INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER LITERARCY: CHAPTER #9

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) #

A Curriculum Vitae (CV), pronounced “cur-rih-kju-luhm vee-tie,” is a comprehensive document that provides a detailed summary of a person’s educational background, work experience, qualifications, skills, achievements, and other relevant information. The primary purpose of a CV is to present a thorough and structured overview of an individual’s professional and academic history, typically for the purpose of seeking employment or academic opportunities.

Here are the important components of a CV and its primary purposes:

1. Personal Information:

– Full name

– Contact information (address, phone number, email)

– Professional summary or objective (optional)

2. Education:

– Academic qualifications (degrees earned, institutions attended, dates of graduation)

– Honors, awards, scholarships, or academic achievements

3. Work Experience:

– List of previous employment positions, including job titles, employers, dates of employment, and job descriptions

– Relevant internships, volunteer work, or research experience

4. Skills:

– Technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency)

– Language skills (e.g., fluency in multiple languages)

– Soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, problem-solving)

5. Publications and Research:

– List of publications, research papers, articles, or presentations

– Research projects, grants, or funding received (if applicable)

6. Awards and Honors:

– Awards, honors, or recognitions received for professional or academic achievements

7. Professional Memberships:

– Membership in relevant professional organizations or associations

8. Conferences and Presentations:

– Conference presentations or talks delivered

9. Certifications and Training:

– Professional certifications or additional training

10. References:

– Contact information for individuals who can provide professional or academic references (usually available upon request)

PURPOSE OF A CV #

The primary purposes of a CV are as follows:

1. Job Applications: A CV is commonly used in job applications, especially in academic, research, scientific, and certain professional fields. It provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an applicant’s qualifications and experiences.

2. Academic Pursuits: In academia, a CV is used to apply for academic positions, research opportunities, fellowships, or grants. It showcases an individual’s educational background, research, and publications.

3. Career Advancement: Professionals may update their CVs regularly to track their career progress and achievements. This can be useful when seeking promotions, new job opportunities, or professional recognition.

4. Networking: CVs are often shared with colleagues, mentors, or professional networks to build and strengthen professional relationships.

5. Grant Applications: Researchers and scholars use CVs when applying for research grants or funding, as these organizations typically require a detailed summary of an applicant’s qualifications.

6. Academic Admission: When applying for academic programs, such as graduate school or doctoral programs, a CV may be requested to assess an applicant’s suitability for the program.

In summary, a Curriculum Vitae serves as a comprehensive and structured document that highlights an individual’s qualifications, experiences, and achievements. Its purpose is to assist in various professional and academic contexts, helping individuals secure opportunities and present themselves effectively to potential employers, educational institutions, or funding organizations.

CREATING A CV ON CANVA #

Creating a CV on Canva is a simple process. Canva offers a variety of professionally designed CV templates that you can customize to create a visually appealing and informative document. Follow given steps to create a CV on Canva:

Step 1: Sign in or Sign Up

– If you don’t already have a Canva account, sign up for one at https://www.canva.com/ using your email address or social media account.

Step 2: Start a New Design

– Once you’re logged in, click on “Create a design” in the top right corner.

– In the search bar, type “Resume” or “CV” to find templates suitable for creating your CV.

Step 3: Choose a Template

– Browse through the available CV templates and select the one that best matches your style and the type of job you’re applying for. Click on it to open the template in the Canva editor.

Step 4: Customize the Template

– Replace the placeholder text and information in the template with your own. Click on the text boxes to edit the text.

– You can also modify the template’s colors, fonts, and styles to match your preferences and personal branding.

Step 5: Add or Remove Sections (Optional)

– Depending on your needs, you can add or remove sections to tailor your CV. Common sections include “Contact Information,” “Education,” “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “References.” To add a section, click “Elements” on the left sidebar and drag a text box or shape onto your CV. To remove a section, simply delete the corresponding text boxes or elements.

Step 6: Upload a Photo (Optional)

– If you choose to include a photo in your CV, you can upload it by clicking “Uploads” on the left sidebar and selecting your image file. Position the photo appropriately within your CV.

Step 7: Add Icons and Graphics (Optional)

– To enhance your CV’s visual appeal, you can include icons, graphics, or dividers. Canva offers a wide range of free and paid design elements that you can use to decorate your CV.

Step 8: Proofread and Review

– Carefully proofread your CV for any typos, errors, or inconsistencies. Ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.

Step 9: Save and Download

– Click “File” and then “Download” to save your CV to your computer. You can choose from various file formats, such as PDF or JPEG, depending on your preference and the requirements of potential employers.

Step 10: Share and Print

– You can share your CV digitally by emailing it to potential employers or uploading it to job search websites. You can also print it for physical submissions. Remember to keep your CV concise and focused on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Customize it for each job application by emphasizing the qualifications that are most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. Canva’s user-friendly interface and customizable templates make it a convenient tool for creating an eye-catching CV.

HOME ASSIGNMENT #

Look at CV examples online, polish and improve your CV and email it to your computer class facilitator/teacher.