The modern generation – Gen Z – has a predilection for practical experiences rather than knowledge. This is why most first class graduates who can’t adequately present themselves as solution providers, policymakers and changemakers, and provide field experiences in addition to their university certificates, could find themselves left out for second class degree holders. The world is after what you can do for it, by convincing it that you have previously done something similar.
This is why having a CV is essential. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is much more than just a document listing where you went to school and where you worked. It’s a marketable document of what you were, what you are, and what you will be. The document is an outliner which helps either the recruiter, scholarship committee, or decision makers have an inkling of what you believe in, and if you are a good fit.
Most misconception about CV is its presumed summary document – that is, a highlight of what your experiences. In as much that applies, especially with the format of its writing, the CV is a brief introduction of you and your goals. It does more than summarize. It creates a channel for the receiver to meet you.
A Curriculum Vitae, literally meaning “course of life” in Latin, is a document that presents your academic background, professional experience, skills, achievements, qualifications, and relevant activities. Its purpose is to give an institution, employer, scholarship committee, fellowship, or other organization a structured picture of who you are professionally and what you have accomplished.
CVs can be classified according to their structure, purpose, and audience. The major types include:
Chronological CV: This CV lists experience in time order, usually starting with the most recent. It can be used for jobs and general applications
Functional CV: This emphasizes skills rather than employment history. This is best used for career changes and limited experience.
Combination CV: Combines skills with chronological experience. This is good especially for applicants with varied experience.
Academic CV: As its name implies, it focuses heavily on education, research, publications, conferences, etc. It is mainly used in university, research, and PhD applications.
Professional CV: It highlights career achievements and professional experience. This is important for corporate/professional jobs
Creative CV: This CV uses distinctive design and presentation. It can be used for writing, media, arts, design, and creative industries.
Scholarship/Fellowship CV: This is for applicants applying for opportunities. This kind of CV emphasizes academic achievement, leadership, service, awards and relevant activities.
International CV: Most countries have their preferred standard for CV. Applicants are expected to adapt to international expectations of a particular country/region. For example, Europass is the standard CV for Europe and international applicants applying to Europe.
As mentioned earlier, CV is the human ad. It is what sells you to the person you’re applying to.
Another misconception applicants have is thinking there is one “perfect CV” that should be used everywhere. This is a big error and it’s the reason why many applications do not scale through. Specific jobs require specific tailoring. What the CV reader seeks from you is your experience and expertise in a field, and your exploration in it, not your biography.
From the CV types listed above, this is how you should tailor your CV:
- Job application: Experience, skills, achievements.
- Master’s application: Education, experience, interests, relevant projects
- PhD application: Research, publications, academic experience, conferences
- Scholarship: Academics, leadership, service, achievements, impact
- Literary residency: Publications, writing experience, awards, readings, projects, literary activities.
So, your CV should change depending on what you’re applying for.
And there’s another distinction worth knowing: CV vs résumé. In some countries, especially the US, they are treated as different documents. However, in Nigeria, the UK, Canada, Australia, and many other contexts, the terms are often used more interchangeably, although an academic CV can be considerably longer.
The essence of this article to help you understand why you need an active CV as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional. Your CV has more potential to get you a job, scholarship, fellowship, residency or other opportunities, than a degree point or your certificates. While degree GPA and certificates are good because they form pillars for a rich CV, they are weak as standalones for applications. It is important to have a CV, and most importantly, to have relevant experiences to boost your chances of success.
Author
Paul Olayioye
