Preface: This article is applicable for any type of CV/resume be it for a job/internship application or a college application or anywhere else. The terms CV and resume are used interchangeably in this article.
It is quite alright if you have never made a CV before. However, even if you have, I urge you to read through to understand certain key points to improve your resume. The process I am going to introduce to you is a methodical, structured process that ensures that you don’t miss out on important points while making a professional CV.
Here is a simple 4 step process that will yield effective results:
Step 1 - Making the master list
Step 2 - Bucketing and selection
Step 3 - Packaging and Presentation
Step 4 - Feedback and Review
Step -1: Making the master list
Take multiple blank sheets of paper and fill them. Fill them with anything and everything you’ve done in your life to date. Be it an activity, a competition, a hobby, an interest area, your achievements, performance in a certain field, your skill sets, etc. This is your master list.
The key to this stage is ‘apply no filters’. Do not make any judgment as to whether this point is good or not for your CV. Just note it down. This helps in multiple ways
You only have to do this activity only once, then you can reuse it for the rest of your life, only updating it with activities from the future
You are being exhaustive, thus nothing is missed out
Additionally, don't spend time on writing proper sentences. Just quickly note down points in a raw format.
This process can take time, as it's difficult to recall everything that you’ve done. You could spend even 1-2 days on this activity, giving yourself time to recall. Also, don’t restrict the number of pages you fill, just keep filling it.
Step -2: Bucketing and Selection
Bucketing is an essential concept of CV/resume building. Bucketing is essentially grouping. Your resume is to be presented not just as a list of points, but as a grouped list of points. You can also think of bucketing as headings in your CV. Here’s what you need to do:
Selected the right set of buckets in line with the place you’re applying for
Then, select points from your master list and begin to place them under these buckets. Now you should be selective. Don’t place all the points from your master list, but only pick points you think are worthy of being on your CV
Essential for this stage: Do not focus on phrasing or wording of the points you’re adding to your buckets. The focus of this step is on selection. You will work on the packaging and phrasing of points in the next step.
Read more about selecting the right buckets here (CV Writing 102 - Selecting the right buckets).
Step -3: Packaging and Presentation
Now, after having selected your buckets and points you move to packaging and presentation. This is not just about the aesthetic appeal but more about how every line is to be written. Frame each point in your CV and put it in a neat, structured format. Sample CV at end of article.
To understand more about how to frame your CV points and what formats to use, read this article: (CV Writing 103 - How to package and present your CV).
Finally don’t forget to proofread your CV. This is essential.
Now you are done with the first draft of your resume.
Step -4: Feedback and Review
This is a very important step. You should get your CV reviewed by at least 3 other people. This then becomes a cycle of getting a review, improving your CV, and then getting another review. Few points to keep in mind here:
Try to get at least one review done by someone in the same field that you’re applying for
Do not blindly implement inputs given by others
Take reviews at 2 levels, (i) A line by line review for every point you’ve written, (ii) An overall review of what impression your CV generates, of you, as compared to the impression you wished to generate of yourself
View sample CV: click here
Read CV writing FAQs to answer any questions still on your mind: CV Writing 105 - FAQ | Part 1
Having read this article, you will now have a clear picture of how to make a CV and the specific nuances you need to focus on. These small details are what make the difference between a good and a bad CV. A final suggestion is, to complete the entire process digitally. It makes the entire process easier.
There will be many more resources on CV building in the coming weeks.
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Thank you and all the best!
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