Table of contents
Most roles require a resume, but if you're pursuing a career in research, medicine, law, or academia, you need a job-winning CV that offers a detailed look into your academic and professional experience. Our guide will help you write an impressive one.
In this article, you'll learn what a CV is and how it differs from a resume. Additionally, this comprehensive guide will show you how to:
- Choose a CV template
- Add your contact information
- Write your CV's summary statement
- List your relevant work experience
- Craft your education section
- Add relevant skills for the role
- Include additional CV sections
Want to make your CV quickly? Our AI CV Maker will help you create a CV that impresses employers. It generates text based on your career details and automatically formats your sections for a polished and professional document you can submit today.
What Is a CV?
First things first—let's start by answering the most common questions: what is a CV and how does it differ from a resume?
The main difference between a CV and a resume is the context it is used in and its length. It's also important to note that the word "CV" has different meanings depending on where you live. In Europe, a CV is the same as a resume, just with a different name. If you know how to write a resume, you can make a job-winning European CV.
In the United States, a CV and a resume are different documents. An American CV is used in highly specialized fields that require more information than a resume covers in its one page. This makes a CV longer and more detailed than a resume, typically spanning two pages or more.
So, do you need to write a CV or a resume for the job you're applying for? How do you know? It's simple: For most jobs in the U.S. and in Europe, you should write a resume—just remember that it's called a "CV" if you're applying in Europe.
Only in certain professional fields in the U.S., like law, medicine, and academia, should you write an American CV that fleshes out the details of your academic accomplishments.
Need a resume instead? Our AI Resume Builder will help you create a job-winning resume in minutes.
The 6 basic CV sections
How to Write a CV in 7 Easy Steps
Writing a CV doesn't need to be complicated. We've broken down the process into seven easy steps to show you how to write a curriculum vitae you can be proud of.
Step #1
Choose a CV template
Choosing the right CV template will decide how your CV should be styled and organized. Choosing an ATS-friendly CV template makes a big impact on how employers see your accomplishments.
Whether you're buttoned-down and professional or creative and fashionable, there are templates well-suited to your career. Here are three template types we offer:
- Creative templates: A creative template is great for showing off your personality in a field like graphic design, architecture, or photography.
- Modern templates: Modern templates are an excellent choice for emphasizing your credentials in various industries.
- Simple templates: A simple CV template offers a pared-down approach ideal for industries like construction and logistics.
Here are three designs from our template library that show stylistic diversity. Each one helps your CV-writing pop differently:
All of our templates can be used with Microsoft Word and Google Docs and have been tested to ensure they will pass through an applicant tracking system (ATS), which is critical to landing an interview.
Not sure if your CV is ATS-ready? Try our ATS Resume Checker for a free ATS resume report in just seconds. Scan your CV, generate an ATS-friendliness score, and improve your document so you can submit with confidence knowing your CV is likely to reach the right hands.
Step #2
Add your contact information
Your contact info should always be in the header at the top of the CV—either at the left, right, or center. The exact location depends on your CV template. Your header should include your:
- First and last name
- City and state
- Phone number
- Email address
Feel free to include your LinkedIn profile, a portfolio site, or professional social media handles if you have any.
Here are a few things you should never include in a CV header:
- Zodiac sign
- Date of birth
- Unprofessional email address
It's important that your CV header only includes contact information, and that all of it is professional and easy to read.
CV headers come in a variety of styles. Below, find two different header styles to see how the header on your CV might look.
Step #3
Write an impressive CV summary statement
Think of the summary statement of your CV as your sales pitch. It should be concise but interesting enough to grab the reader's attention.
Excellent summaries, whether professional summaries or objective statements, communicate a candidate's core qualifications in a few sentences. They are focused, brief, and full of critical keywords that show how well-suited you are to the role. Don't forget to use engaging language with action words to keep the recruiter engaged.
If you're unsure of which words to use, use the job listing as your guide. In the duties and requirements section of the job ad, you'll find a description of the role. Highlight any skills that pop out at you. You should include these job-specific keywords in your summary statement. Just make sure the skills accurately represent your experience.
