatting and easy readability by machines.
- Avoid using boring action words and incorporate impactful ones from a list of strong action words (just Google this).
- Focus on quantifiable results, such as "Redesigned sales process, saving 2 hours of admin time per rep and generating X amount of revenue."
- Mention your skills explicitly to help machine readers assess your resume accurately.
- Write a short and easy-to-read objective statement that includes words aligned with your personal brand. This helps convey your career goals and aspirations effectively.
- Make it catchy and consider adding an accent color to stand out visually.
- Use Microsoft Word to create the resume but save it as a PDF to ensure proper formatting and easy readability by machines.
- Avoid using boring action words and incorporate impactful ones from a list of strong action words (just Google this).
- Focus on quantifiable results, such as "Redesigned sales process, saving 2 hours of admin time per rep and generating X amount of revenue."
- Mention your skills explicitly to help machine readers assess your resume accurately.
- Write a short and easy-to-read objective statement that includes words aligned with your personal brand. This helps convey your career goals and aspirations effectively.
Myles Wood
Program Management & Project Execution
13
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Myles’s Answer
Hi Vijay,
I will start by assuming when you refer to a CV that you are referring to what we call here in the U.S. a Resume. Hopefully that is a correct assumption and if so, I recommend considering the Functional Resume format for it's more simple/highlighted view of specific skill-sets and experiences as you build and progress into your career. Areas I recommend focusing on are specific course projects, deliverables, and any examples which highlights bodies of work that you have primarily produced, coupled with any unique skills you have that you feel would make you stand out from other students or candidates applying to a role in your field of study. You can find a lot more information and examples online and here is one for initial reference - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/functional-resume-tips-and-examples.
Wishing you all the best in completing school and into your career.
Myles
I will start by assuming when you refer to a CV that you are referring to what we call here in the U.S. a Resume. Hopefully that is a correct assumption and if so, I recommend considering the Functional Resume format for it's more simple/highlighted view of specific skill-sets and experiences as you build and progress into your career. Areas I recommend focusing on are specific course projects, deliverables, and any examples which highlights bodies of work that you have primarily produced, coupled with any unique skills you have that you feel would make you stand out from other students or candidates applying to a role in your field of study. You can find a lot more information and examples online and here is one for initial reference - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/functional-resume-tips-and-examples.
Wishing you all the best in completing school and into your career.
Myles
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Vijay !
I wanted to share some advice about how to do a CV (Curriculum Vitae) because I switched from using a resume to a CV in 2018 and did get work in response to it. My resume was getting a bit lengthy and wordy at that point. Another reason why I switched to a CV is because mostly everyone knows what a person does in a position I had. Being one page in length and with only the important information, it was a better way for an employer in my line of work to quickly get an idea of my background and than the cover letter can cover what the CV doesn't.
As I've mentioned, the CV is one page and highlights all of your employment, education and accomplishments. An objective or Summary is not necessary as we all know that everyone wants a growth opportunity where their skills can be utilized. Omitting an Objective/Summary will give you more room to type in your pertinent information on your CV.
Put your name, town and province/state, e-mail address and phone number at the top. If you have any websites that showcase your work or a Linked In account, include that URL in the heading, too. Next, complete the heading of Employment History and list every job, volunteer work (but indicate that it was a volunteer position), internship or any contract or freelance/independent work you have done. You can than list headings for Education, Skills (but make sure they are skills you are really good at) and you can make headings for any Awards or Certifications you may have.
It will depend on what the particular content is from your experience, though, so you can go to the link to a CV guide I have left below and follow and change the example there. Just a tip: if you've done any projects in Biochemistry, you can list the projects under Academic Projects or anything that you think would be a good heading.
There are specifics around writing a CV for work in your country, India. I have left a link below for you to read what employers in India expect in a CV. I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you all the best with writing a CV that will help you with jobs or any path you are seeking.
GUIDE TO CREATING YOUR CV https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/cv-format-guide
INDIA CV TIPS AND REQUIREMENTS https://www.visualcv.com/international/india-cv/
I wanted to share some advice about how to do a CV (Curriculum Vitae) because I switched from using a resume to a CV in 2018 and did get work in response to it. My resume was getting a bit lengthy and wordy at that point. Another reason why I switched to a CV is because mostly everyone knows what a person does in a position I had. Being one page in length and with only the important information, it was a better way for an employer in my line of work to quickly get an idea of my background and than the cover letter can cover what the CV doesn't.
As I've mentioned, the CV is one page and highlights all of your employment, education and accomplishments. An objective or Summary is not necessary as we all know that everyone wants a growth opportunity where their skills can be utilized. Omitting an Objective/Summary will give you more room to type in your pertinent information on your CV.
