How to Write a Curriculum Vitae – A Simple Guide by DreamShift

How to Write a Curriculum Vitae – A Simple Guide by DreamShift

ByRashmi Tharuka

If you’re wondering how to write a curriculum vitae that actually gets noticed not just tossed aside, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re applying for your first job, switching careers, or updating an old CV that’s been collecting digital dust, this guide will walk you through everything simply step-by-step.

Let’s get started! 

Step 1: Start With a Clear Personal Profile

Your Personal Profile (sometimes called a Professional Summary) is the first thing employers read, which means it needs to make sense in seconds.

Ask Yourself:

  • What kind of role am I applying for right now?
  • What strengths or experiences would matter most to this employer?
  • What do people often say I’m good at?

How to write a curriculum vitae summary :

Keep it short – 3 to 4 sentences is perfect.
Show your strengths, your experience level, and what you’re looking for.

Tip: Avoid clichés like “hard-working team player” on their own. Make it specific.

Step 2: List Your Key Skills (Relevant Ones!)

This section is where you prove you’re a match.

Think about:

  • What skills does the job description mention repeatedly?
  • Which skills do you have from past jobs, school, volunteering, or personal projects?

You can include:

  • Communication
  • Customer service
  • Organisation
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Digital literacy
  • Industry-specific tools (e.g., Canva, Excel, CRM software)

Tip: Use the same phrasing you see in the job ad. This helps with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).

What is an Applicant tracking system? (read our article on ATS)

Step 3: Rewrite Your Experience (Focus on achievements)

When learning how to write a curriculum vitae, this is where most job seekers get stuck. 

Here’s the trick: Don’t just list tasks. Show results. (Learn about modern day task based to impact based CV writing formula on our previous article.)

Ask Yourself:

  • What did I improve, solve, or achieve?
  • Did I help customers, save time, increase sales, or organise something better?

Use this simple formula:

Action Verb + Task + Outcome

Instead of
Responsible for answering customer calls

Use
Resolved 20–30 customer queries daily, improving satisfaction scores by providing friendly, accurate support

See the difference?

Step 4: Add Your Work Experience

List your work history in reverse order (most recent first).

For each job include:

  • Job Title
  • Company Name + Location
  • Dates you worked there
  • 3 to 5 achievement-based bullet points

Keep it focused. If a past job isn’t related to the role you want, still include it just to highlight transferable skills like teamwork, communication, accuracy, or problem-solving.

Step 5: Add Your Education

You don’t need to list every subject you studied, just the essentials.

Include:

  • Qualification name
  • School/college/university
  • Dates
  • Any achievements (awards, high grades, relevant coursework)

If you’re still studying, write:
[Course Name], [School], Expected Graduation: 2026

Step 6: Add Optional Sections (Only if helpful!)

These extras can make your CV stronger:

  • Volunteering experience
  • Certificates (e.g., First Aid, Barista training, Google courses)
  • Projects or portfolios
  • Languages
  • Technical skills

Only add what helps you look more qualified. (you don’t need everything.)

Step 7: Format It Cleanly (Don’t overthink it)

A great CV is:

  • Easy to read
  • Clean
  • Consistent

Use:

  • 1–2 pages max
  • Clear headings (Profile, Skills, Experience, Education, etc.)
  • Bullet points, not long paragraphs
  • Simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica

Step 8: Proofread (twice!)

Before you send your CV anywhere:

Check spelling
Check dates
Make sure formatting is consistent
Ask someone you trust to read it over

How to write a curriculum vitae has a lot to do with mistakes, one mistake can make your CV look careless, even if you’re highly capable.

Quick Checklist: Your CV Should

  • Be 1 – 2 pages
  • Show clear, relevant skills
  • Highlight achievements, not just duties
  • Look clean and easy to read
  • Have NO spelling or grammar errors
  • Match the job description
  • Feel confident but still human

Want Expert Help?

If you want a professionally-written CV that gets attention (without the stress), you can book a call with the DreamShift team – we’d be happy to guide you through it.

FAQ on how to write a curriculum Vitae: 


1. How long should my CV be?

Usually 1 page if you’re early in your career. 2 pages max if you have more experience.

2. Do I need work experience to create a CV?

No! You can include:

  • Volunteering
  • School projects
  • Part-time work
  • Internships
  • Extracurricular activities

3. What’s the difference between a CV and a résumé?

  • CV: Detailed, can be 1–2 pages, focuses on your full experience.
  • Résumé: Short, usually 1 page, very specific to the job. But there are instances this might vary, read about it on our article on “Should a resume be a one page?”

4. Should I use a photo?

In many countries, no, it’s not required.
If you do include one, make sure it looks professional.

5. How do I make my CV stand out?

  • Use strong action verbs
  • Quantify your achievements
  • Tailor it to each job
  • Keep it clean and easy to read 

Also our article on best CV practices will be your ultimate guide to writing a CV that stands out!

Finally, If you’d like help building a standout CV, you can book a call with DreamShift. No pressure, just support.

 

For further clarifications refer the below articles to get an idea about investing on a CV and resume writing service!

How to Choose The Best Resume Writing Service?
Best CV Writing Services in Australia 2025 (A Guide by Dreamshift)
Top CV Writers in Sri Lanka: Finding the Right Help
Why You Should Hire Premium CV Writers in Sri Lanka?
Crafting the Perfect Executive Resume and CV 

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