Below are a few well-written CV summary examples to help you write your own. If you'd like help writing your summary statement instead, try our free AI Summary Generator. Simply upload your resume to get a summary based on your experience in seconds.
The following examples demonstrate how a professional summary looks for various industries:
Lawyer summary statement example
Dedicated and results-driven attorney with 11 years of experience in intellectual property law. Adept at providing strategic legal advice and representation to clients while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Proven track record of successfully managing complex legal matters from inception to resolution.
Nursing assistant summary statement example
Energetic healthcare professional dedicated to providing top-quality, patient-centered care. Highly skilled at addressing acute and chronic conditions. Resourceful navigation of complex healthcare environments to optimize patient well-being. Seeking a nursing assistant role at Milner Clinic.
College professor summary statement example
Passionate and accomplished mathematics professor with a proven track record of fostering an engaging learning environment and facilitating student success. Bringing 15 years of experience in instilling a love for mathematics and cultivating critical thinking skills. Adept at developing and delivering innovative curricula and committed to creating a positive and inclusive educational experience.
Step #4
List your relevant work experience
Work experience is the focus of most CVs because hiring managers want to know that you have the required experience to perform the role. But this section shouldn't just be a list of job duties.
Including data and metrics helps show the results of your work. Prove to the employer that you're capable of achieving results, and they'll want to see what you can do for their organization.
Before you write your CV, take an honest inventory of your job history. Write down your accomplishments and as many quantifiable achievements as you can. "X number of sales made" or "X number of customers served," for example.
Using active language and numerical data on your CV will help make your experience section stand out and give employers a concrete sense of your ability to achieve results.
Let's see what a perfect CV work history section looks like for roles in three industries.
Teaching assistant experience example
Teaching Assistant | 01/2021 to 06/2025
Purchase College, SUNY – Purchase, NY
- Collaborated with lead instructors in the History department to facilitate an interactive and inclusive learning environment for 126 undergraduate History majors.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of lesson plans, instructional materials, and classroom activities.
- Provided individualized support to 10 to 20 students during office hours, addressing questions, clarifying concepts, and offering guidance on assignments.
- Graded hundreds of assignments, exams, and other assessments with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in evaluation.
- Utilized educational technology tools to enhance students' learning experience and support remote learning initiatives.
Key achievements: Provided personalized assistance to students struggling with historical concepts, resulting in improved comprehension and grades for those students. Implemented creative strategies to increase student participation and interest in history, leading to a noticeable improvement in classroom engagement and academic performance.
Work experience sample for a civil engineer
Civil Engineer | 01/2019 – Present
Moody Engineering LLC
Elmhurst, NY
- Play a key role in the design and planning phase of the Main Street Bridge project, contributing to the development of detailed plans, specifications, and engineering drawings. Attend meetings and site locations to gather data for project work.
- Respond to emergency sewer requests on a 24-hour basis and determine the most cost-effective repair method.
- Evaluate more than 300 sites per year as part of a collaborative team, including a biologist and a demographics expert.
- Successfully manage and execute projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, and timeline.
Key achievements: Managed project budgets ranging from $5M to $15M, ensuring financial discipline and accountability throughout the project life cycle. Integrated sustainable and eco-friendly practices into projects, achieving a 7% reduction in environmental impact and promoting environmentally responsible engineering solutions.
Work experience example for a journalist
Senior Journalist | 09/2020 to 01/2026
Tallahassee Tribune – Tallahassee, FL
- Spearheaded investigative reporting, producing five in-depth articles on the police beat.
- Led a team of 10 reporters, providing editorial guidance, assigning stories, and ensuring adherence to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with key sources, experts, and community leaders to stay abreast of emerging trends, breaking news, and exclusive story opportunities.
- Collaborated with the editorial team to develop and execute content strategies, contributing to the publication's editorial direction and maintaining a strong online and print presence.
Key achievements: Received the Society of Professional Journalism award for an investigative piece on police corruption, showcasing a deep understanding of the subject matter and excellence in journalism. Utilized data journalism techniques to present complex crime statistics in a clear and accessible manner, enhancing public understanding of law enforcement challenges.
