Guidelines For An Effective Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Following are DOs & DONT's of creating an effective CV

DOs

• Use bulleted style text to make the resume easy to read
• Use bold face or capitals for headings only
• Keep text lines under 74 characters long
• Include your contact information (phone number, email address as well as home address).
• If you have a mobile phone, include that number as well.
• Chronological order – starting with the last (or current) job first.
• Proof read carefully; have some one else proof read as well. Misspellings and typos can leave a negative impact
• Use active (not passive) words that show your leadership and teamwork qualities. Passive words such as - “worked” or “”Followed” or “Responsible for” or “Responsibilities included” - convey a negative image or portrays some who is simply following orders or doing a duty. In today’s world, employers are seeking those who are willing to take charge, be independent decision makers and lead others – not followers.
• Make your resume of reasonable length; don’t make it a story to be read. Be concise and to the point.
• For fresh graduates, one page is optimal, page and a half should be max, however, if the second page is less than half, make an attempt to condense to one page, if at all possible.
• For experienced professionals, stay within 2 pages, if possible, but no more than 3 pages in unusual cases such as academic or research positions, where listing of  patents, research and publications, would be critical to list.

DONTs

• Use fancy type styles (italics, underlines, shadows, reverse – white letters on black) in your CV.
• Use font sizes larger than 16 points any where in the CV Type of font that is too light or thin
• Use two column format, that makes your CV look like a news paper or newsletter
• Make the text fully justified, let all text be left justified
• Use Hyphenated words Include vertical or horizontal lines, graphics, images or boxes
• Send poor quality copies. If possible, use original laser printed CVs
• Make hand written information in the CV; every thing should be printed
• Use font that is too dark; only use white or light color paper
• Try to save on paper by printing double sided CV – single side printing only
• Use resume templates and wizards, if possible; they make your CV look like every one else’s. However, do not go overboard and make so corny that it is in bad taste or does not have a professional look and feel.
• Avoid the use of personal pronouns (I, my, me) in a resume – as much as possible.
• Include information that is either incorrect or misrepresentation of facts; always be honest.