A strong CV is the stepping stone to getting a job. It is the first thing an employer looks at, and it may decide if you will go ahead or not. No need for a fancy one; it just needs to be clear, straightforward, and focused on showcasing what you can do.
We’ve also created a YouTube video on this topic, where Ms. Riya Tamrakar, HR Officer at Broadway Infosys, shares valuable tips and tricks for building a CV that meets industry standards and matches current market demands. You can watch it here.
In this blog, we’ll break down how to build a CV that gets noticed and helps you land interviews.
How to Professionally Build a CV
1. Keep It Simple
Going complicated is not an option; have something simple and clear. Try a simple and readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid any fancy design unless you work in a creative field.
2. Contact Information
Place it at the top. Keep it basic and professional, avoid nicknames or casual email addresses.
Have Included:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email
- LinkedIn (Recommended but optional)
- Location (Current residing place)
- Portfolio or GitHub (for IT, design, or creative fields)
Tips:
- Use a professional email (no casual names allowed).
- A portfolio or GitHub should only be added if it contains real work.
- Do not add a picture unless it is an obligation.
- Keep things aligned and very readable.
3. Key Skills
For a fresher, their skills are the most important thing to include. An employer needs to see that you can carry out tasks even though you have not undergone any training in that area. Highlight everything that you learned from courses, projects, or training.
Use bullet points here; make it concise and suited to the job type.
For IT or Tech Roles:
- C / C++ / Python (as per knowledge)
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Basic SQL
- Git and GitHub
For Non-Tech Roles:
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Customer Service
- Content Writing
- Social Media Handling
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
Tips:
- Mention only the skills in which you are confident.
- Feel free to add the tools or platforms you used in college and during training.
- These are the skills that set you apart from those with no work experience.
4. Project
Projects are the primary factor that can help you to stand out from the crowd, especially if you’re a fresher. Projects show what you have learned and how you apply your skills. Projects, even without work experience, speak a lot about how ready you are to work.
Select about 2–3 strong relevant projects. Then talk about the project you built, the tools you used, and the problems you solved.
For Example 1 (For IT Students)
Online Portfolio Website
Tools: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Developed a website for myself to promote my skills and projects. Built to be mobile-friendly and responsive. (Github Link as well)
Example 2 (For Non-IT Students)
Event Planning Project Tools: MS PowerPoint, Excel
Planning and management of a college-level event: budgeting, coordination, and post-event reporting.
5. Education
This section shows your academic background. Start with your most recent degree. Include:
- Institution name with Start and end year (or “ongoing” if not finished)
- Degree name
- GPA
- Optional: any awards or recognition
6. Training/Certification
This section lists the various learning experiences acquired through physical or online training. These courses are evidence for you to prove that you are indeed acquiring real skills, even without job experience.
List:
- Name of the course/training
- Name of the institute
- Duration or year of completion
Example
Front-End Development Training
Broadway Infosys, Kathmandu
May 2024 – Aug 2024
7. Career Goals
In this section, explain what you want to accomplish within your career. It will allow the employer to get an idea of your focus and motivation.
Keep it short and clear by outlining your plans for learning, growth, and company contributions. Avoid vague statements. Stay true to your goals and how they align with the actual job you want.
8. Extra-Curricular Activities
In this section, you display personal interests and skills unconnected with studies or work. These activities will let your potential employers have an idea of who you truly are and your soft skills.
Include activities involving teamwork, leadership, and other valuable skills. Keep it relevant and honest.
Examples
- Volunteering with NGOs
- Sports such as football, basketball, or running
- Taking part in a hackathon or writing contests
Tips:
- Avoid including hobbies such as watching movies or playing video games unless they relate to the job in question.
- Keep it short and sweet: three to five is enough.
9. Reference
You could either provide a list or let them know your references are available on request.
Tips:
- Always seek approval before including someone as a reference.
- Choose people who know your work or skills well.
- You don’t have to include this section if you want to save space.
Why Soft Skills Matter
Soft skills are a critical complement to technical skills. Soft skills are how you coordinate with others, manage time, and work under pressure. Employers aren’t just interested in finding someone who can perform a task; they want someone who will carry it on and perform it well as part of a team.
Some of the most valued soft skills include:
- Communication: Say things clearly. Listen when others talk. Good communication keeps work smooth and avoids confusion.
- Work Ethics: show up, do your job, take responsibility. It’s about caring and doing things right, even when no one’s watching.
- Time management: Use your time well. Focus on what matters. Finish things without rushing or missing deadlines.
- Adaptability: Things change. Be okay with that. Adjust quickly, stay calm, and keep going. That’s how you grow.
Final Thought
A CV is not just a piece of paper; it is the very first impression. Before anyone meets you or hears you talk, they read this document. So, whether a person is new to the market or an experienced hand, they need that extra time to make it clear, honest, and targeted to the job that one wants.
List your skills, your experience, and yes, soft skills too. They might seem small, but they say a lot about how you work with people, which often matters just as much as your technical know-how.
If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got a short video with our HR officer, Ms. Riya Tamrakar, to help. She shares some practical tips for building a job-ready resume, an approach that’s straightforward and effective.
Take your time. A well-built CV tells your story before you even walk into the interview room.