Why your CV matters
Your CV, also called a resume or biodata, is often the first thing an employer learns about you. Recruiters usually go through many CVs quickly, so yours needs to be clear, honest and easy to read.
As a fresher, you may feel you have little to write. You probably have more than you think: your education, skill training, projects, part-time work, responsibilities at college or at home, and the skills you have built along the way.
What to include
- Contact details. Your full name, mobile number, email address and city. Use an email address based on your name rather than a nickname.
- Career objective. Two or three lines on the role you want and what you offer. For example: “Trained in front office operations, looking for a front office associate role where I can use my communication and guest-handling skills.”
- Education. Your qualifications, latest first, with the board or university and the year of passing.
- Skill training and certificates. The programme, job role, training provider and any certificate you have received.
- Skills. Job-specific skills, computer skills and soft skills such as teamwork or customer handling. Also list the languages you can speak, read and write.
- Experience. Internships, part-time jobs, helping in a family business, volunteering or organising college events. Say what you did and what you achieved.
- Achievements and activities. Prizes, sports, NCC or NSS, competitions or anything that shows responsibility.
- Personal details. Keep these brief. You do not need to add religion, marital status or a photograph unless the employer asks for them.
Formatting tips
- Keep it to one page if you can.
- Use a simple, readable font and clear headings. Avoid bright colours and fancy designs.
- Use short bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
- Save and send it as a PDF with a clear file name, such as “Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf”.
- Use the same date format and style throughout.
Mistakes to avoid
- Spelling and grammar errors. Check twice, then ask someone else to check.
- Exaggeration. Never claim skills, marks or experience you do not have. Employers check, and it can cost you the job.
- Copying templates word for word. Recruiters notice. Write in your own words.
- Out-of-date details. Make sure your phone number and email address work.
Tailor it for each job
Read the job description and adjust your career objective and skills to match what the employer is asking for. A focused CV works better than a general one sent everywhere.
Next steps
Once your CV is ready, read Preparing for Job Interviews. If you are still deciding which role to aim for, try the Career Finder or book a counselling session.