How to Write a Cv in English (for International Students) Essay Example

been written on this subject with some writers even charging for their assistance in creating one.

There are various online resources available that offer to create your resume, either for free or for a fee. Since October 2006, the author has been writing about this topic in his column titled "Desde el otro lado del escritorio" in Noticia, providing advice and tips on designing and constructing this crucial document in Spanish. In this article, the author conducted research and wrote about the same topic in English. Important terms related to this subject include resume, curriculum vitae, experience, and skills. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary [1], the word "resume" (with two accents) comes from the French term "resume," which is derived from the past participle of the verb "resume" meaning to summarize or continue again, with its roots in Middle French.

Date: 1804, 1: summary, 2: curriculum vitae, 3: a set of accomplishments. The same dictionary defines curriculum vitae as a noun and its Etymology: Latin, course of (one's) life Date: 1902: a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position. So both terms are essentially the same according to the well-known dictionary. However, we will later observe that the length in each definition differs in certain countries. Resume vs Curriculum Vitae, USA vs.

According to a webpage from Virginia Tech University, a resume is a concise document that effectively presents and promotes your relevant credentials for various professional purposes such as employment, graduate school admission, scholarships, or fellowships. On the other hand, a curriculum vitae is a more comprehensive document primarily used by individuals with a graduate education who are

seeking positions in academia or research. Wikipedia USA also supports this definition of a resume, stating that it is a document that provides a summary of relevant job experience and education.

The resume is usually the initial document that employers review when considering a job applicant. Its purpose is to screen candidates and potentially lead to an interview. While similar to a curriculum vitae in many countries, the resume in Canada and the United States has significant differences. Typically short (usually one to two pages), it focuses on experience directly related to a specific position. Resumes often include specific keywords sought by employers, utilize active verbs, and present content in an appealing way.

According to Wikipedia from England [4], a CV in the United Kingdom is a short document, usually limited to 2 sides of A4 paper, that provides a summary of a job seeker's employment history, qualifications, and some personal information. It is frequently updated to emphasize specific information relevant to the position the job seeker is applying for. Many CVs include keywords that can catch the attention of potential employers and present the content in a positive light, downplaying negative aspects such as poor grades. If necessary, a CV can also include an additional page for showcasing the job seeker's publications. In contrast, in the United States and Canada, a CV is primarily used in academic and medical fields and is much more comprehensive. In most recruitment campaigns, the term "resume" is used instead of CV. Unlike a resume, a CV provides extensive details about education and includes a comprehensive list of professional history, encompassing every employment term, academic achievement, publication, contribution, or notable accomplishment.

In

some professions, a CV may include samples of work and be several pages long. According to Wikipedia UK, similar to resumes, CVs can be influenced by recruiting trends, like in the 1980s and early 1990s in the U.

In previous times, resumes were typically restricted to one page. Nevertheless, by the late 1990s, it became increasingly typical for resumes to extend to two or even three pages. In the mid-1990s in the U.S., including an "objective statement" at the beginning of a resume was highly advised. This statement would specify the desired position (e.g., "Seeking an entry-level role in retail"). However, this trend dwindled in popularity as the late 1990s approached.

Online resume distribution has grown since the late 1990s, leading to more frequent use of an "objective" or "skills summary" statement. This helps recruiters quickly evaluate applicant suitability, though this practice is not as common in other regions. It is also strongly recommended not to include a photograph on resumes in the United States.

It is advised for employers to avoid including discriminatory factors, such as age, race, sex, attractiveness, etc., based on a person's appearance. However, the theatre and modeling industries are exceptions where resumes commonly include photographs known as headshots.

In Canada, applicants have the right to decline providing information about their race, national or ethnic origin, color, sex, age or mental or physical disability on their resume even if instructed by the employer according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Google cites About.com for differentiating between resumes and curriculums. According to About.com, a resume is a brief summary of an individual's skills, experience and education spanning one or two pages.

The purpose of resume writing

is to be concise, as the person reviewing your qualifications will only spend about a minute doing so. A CV, also known as Curriculum Vitae, is a longer and more detailed synopsis, typically spanning two or more pages. It provides an overview of your educational background, academic achievements, teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, and other relevant details. In the United States,
a CV is mainly used when applying for international positions in academia or education fields or when seeking fellowships or grants.

Similar to a resume, a CV may need various versions customized for specific job roles. It should incorporate your name, contact details, education, skills, and work experience. Moreover, it ought to encompass research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships obtained, professional memberships and licenses held, accolades received, and other pertinent information related to the desired position. Commence by composing a comprehensive list of all your background details and arrange it systematically. Remember to include publication dates for any listed publications.