Step #5
Add relevant skills for the role
Adding skills to your CV is an important, often overlooked part of a well-written CV. They show an employer that you have both the technical and personal skills to do the job.
While this section doesn't involve much writing, it requires thoughtful preparation. You need a mix of hard and soft skills. Read the job description closely to see what skills the employer is looking for. Highlight the skills that apply to you, then find where to work them into your CV.
- Payroll software proficiency
- Tax compliance
- Mathematical aptitude
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Data entry
- Recordkeeping
- Regulatory knowledge
- Administrative support
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Calendar management
- Communication
- Discretion
- Travel coordination
- Event planning
Not sure which skills to include in your CV? Our AI Skills Generator can help. This free tool offers a list of skills generated in just seconds based on your job title. Just copy and paste, and you're ready to make a strong impression.
Step #6
Build your CV education section
Your education section may not involve much actual writing, but it's critical to your CV's success. For this section, focus intently on the formatting.
Whether you're learning how to write a CV for grad school, a research assistant job, or anything in between, there are only a couple of rules:
- Keep your entries uniform.
- Only list high school if it's your highest level of education.
- Only add graduation dates to your CV if you're a very recent graduate.
Check out these examples for how the education section should look for different levels of education.
College graduate
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism
College of Communication & Information
Tallahassee, FL
Graduated in 06/2025
College, grad school + PhD
Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI
Master of Science
Chemistry, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Science
Biology, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Step #7
Include additional CV sections
While a basic CV will always include the same standard sections, there are many common optional sections for a CV that you may include. Here are some common additions:
- Certifications: Professional certificates you've earned through classes or tests
- Awards: Notable awards or honors you've received for outstanding work, including grants and scholarships
- Languages: Any languages you know, including your fluency level (e.g., novice, intermediate, expert)
- Publications: Relevant articles you've written that have been published in a journal, online publication, or book
- Hobbies and interests: Subjects of knowledge and enthusiasm related to your work
- Conference attendance: Any relevant conferences and sessions you've attended
- Membership affiliations: Being a member of a relevant club or professional association
- Projects: Special relevant projects you've completed, whether for a course, a job, or for personal reasons
- Licenses: Licenses or permits related to the practice of your profession
- Teaching experience: Teaching experience to get jobs in education and academia
Example of a special section on a CV
Certifications & Licenses:
- American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- California State Medical License
How to Take Your CV to the Next Level
Before you finish writing your CV and send it out into the world, there are a few things you should keep in mind. As you craft your document, review the following tips to cover all the critical parts of a CV:
- Customize your CV for every job.
Hiring managers like applicants who research the company and understand its mission before they apply. It shows them that you're serious about the job. You can get your message across by tailoring your CV to each job. Do this by carefully reading the job description, highlighting relevant skills, and ensuring you include them on your CV. You can also reference the employer's mission in your professional summary. - Make it visually appealing.
Ultimately, CVs are marketing documents. Like a great ad, they have to grab someone's attention before delivering the message. Your CV should be well-organized with thoughtful, consistent use of white space and fonts. Small elements of color or graphic design may be appropriate, but it's important to focus more on legibility and organization than style. Unless you're a professional designer, we recommend using premade CV templates rather than creating one yourself. - Focus on measurable results.
Job duties convey information, but numbers tell a story. Your CV should always focus on the impact of your work. For example, instead of writing, "Addressed customer needs on the sales floor," you should write, "Welcomed 30+ customers per day, earning a 98% customer satisfaction rate over 3 years." Using specific numbers will help your CV stand out and give employers a concrete sense of your capabilities. - Be as specific as possible.
Talking about your career in broad generalities is fine when chatting with friends, but be specific when you're trying to land a job. Instead of writing that you "oversaw projects," tell the hiring manager exactly which project you oversaw and how it contributed to the company. If you can be specific about your accomplishments while staying concise, you'll have the edge over competitors. - Proofread, proofread, proofread.
Small mistakes can add up. Project attention to detail and professionalism by thoroughly proofreading your CV. Go over your document several times and read it out loud to catch awkward phrases or simple mistakes. You can also ask a friend, mentor, or former colleague to review it before you apply for a job. Better safe than sorry!
