Make a CV

A CV tells employers who you are. Here's how to make a simple one. A C V, short for curriculum vitae, is a short document that tells an employer or a school who you are, what you've done, and what you can do. For most people starting out, one page is enough.

What goes on a CV

First, your name and contact details, a phone number and a sensible email address. Second, a short profile, two lines about who you are and what you're looking for. Third, your skills, like typing, using Google Docs, customer service, and the languages you speak. Fourth, your experience. This includes volunteering, and helping in a family business, not only paid jobs. And fifth, your education, with the most recent school first. Here's a simple example. Name and contact details at the top, then a short profile, skills and experience, with education below.

Make it easy

Start from a free template. In Google Docs, open the template gallery and choose a resume. When it's ready, save it as a P D F. Choose File, then Download, then P D F document. And give the file a clear name, with your name and the letters C V.

CV dos and don'ts

Be honest. Never invent experience or certificates. Check the spelling twice, and ask someone else to read it. Use a sensible email address with your real name. And leave out private details, like your B V N, bank details or passwords. Many employers don't need your religion or marital status either.

Quick check

Quick check. Which of these belongs on a CV? Volunteering. It shows your skills, and that you're responsible and caring. Options: Your BVN; Volunteering you have done; Your bank PIN; Your email password.

Recap

A CV has your contact details, a profile, skills, experience and education. Volunteering counts as experience. Use a template, and save it as a P D F. Be honest, and keep private details out.

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