A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed document that highlights your professional and academic background, including your work experience, education, skills, and achievements. It’s often used when applying for jobs, academic positions, or internships.

While the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably, they are different documents. A CV is typically longer and more detailed, focusing on a comprehensive overview of your career, whereas a resume is shorter and more focused on relevant skills and experiences. CVs are more common in Europe, while resumes are more widely used in the U.S. and Canada.

Ideally, a CV should be 1-2 pages long. For entry-level job seekers, 1 page is typically sufficient. However, for more experienced professionals or academic positions, a longer CV might be necessary to cover more in-depth information like research, publications, or certifications.

A well-structured CV should include the following sections: Contact Information, Personal Statement, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, and optionally, Interests, Hobbies, or References. Tailor these sections to the job or industry you’re applying to.

A personal statement (or CV summary) is a brief introduction at the top of your CV that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals. It should be 3-4 sentences long and tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Focus on your strengths and how they align with the job requirements.

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, which many companies use to screen CVs before they reach human recruiters. An ATS-friendly CV uses simple formatting, standard fonts, and keywords relevant to the job description to ensure it gets through the software and lands in front of a recruiter.

To make your CV stand out, focus on these key elements:

• Tailor your CV to each job application.
• Use action verbs and quantify achievements (e.g., "increased sales by 20%").
• Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
• Keep the design professional but clean and modern.
• Proofread to avoid errors or typos.

Including hobbies and interests on your CV is optional. If you have space and the hobbies are relevant to the job or demonstrate valuable skills (e.g., leadership, teamwork, creativity), it can be a good addition. However, avoid listing generic interests unless they add value to your profile.

You should update your CV regularly, especially when you:

• Gain new work experience or skills.
• Complete certifications, training, or education.
• Change career goals or apply for a different type of job. Regular updates ensure your CV reflects your most current and relevant experiences.

A clean, simple, and well-organized format is crucial. Use consistent headings and bullet points for easy readability. Stick to professional fonts (like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size between 10-12 points. Avoid overly complex designs, as it can confuse ATS software and make it harder for recruiters to skim your CV.