5 Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Even small mistakes can have a big impact on how employers see your CV. Before you submit your application, take a moment to review these common CV mistakes and learn how to avoid them so your experience can shine.
- Writing a generic CV
Every CV you write should be customized for the job. When you turn in a generic CV, the HR manager can tell you didn't read the job listing. Worse yet, you could get screened out by the employer's applicant tracking system (ATS) for not using the right keywords. How do you avoid being generic? Read the job description carefully and ensure your CV highlights the skills and qualifications required for the role.
- Writing a generic CV
- Focusing on job duties rather than achievements
Another common mistake people make on CVs is focusing on job duties. The bullet points in your work experience section should show your work's impact on the company, whether you generate more sales, revenue, or positive reviews. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that every bullet point begins with an active verb and features an outcome you achieved or a challenge you overcame.
- Focusing on job duties rather than achievements
- Including irrelevant information
While it's great that you managed to pull in extra money with a side hustle, your next employer may be less enthusiastic. Always ask yourself, "Is this addition to my CV relevant to the job I want?" For example, if you work as a bank teller and want to climb to a higher position, you can leave your gig driving for Uber off your CV.
- Including irrelevant information
- Failing to focus on the employer's needs
Employers want to hire people who will help them pursue their mission and meet their goals. Before writing your CV, read and understand the employer's mission statement, and ensure your CV addresses it. The professional summary is a good place to do so.
- Failing to focus on the employer's needs
- Using an unprofessional email address
One final mistake applicants make on their CVs: a lack of professionalism. Never use an informal email address like "xStoneColdx@example.com." Instead of showcasing your unique personality, personal addresses undermine your credibility as a candidate. A professional email address should use a simple combination of your name or initials. Something like "johndoe@example.com" or "msmith@example.com" works nicely.
- Using an unprofessional email address
Great CV Examples
Before you get started building your CV, viewing some successful CV examples from professionals in your industry can give you the inspiration to get started.
First, let's review a CV example for a job application. The example below is for a standard CV you'd submit for a typical job.
CV example for a job application
So far, we've discussed how to write a CV for a job application, but what about a grad school CV? To write a good CV for grad school, you may need to include deeper and more specific details than a typical CV.
A grad school CV is usually two or more pages long and may include a more extensive history of the candidate's academic and professional achievements. For a grad school CV, optional sections include teaching experience, publications, and conferences attended. Check out a visual example below.
CV example for grad school
Is My CV Ready to Submit?
Before you submit your CV, double-check that it's optimized to make a strong impression. This checklist will help you make sure you've covered all of your bases.
Check to ensure you have all five critical CV sections.
These include your contact info in the header, a professional summary or objective, a skills section, work experience, and education.
Consider whether you've chosen the right template for the position.
A plain template will get the job done if you work in a buttoned-down industry. If you're in a creative field, you may want to explore some templates that express more individuality.
Double-check your formatting.
Did you choose a professional font? Is your line spacing consistent? Are your headers the same font size? Thoroughly review your formatting one last time.
Ensure your summary is relevant to the role.
Your CV summary should always be enthusiastic and specific. That means focusing on the skills and abilities the employer cares about.
Review your work experience for quantifiable achievements.
The bullet points in your work history should do more than list job duties—they should show impact. Use concrete numbers whenever possible.
Compare the job description to your skills section.
Check out the responsibilities the employer included in the job description. You can bet they are using those keywords in their screening software.
Proofread your CV—at least twice.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are one of the main reasons CVs get rejected. Proofread your CV multiple times, then have a trusted friend do it.
How to Use Our CV Maker
Our CV Maker takes the pain out of creating a well-written, custom CV. Our AI CV Maker is fast, efficient, and easy to use, so you can create an impressive CV in just minutes.
Simply follow these steps to make a beautiful CV:
Select a template.
Choose from dozens of CV designs ranging from colorful and creative to simple and professional.
Tell us about yourself.
Add your contact information and desired job title to start getting job-specific suggested CV content.
Get section-by-section advice.