The key distinction between a resume and a CV is their length, content, and purpose. Both documents aim to highlight your qualifications for industry or academia positions.

In terms of applying for a teaching or research position at a university, it is generally customary to submit a CV according to Forum. Conversely, when seeking employment outside of academia, employers typically request a resume.

Contents

In order to create an effective resume, watch a video by Laura Hill, the founder of Careers in Motions [7]. The video provides an overview of what should and should not be included in a resume. According to Hill, a resume is a marketing tool that promotes

oneself. She emphasizes three key elements:

1. Begin with a profile - a brief sentence that describes your identity and positions you within the job market and the minds of potential employers.
2. Showcase your accomplishments rather than just listing job positions and responsibilities. Highlight your specific contributions to outcomes at previous employers. It is recommended to avoid excessive detail on the resume; save it for the interview.
3. Consider formatting and aesthetics when creating the document. Ensure information is easily accessible by using clear language and readable fonts.

The top content of a webpage is crucial as it determines whether readers will continue reading or discard your resume. To stand out as a candidate, exclude your name and titles like "Resume" or "Curriculum Vitae". Instead, follow Laura Hill's suggestion of having a concise statement representing qualities or attributes you want potential employers to associate with you. For more information, please refer to my 5th article in Noticia.

Some examples: Young Engineer with a Desire to Learn. Experienced Salesperson in the Appliance Business. Systems Engineer with Database Experience. Mechanical-Electrical Engineer with Robotic Experience.

In Spanish versions of the resume, the first sentence is followed by an "Objective" section. This section is a brief paragraph, limited to two lines, that outlines your skills and goals. It can be difficult to write this paragraph, so I suggest translating it and keeping it in the second position if you are happy with it. If you haven't written it yet, I recommend not spending excessive time on it since finding well-written "objective" paragraphs in resumes can be challenging.

When creating your resume, you have two options for the next item to include: skills, as mentioned by the aforementioned

writers, or actual work experience. The writer of this text recommends emphasizing your experience through accomplishments and specific results achieved in previous positions. Laura Hill emphasizes the importance of highlighting your experience through accomplishments and specific results achieved in previous positions. In the sixth article for Noticia, there is a description of how to write this section in Spanish. Take a look at the examples provided and compose a list of your own solid work experiences.

It is important to remember that the future employer is primarily interested in your most recent experiences, typically the last one or two jobs. In order to make these experiences easier to find, consider reversing the chronological order. If you currently have no work experience, it is crucial to emphasize the next section. The skills section should come after, which can be challenging to write, I acknowledge. If you have received evaluations from college, professors, trained psychologists, or bosses, and you agree with them, express them in concise sentences. Here are some research findings to keep in mind. Be cautious of confusing skills (habilidades, destrezas) with abilities (capacidades, aptitudes).

According to the North Carolina Career Resource Network [8], individuals possess a range of skills and abilities. These can include unique talents like musical aptitudes (such as singing, playing an instrument, or composing music), artistic abilities (like drawing, painting, or sculpting), or athletic skills (such as running, jumping, or throwing). They can also encompass any other natural and effortless ability. Some skills and abilities are used in everyday life, such as learning a new video game, fixing a lawnmower, being a good listener to friends' problems, or making decisions about which car

to purchase. Others are more specific to job-related tasks like acquiring proficiency in using new software programs or interpreting financial statements for managing a company's budget.
In today's 21st-century job market, having multiple skills is crucial because they can be developed or improved through education, training, and experience. By continuously enhancing and nurturing one's skills, more career opportunities will become available.

"What George Siemens, a professor of the Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute of Athabasca University, stated about Effort vs. Ability [8] is particularly intriguing. He pointed out that most of us assess ourselves based on our ability, especially in the technology field. For instance, an instructor who lacks comfort with technology may label themselves as incapable of utilizing online resources, stating, 'I hate technology.' Similarly, a student who struggles to understand a vital concept in learning may exclaim, 'I can't comprehend this material...'"

The statement "I'm not good at math (or English, or whatever)" suggests that we believe we cannot improve in areas where we lack knowledge. Thus, our previous failures hinder our desire to learn something new. It is incorrect to assess our skills based on innate ability. Effort plays a crucial role in developing abilities. If we judge ourselves solely on ability and not effort, we will be hesitant to embark on new challenges or seize learning opportunities.

