It is that time of the year when students are looking for jobs or professionals are seeking to change jobs. So, what is that one thing that will help them get a job?

Developing and submitting an effective CV is the first and most important step. Before going into the details, it is important to understand the difference between a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Biodata.

CV is derived from the Latin word meaning "course of life", while biodata is derived from biographical data. In India, research says that a CV is used for professional, academic applications, while biodata is used when applying for government and some private jobs.

Recipe for writing a winning CV/Biodata

• Serves as a first great impression

• Time for preparation: Focussed 3 hours

Ingredients

• 1 cup Expertise and experience

• 1 cup personal summary

• 2 cups relevant professional work experience 

• 1 teaspoon of achievements (measurable with examples)

• 2 teaspoons of skills which match the Job Description

• 2 layers of relevant education and certifications

• Garnish with publications (if any), volunteer work or projects handled

Method

1. Preheat your understanding

   - Know the role you are applying for

   - Read and understand the Job Description

2. Add your skills

   - Summarise yourself who you are? What do you want to do/want to achieve? Do you have relevant experience?

3. Sauté your experience

   - Adapt reverse chronological order

   - Use action verbs (developed, organised etc) to highlight your experience

   - Include achievements (you can use statistical data)

4. Add a dash of skills and keywords

   - Include soft skills and technical skills

   - Ensure that they match the Job Description

5. Add in Education and Certifications

   - Include degrees, courses, and relevant training.

   - Add dates and institutions.

   - Remember to avoid jargons and over hyping

6. Garnish with Awards, publications, volunteer work, projects 

   - Taste the dish by proofreading and serve with zero error.

Benefits of writing an effective CV

• Leaves a strong first impression for the recruiters

• Showcases your strengths and skills

• Narrates the story of your professional life

• Can be quickly customised to suit a Job Description

• Demonstrate professionalism 

(Dr Annapoorna Ravichander is a freelance consultant. Views expressed are her own.)