A complete explanation as to how to write a curriculum vitae; learn how to write a curriculum vitae cv for your next job inquiry. A curriculum vitae is the first impression your potential employer will have of you, this is where you need to spend your most resources during your job search.

Overall information to be considered when looking at how to write a curriculum vitae:

• Typically, a CV should be kept to two pages in length. However, if the potential job position is scientific or academic, the length is not a consideration.
• Any publications or public papers by the applicant should be noted on the curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter should be included with the curriculum vitae, no matter which employer or position the applicant is interested in.
• Be clear and concise. Statements on the curriculum vitae should be easy to read and understand.
• Explain any breaks in your career or educational studies.
• Send your curriculum vitae via post (snail mail) rather than electronically. Use watermarked, heavy paper.
• Spell Check and Grammar Check your curriculum vitae thoroughly. Do not allow the computer to do the work for you. Run the spell check once and clear obvious errors, re-read your CV and then take it to a collegue for a second opinion on appropriate grammar usage.

How to write curriculum vitae can differ, as a resume does, in how it is organized. Here is an example of sections that can be included and how to write a curriculum vitae step by step.

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step One: The Photo

Make a decision as to whether or not you will include a picture of yourself. This decision should be based upon which country you reside. If in the United States, it is frowned upon to include a picture, but in many countries it can be considered a requirement.

It is imparative to include a picture of good taste with your business suit or work uniform on. You will need to model a professional hair design. Piercings, tattoos and other additions to your face, ears or neck should be covered. Women should take special care with makeup, not having too much or too little, but also using light and neutral colors.

If you are to spend resources on your job search, this would be a wise investment to go to a portrait studio and have a professional photograph made. Typically the photograph will be of wallet size (2" x 3") and depict yourself from the neck up. Full pictures are not advisable.

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Two: Personal Information

Include the following information:

• First and Last Name
• Full Address
• Home Telephone
• Mobile Telephone
• Fax Number
• Email Address

You will need to decide whether you would like to include the following. Again, it depends upon which country you reside in as to whether this information is acceptable on your CV.

• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Nationality
• Religion (only for Indian-based companies)
• Gender
• Marital Status

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Three: Objective

What is the purpose of this curriculum vitae? What type of employment do you desire? This section is typically used for your objective statement. Simply stated: "To secure a position that offers both challenge and opportunity for growth." This statement can be used, but it is very broad. A better statement would list the type of career position you are looking for: "To secure a entry level engineering position that offers both challenge and opportunity for growth." This statement more clearly defines what you desire in a job: an entry level position, an engineering position, and an opportunity to move up the corporate ladder.

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Four: Work Experience

For each job position you have held, list the following information:

• Date Hired to Date Released or Date Left
• Position Held
• Activities and Responsibilities
• Name of Employer
• Name of Immediate Manager
• Type of Business (i.e. transportation, retail)
• Street, City, State, Zip, Postal Code

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Five: Education

List your college, technical schools, and certifications:

• Title of Qualification, Degree, Certificate
• Organization Name (i.e. college name, provider of certificate name)
• Type of Organization
• Street, City, State, Zip, Postal Code
• Honors Awarded, if any

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Six: Languages

This step can be skipped if you do not have languages other than your mother tongue or if you are not skilled enough in a foreign language to list it for use in a potential job position. Enter the following information:

• Mother Tongue
• For Each Foreign Language:
  • Language
  • Listening:
    • Basic
    • Independent
    • Proficient
  • Reading:
    • Basic
    • Independent
    • Proficient
  • Spoken Interaction:
    • Basic
    • Independent
    • Proficient
  • Spoken Production:
    • Basic
    • Independent
    • Proficient
  • Writing
    • Basic
    • Independent
    • Proficient

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Seven: Skills

Describe your personal skills and competences for each section. Enter only skills that will pertain to the open position in which you are applying, skip any that are not pertinent to your occupation.

• Social Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Technical Skills
• Computer Skills
• Artistic Skills
• Other Skills
• Driver's License Classification

How to Write Curriculum Vitae: Step Eight: Additional Information

Here you will want to list any publications you have participated in. If you have hobbies or volunteerism that pertains to your occupation, list it in this section. For work at home curriculum vitae, enter your home office information.