Our builder walks you from section to section, giving you content suggestions and expert advice every step of the way.
Let us check your work.
With tools that check for spelling mistakes and CV quality, you can rest easy knowing you will be turning in a pristine document.
When you're finished, download the file in whichever format you'd like, including PDF and Word.
Pair Your CV With a Cover Letter
Now that you've created an impressive CV, it's time to write a cover letter to accompany it.
Submitting a cover letter with your CV can help you stand out. Writing a cover letter gives you the opportunity to highlight the most impressive parts of your CV and draw attention to your proudest professional achievements.
When choosing a cover letter template, pick one that matches your CV design, or at least closely resembles it.
Check out our Cover Letter Generator if you're unsure of what to write. Our builder's auto-generated letter content is a great way to avoid staring at a blank page, unsure where to start.
Final Thoughts
Although a CV is a different document from a resume, it serves a similar purpose. It also doesn't need to be more complicated to write. What matters is that you submit a professional document that conveys your strengths.
Remember, just like a resume, a CV needs to be organized, easy to read, and focused on showing the employer why you're the perfect candidate for the role. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure you submit a CV that gets you the interview you're after.
Now, let's answer your lingering questions about the process of writing your CV.
FAQ About How to Write a CV
Last Updated: January 20, 2026
A CV can be the same as a resume, but that depends on whether you're looking for work in Europe or the U.S.
In the U.S., CVs and resumes are different. A resume is a one- to two-page document used to apply for most types of jobs. CVs are often more than two pages long and are used in fields such as law, medicine, academia, and science.
The biggest difference is that CVs are more comprehensive, adding sections for the applicant's teaching experience, research projects, publications, and awards.
In Europe, CVs are the same as U.S. resumes, just with a different name. Meaning that a CV in Europe and a resume in the U.S. are both one- to two-page documents used in most career fields.
If what you want to write is a perfect resume, we also offer plenty of resume guides and services. Browse our resume templates to find a fitting design and check out our resume examples for inspiration. When you're ready, you can use our AI Resume Builder to put it all together.
The best CV format is one that's appropriate for your career, professional, and legible. Most employers prefer the reverse-chronological CV format, which puts work experience at the center of your job application. Recruiters and HR managers love to see an applicant's work history at a glance, making it easy to tell whether they'd be good for the role.
If you lack experience, an alternative skills-based format may be a better choice for you. No matter what format you use, you need to show employers that you're prepared to apply yourself to the role and achieve impressive results.
You can write a CV for the first time by following these steps:
- Choose a suitable CV format. While the chronological format is perfect for most job seekers, a functional or combination CV may be a better choice for someone just starting out.
- Make a detailed outline. Include everything you'd like to add in the CV, from work experience to professional associations.
- Write a compelling three- to four-sentence personal statement. Summarizing your qualifications and experience helps to grab the reader's attention.
- List your work experience. Begin with your most recent job and write three to four bullet points highlighting your achievements in each position.
- Include volunteer experience, special projects, and other relevant sections. Expand on optional sections if you don't have much work experience.
- Create a list of key skills relevant to the job. Insert skills you notice in the job listing.
- Mention your educational achievements. If you have multiple credentials to list, start with your most recent degree or certification.
No experience? No problem! We all have to start somewhere. If you have no work experience to showcase on your CV, focus instead on extracurricular activities. List volunteer work, school projects, team sports, and relevant hobbies alongside the professional skills that will allow you to perform the duties of the role.
If your extracurriculars aren't relevant or you're really struggling to come up with something, why not take a course or obtain a certification in the field you're applying to? This will give you a foundational understanding of the skills the employer wants to see on your CV.
The ideal length for a CV depends on the type of CV you're working on as well as your experience level. If you're writing a CV in Europe, it should be no longer than two pages. Someone with 5 to 10 years of experience should be OK with a 1-page CV. Someone with more than 10 years of experience may benefit from a second page.
CVs in the U.S. are much longer. They're written for jobs in academic, medical, legal, and scientific fields and include many additional sections, like publications and conference attendance. These CVs don't have a length limit and often run for three or four pages.
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years' experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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