(CV is short for Curriculum Vitae)

What is a Curriculum Vitae?

It is the story of your life. it provides a summary of your expertise and academic background. a curriculum vitae is used when applying for Jobs, academics, education, research positions. A curriculum vitae can also be used to apply for fellowships or grants.

Why is your CV important?

Many job advertisements ask for a CV to be attached to your application form. You can also take your CV with you to your job interview.

Remember that your CV will be one of many others and it should convince the employer that you are the right person for the job.

If possible, have your CV typed or write it neatly in block letters. It might be to your benefit if you read up as much as possible on what CV’s should look like. Examples of CVs can be found in books in the library or bookstore and also on the Internet. Only attach copies of your original documents to your CV. You can also include a photograph of yourself if you want to. Make sure there is no spelling or typing mistakes in your CV. Keep a few copies of your CV for future use.

Nowadays, employers prefer to see what the job applicant’s career/professional goals are upfront, so include a part that covers your personal career goals at the beginning of the CV-this will help the employer to immediately know what type of person the job applicant is. Do not copy and paste from the Internet though, but write your own professional/career goals. Remember that the employer may ask you to cite examples of behavior in the interview as to why you say you can for example manage conflict well (see example below). Only include skills and qualities that you really possess.

Also remember that employers will not read too long CVs, but that a well-organised one where they can immediately see whether you have the necessary skills required by the job you are applying for, will make a much better impression. Divide the information up in 1) career goal, 2) personal information, 3) education, qualifications and skills, 4) languages, 5) career history, 6) personal interests, 7) positions of responsibility held, 8) prizes and awards and 9) references. You can also find proposals for other presentations of your CV in books in the library/bookstore or on internet. Do not use the same CV for every job you are applying for-change your CV so that those work goals and skills that are relevant for the job you are applying for, comes out more strongly.

Here is an example of a:
CURRICULUM VITAE

My career goals:

I would like to work in an organization where I can use my qualifications in finance and accountancy. I aim to become the Manager of Finance of a well-reputed organisation within 5-10 years. The job I am applying for is a good opportunity for me to work actively and productively in my field of expertise and apply my skills. My aim is to make a difference in my work-place through my contribution and to touch the lives of my co-workers through my positive attitude. I am a self-starter and have excellent interpersonal and conflict-management skills.

Personal Information:

• Surname: Ali
• First Names: Ahmed
• Title: Mr
• Home address: Maka Almukarama Mogadishu, Somalia
• Telephone number:  +252615 – xxxxxx
• Date of birth: 1990-01-01
• Nationality: Somalia
• Marital status: Married

Education and Qualifications

• High School: Secondary school leaving Certificate, Al Masal Primary and Secondary School
• Bachelor Degree: Bachelor of Finance and Accounting, Simad University Mogadishu Somalia
• Post-graduate qualifications: Computer accountancy, Simad University

Languages:

• Speak: Somali(good), English(good) & Arabic(fair).
• Read: Somali(good), English(good) & Arabic(fair).
• Write: Somali(good), English(good) & Arabic(fair).

Careers History

Work Experience

Logistician – (Company Name)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop logistical plans for current operations and logistics contingency plans.
  Prepare plans for liquidation and clearing logistics documents
• Design and develop standard operating methods to manage logistics operations efficiently.
  Identify added logistic training requirements to attain high working standards.
  Coordinate logistics activities related to procurement, funding, substantive units and humanitarian affairs.
  Responsible for issuing purchase orders and requests for quotations.
• Asset Management Manual and all related procedures;
  Supervise that vehicle log sheets are always available for vehicles, properly filled in, computed in an efficient way
  Ensure the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of new initiatives and procedures related to logistics.
  Manage logistics operations, including, material and personnel.

Full-time: None.

Skills gained during my career and studies:

MSOffice computer course inclusive of:

• MsWord
• MsExcell
• MsPowerpoint
• Ms Outlook
• Sales
• Book-keeping practice
• Cost management
• Business law
• Leadership skills certificate

Interests:

• Hobbies: Reading, hiking and camping.
• Sport: Road running and soccer.

References

Include at least three letters of recommendation or write down the names, telephone numbers and the positions of persons who know you and can recommend you. Ask for the permission of the people concerned, before giving their telephone numbers. That way, they are prepared to answer questions about you if contacted.

Examples

1. Name of the person: 
   Current position: 
   Cell Phone: 
   Mailto: 
2. Name of the person: 
   Current position: 
   Cell Phone: 
   Mailto: 
3. Name of the person: 
   Current position: 
   Cell Phone: 
   Mailto: