Writing a Curriculum vitae (CV)

[FlamesAddiction]

I figured there might be some folks on familiar with writing various types of CVs. I have written a few, but they were always ones focused on going through a hiring process or professional CVs that companies like to keep on file and were specific to work and education history.

I have to write one to describe my life as a whole, so it's a little different this time. I searched online to see if I could find a good template or some kind of guidance, but didn't have much luck.

Does anyone know of any good tools or tips for making these kinds of documents?

[skudr248]

Try using ChatGPT then do your own word smithing

[Geraldsh]

Look at a few obituaries for reference. The dead are always good people.

[darockwilder]

Originally Posted by Geraldsh

Look at a few obituaries for reference. The dead are always good people.

Aren’t they though? Most people are saints based on obituaries….

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by skudr248

Try using ChatGPT then do your own word smithing

This honestly isn't the worst idea.

It gives you a jumping off point and gets you over the hump of having "something on the page" to work with and review.

[McG]

All good suggestions so far.

If it’s entirely your work career, as CVs can tend to be, see if you have any old resumes kicking around. Those will give you some ideas that you had forgotten and in fact, depending upon what you are looking for, you might be able to copy them verbatim.

My CV is too long; it’s probably 7 pages or so. My resume is 1 to 1.5 pages depending upon the situation.

When I read others’ CV, I’m looking for past experience and career or technical progression. I focus on the immediate role and recent experiences, but I will look deeper into the past. This is relevant when candidates are at or near being shortlisted. On an initial screening, first and second page are about as far as I go unless the cover letter gives me a suggestion about relevant skills from a previous role.

Careful with your linked in too; it should match your resume.

[The Fisher Account]

Keep it to 1 printable page (front and back)

[Sr. Mints]

I don't really have any specific tips, but knowing your [potential] audience would be quite helpful when crafting yours. Generally, I'm a big fan of succinctness - the exception would be if you were a freakin' legend in your field.

[TheIronMaiden]

If you're CV is going to be heavy, it should be heaviest with your most recent accomplishments / experience. Anything older than 5-10 years should be highlights only.

It also looks good if you have very recent training in things like conflict resolution or work place harassment.

Maybe I am crazy but I put a lot of value in someone's soft skills. I hate working with #######s.