Put your name, town and province/state, e-mail address and phone number at the top. If you have any websites that showcase your work or a Linked In account, include that URL in the heading, too. Next, complete the heading of Employment History and list every job, volunteer work (but indicate that it was a volunteer position), internship or any contract or freelance/independent work you have done. You can than list headings for Education, Skills (but make sure they are skills you are really good at) and you can make headings for any Awards or Certifications you may have.
It will depend on what the particular content is from your experience, though, so you can go to the link to a CV guide I have left below and follow and change the example there. Just a tip: if you've done any projects in Biochemistry, you can list the projects under Academic Projects or anything that you think would be a good heading.
There are specifics around writing a CV for work in your country, India. I have left a link below for you to read what employers in India expect in a CV. I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you all the best with writing a CV that will help you with jobs or any path you are seeking.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Alexis Dexter
Deal Manager
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
You can utilize Microsoft Word, which comes with several pre-installed templates, as your initial step. Alternatively, you could search for example templates on Google to understand the formatting better. However, it's crucial to prioritize your content and grammar. Don't forget to apply the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique especially if your experience is limited.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3754
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Vijay,
Mastering the Art of CV Creation
Constructing a compelling CV is a pivotal step in securing job offers, internships, or further educational prospects. Here are some essential pointers to help you shape a standout curriculum vitae:
1. Personal Details:
Incorporate your full name, contact details (telephone number and email), and your location (city, state, country).
2. Career Objective or Summary:
Pen a succinct statement encapsulating your career aspirations and the unique value you can bring to prospective employers.
3. Academic Background:
Chronologically reverse list your educational history, starting with your current or latest degree. Include the institution's name, degree obtained, major/minor, graduation date (or expected graduation date), and any pertinent coursework or academic accolades.
4. Professional Experience:
Outline your employment history in reverse chronological order, featuring job titles, company names, employment dates, and key duties and achievements for each position.
5. Skill Set:
Accentuate your relevant abilities, both technical (like laboratory techniques, data analysis) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork).
6. Certifications and Training:
Note any certifications, licenses, or supplementary training that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.
7. Projects and Research:
Exhibit any substantial projects or research experiences that illustrate your skills and knowledge in biochemistry.
8. Publications and Presentations:
If applicable, include any publications or presentations you have participated in within the biochemistry field.
9. Awards and Recognition:
Cite any academic or professional awards you have earned that are relevant to your study field.
10. References:
Optionally, furnish a list of professional references who can vouch for your qualifications and character.
Ensure to customize your CV for each individual job application, accentuating the most relevant experiences and skills for that specific role. Thoroughly proofread your CV to guarantee it is error-free and presents you in the most favorable light.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Crafting this Response:
Harvard University Career Services: This service from Harvard University offers extensive guidance on developing effective resumes and CVs tailored to various industries and career stages.
The Balance Careers: This esteemed online resource provides expert advice on diverse aspects of career development, including resume writing tips and templates.
Indeed Career Guide: This guide from Indeed offers valuable insights into creating impactful resumes and CVs that catch the eye of potential employers in today's competitive job market.
May God bless you!
James.
Mastering the Art of CV Creation
Constructing a compelling CV is a pivotal step in securing job offers, internships, or further educational prospects. Here are some essential pointers to help you shape a standout curriculum vitae:
1. Personal Details:
Incorporate your full name, contact details (telephone number and email), and your location (city, state, country).
2. Career Objective or Summary:
Pen a succinct statement encapsulating your career aspirations and the unique value you can bring to prospective employers.
3. Academic Background:
Chronologically reverse list your educational history, starting with your current or latest degree. Include the institution's name, degree obtained, major/minor, graduation date (or expected graduation date), and any pertinent coursework or academic accolades.
4. Professional Experience:
Outline your employment history in reverse chronological order, featuring job titles, company names, employment dates, and key duties and achievements for each position.
5. Skill Set:
Accentuate your relevant abilities, both technical (like laboratory techniques, data analysis) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork).
6. Certifications and Training:
Note any certifications, licenses, or supplementary training that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.
7. Projects and Research:
Exhibit any substantial projects or research experiences that illustrate your skills and knowledge in biochemistry.
8. Publications and Presentations:
If applicable, include any publications or presentations you have participated in within the biochemistry field.
9. Awards and Recognition:
Cite any academic or professional awards you have earned that are relevant to your study field.
10. References:
Optionally, furnish a list of professional references who can vouch for your qualifications and character.
Ensure to customize your CV for each individual job application, accentuating the most relevant experiences and skills for that specific role. Thoroughly proofread your CV to guarantee it is error-free and presents you in the most favorable light.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Crafting this Response:
Harvard University Career Services: This service from Harvard University offers extensive guidance on developing effective resumes and CVs tailored to various industries and career stages.
The Balance Careers: This esteemed online resource provides expert advice on diverse aspects of career development, including resume writing tips and templates.
Indeed Career Guide: This guide from Indeed offers valuable insights into creating impactful resumes and CVs that catch the eye of potential employers in today's competitive job market.
May God bless you!
James.