In today’s competitive job market, a well-written CV (Curriculum Vitae) is the key to unlocking your first opportunity with an employer. A clearly structured, concise, and targeted CV doesn’t just help you stand out from hundreds of candidates — it significantly boosts your chances of being invited for an interview.
In this article, Greyfinders Vietnam will walk you through how to create a professional, easy-to-read CV and explain why a great CV plays a crucial role in modern recruitment.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed summary of your educational background, work experience, skills, and achievements.
In Vietnam, the term “CV xin việc” is more commonly used than “resume”.
While there are slight differences between a CV and a resume (mainly in length and structure), the purpose is the same: to convince recruiters that you are the right fit for the job.
1. Personal Information
Include your full name, phone number, email, address (optional), LinkedIn profile, and portfolio link (if available).
2. Career Objective
Keep it short, clear, and aligned with the role you're applying for.
Example: "I aim to grow my technical expertise in electronics engineering and contribute long-term value to the company."
3. Work Experience
List experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
For each role, include:
• Company name
• Job title
• Duration of employment
• Brief description of your responsibilities
• Key achievements (quantified if possible)
4. Education
• University/School name
• Major
• Degree obtained
• Year of graduation
5. Key Skills
Differentiate between:
Hard skills: e.g. AutoCAD, Python, Excel, data analysis
Soft skills: e.g. teamwork, critical thinking, communication
6. Certifications & Courses
Include only relevant certifications that support your job application.
7. Achievements & Projects
This section helps demonstrate your value through real results.
Use data if possible: “Increased system performance by 30%”, “Reduced operating costs by 20%”
1. Your First Impression
Your CV is often the first thing a recruiter sees. A polished and professional-looking CV sets a strong first impression.
2. The Bridge Between You and the Employer
Before a recruiter meets you in person, they evaluate you through your CV. If your CV doesn’t reflect your strengths, you may not get a chance at an interview.
3. Your Personal Branding Tool
A CV is more than a summary — it represents your personal brand, working style, and career vision.
4. It Decides Whether You Get the Interview
According to TopCV, 75% of interview decisions are made within the first 30 seconds of reading a CV. That’s how important it is to get it right.
Tips to Optimize Your CV for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
• Many companies now use ATS software to scan CVs before a human recruiter sees them. Here’s how to stay visible:
• Use industry-specific keywords such as “mechanical engineer”, “data analysis”, “project management”.
• Avoid complex graphics or charts that the system can’t read.
• Stick to standard formats like Word (.docx) or PDF with clean, professional fonts.
Writing a CV is not difficult — but crafting a professional, keyword-optimized, and recruiter-friendly CV is an art. Taking the time to revise and tailor your CV means you’re investing in your career future.
Need help perfecting your CV? Greyfinders Vietnam is here to support you with templates, resources, and personalized advice to help you stand out and succeed.