How to Prepare an English CV?

Preparing an English CV is not just about editing a text; it is an important tool that introduces you and strategically presents your experiences and skills. The content of your CV plays a big role in reaching your career goals, as much as its language and format. Therefore, a correct structure, appropriate word selection and an eye-catching presentation are very critical.

In this article, starting from the basic sections to be considered in writing an English CV; we explain the methods of creating content that will attract the attention of the employer, common mistakes and the essentials of an effective CV with examples. Thus, you can obtain information that will make it easier for you to stand out with a CV that makes a difference in your domestic or international applications.

Preparing an English CV in 10 Steps

1. Determine the Right Format

The first step in preparing an English CV is to choose the right format. There are three basic CV formats:

● Chronological: You list your work experiences with your most recent job at the top. This format is suitable for candidates with a clear career path.

● Functional: Focuses on skills and competencies. More suitable for those with little work experience or those who want to make a career change.

● Combination: Highlights both work experience and skills.

Decide which one suits you best depending on the nature of the position.

2. Start with Your Personal Information

Your CV should definitely include information such as your name, surname, e-mail address, phone number and the city you live in.

If you have one, you can also add your LinkedIn, personal website or portfolio links.

Note: Personal information such as date of birth, marital status and gender are generally not written in English CVs. Also, in many countries, it is not preferred to include a photo.

3. Add a Short "Profile" (Summary) Text

This section is a 2-4 sentence paragraph that introduces you and briefly summarizes your career goals.

Here, you should answer the questions "Who am I, what do I do and what do I aim for?" to the employer.

4. Write Your Education Information in Reverse Chronological Order

Starting with the school you graduated from last, write down your educational history. You should include the following information for each educational institution:

● School/University name

● Department

● Graduation date

● Degree (GPA), certificates of achievement or important projects, if any

5. Write Your Work Experiences Descriptively

When writing your work experiences in your English CV, you should not only explain where you worked, but also what you did and how you contributed.

For each work experience:

● Company name

● Position

● Dates of employment

● Responsibilities and achievements (items)

6. Create a Skills Section

List your technical and personal skills item by item in this section of your English CV.

You can write them under two headings:

● Technical Skills: MS Office, Photoshop, AutoCAD, HTML, SPSS etc.

● Soft Skills: Time management, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, etc.

Take care to write your skills in a way that matches the job posting.

7. Provide Information About References

If the employer requests, you may be asked to provide a reference letter from your previous manager or teacher.

8. State Your Language Level Realistically

Your foreign language level, especially in English, should definitely be included in your CV.

You can use CEFR levels: A1 - C2

Example:

● English – B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

● German – A2 (Beginner)

If you have received a score from an international exam (IELTS, TOEFL), be sure to state it.

9. Keep Your CV Concise and Effective

Your English CV should be one or at most two pages long.

Avoid unnecessary information, highlight information that is directly related to the position you are applying for.

Don't forget to reorganize your CV for each job application and make it specific to the position.

10. Check Spelling and Grammar

After preparing your CV in English, be sure to read it several times. Spelling and grammatical errors create an unprofessional impression.

If possible, have someone else read it or use a language checker (like Grammarly) to make final checks.

How to Prepare an English CV? is a question that everyone who wants to stand out in international job applications should definitely think about. A properly structured English CV not only tells your background; it also reveals your professional stance and goals. No matter what sector you are in, you can quickly attract the employer's attention with an impressive CV.

In order to master the subject of How to Prepare an English CV, practice is as important as theoretical knowledge. Examining English CV examples, learning common mistakes and preparing CVs specific to each position will put you one step ahead of other candidates. For more tips, sample templates and industry recommendations, you can make a strong start to your career journey by visiting our Sculin blog page.