Even if someone is currently unfamiliar with HTML (ability), it doesn't mean they can't acquire the skills (effort) to become proficient in the future. However, we often overlook the fact that our lack of ability in a certain area is due to our minimal effort. "Six skills that recruiters are seeking" are mentioned at www.easyjob.

Welcome to net,

a specialized portal for resume assistance. Here, we present a list of essential skills to include in your resume:

1. Communication Skills, Verbal and Written
2. Team Skills/ Team Player
3. Attention to Detail
4. Energy /Dynamism / Drive / Enthusiasm and Initiative
5. Ability to Handle Pressure
6. Leadership

If you lack work experience, consider having multiple professors evaluate and provide feedback on these skills for inclusion in your resume. However, refrain from citing the sources directly. If questioned during an interview, honestly disclose the individuals who provided the evaluations. Language skills fall under this category, but it is advisable to be truthful about your proficiency level. Avoid listing any language with less than a 70% proficiency rating. While some individuals may separate listening, speaking, and writing skills with specific percentage grades, we have found such detail to be distracting and inaccurate.

Next on the agenda is your Academic Background. Your prospective employer will be interested in your education, particularly if it is relevant to the job at hand. Begin by listing your doctoral and master's studies, followed by your bachelor's degree, including the year and school attended. You can then mention any specialty courses or "Diplomados" you have completed. However, it is not necessary to include details about your high school, grammar school, or grades.

The final sections of the resume are the easiest to complete: Personal references and personal data. In the CV, you can provide detailed information about specific references, but due

to space constraints, a simple sentence such as "Personal references available upon request" should suffice for your Resume. However, it is important to personally contact and ask the individuals you plan to list on your CV in advance. It is recommended to contact them by phone rather than email and kindly request that they be available to speak with the recruiting firm if contacted. If it has been some time since you last spoke with the person, it may be helpful to jog their memory by mentioning favorable results you achieved, rather than focusing on job titles or positions that may easily be forgotten.

It is important to keep the incidents fresh in his/her memory for when she takes the call from your future employer. The personal data required include your name, address, zip code, city, state, and telephone numbers for both home and cell. If you currently have a job and your current employer is unaware of your job search, do not provide your office telephone number. It is not necessary to include any additional data such as RFC, IFE, driver's license, age, civil status, number of children, or any other information that may be required for employee records. The aforementioned are the recommended contents for a resume.

The length of the document should be one page. The most substantial sections should focus on accomplishments. If there is no work experience, then emphasize the skills you are offering. For a CV, which may span two or three pages, you have the opportunity to provide more detailed accomplishments or include additional ones for each company. You can also expand on the details of your skills. Additionally, you

have the option to include the following items, as long as the overall document does not exceed three pages: a list of your publications along with a brief description and a hyperlink to them on a website, if available.

Professional associations joined, including positions held. Academic or professional honors achieved. Hobbies and personal data, such as children's ages (excluding spouse's). To cater to the specific job or opportunity being pursued, it is recommended to have multiple versions of the resume or CV tailored to the requirements of each position. The author possesses various versions of their resumes, as Teaching differs from Consulting and is entirely distinct from Managing.

Depending on the position being considered, the individual adjusts and highlights their experiences on the top to specifically interest the employer. If sending their resume/CV to different regions like Europe or Canada, they would review and modify the versions based on research from Wikipedia. It is essential to note that a resume and CV are both Marketing Tools that should portray the best side of the individual, inviting the reader to learn more about them. It should have a clear, clean, crisp look, free from typographical errors, printed on high-quality white Bond paper. If possible, it is recommended to send the final draft to a trusted professor or individual for critique before submitting it.

Conclusion

A resume and/or curriculum vitae hold immense significance for students, professors, and professionals as they are crucial documents in their lives.

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Extreme caution should be exercised in this task. While it is advantageous to have it well-written in Spanish, merely translating it to English is not enough; ensure English accuracy before submitting it. A resume is a

brief summary of experiences and studies, while a CV is a more extensive document. Before sending it, a proficient English reader should review it._x000D_

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Bibliography_x000D_

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   Richard N. Bolles What Color Is Your Parachute 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers (Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press) - Jorge Munian Como te vendes te contratan (Mexico, DF: McGraw-Hill, 2003) - Gloria Serrato Azar Como hacer un Curriculum, (Madrid, Espana, 1999)_x000D_

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   Merriam Webster Dictionary, http://www.m-w.com_x000D_

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   Virginia Tech University, Division of Student Affairs, http://www.areer.vt.edu/_x000D_

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   Wikipedia English http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resume_x000D_

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   Wikipedia English British http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_vitae_x000D_

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   About.com: Job searching http://jobsearch._x000D_

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