India CV Writing Guide

Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, work in India needs more than just the obvious India cover letter and India CV writing and translation – it requires methodical preparation.

You will face issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you become interested in jobs in India. Do not underestimate the influence they can have on your adventure! For instance, you will experience the different immigration rules and practices, job application procedures, selection trends and the management culture.

A CV is similar to a resume in that it provides more details about one’s professional qualifications, experience and education. However, the term “Curriculum Vitae” most often called CV, typically carries a different meaning depending on whether one distributes the CV within the US, Canada or internationally (external to the US or Canada) or is seeking a faculty, academic, research, clinical or scientific position.

You can turn your current resume into a CV. A CV is similar to a resume in that it outlines your professional qualifications and history, but it does so with more detail by adding to the resume the detailed descriptions of your educational and/or professional experiences and personal information that may include nationality, date of birth, marital status, etc.

In recent years it becomes increasingly popular to join the LinkedIn or Facebook social networking websites for professionals, where you may search for jobs and have your keyword-optimized, rich content profile with a current CV. Hiring managers use them more frequently to consult your profile and supplement or check against the CV you send along. If you do not have an account, create one and include your social media link(s) on your CV.
However, you should manage your online presence. Eliminate any photos and statements that could reflect poorly on you. From an employer’s point of view, someone who emphasizes partying on a social networking site is not focused on jobs and those who post complaints about work or colleagues are less desirable candidates. The online CV should not include sensitive information as it could show a lack of respect for confidentiality and discretion.

When applying for a job in India, you may use either English or Hindi language, depending on the company and your fluency. Stick to one language once chosen. However, you need to accept that not knowing the local language will put you at a real disadvantage from the local job seekers.

The aim of your India CV should be to persuade recruiters to invite you for a job interview. Therefore, your CV is a marketing tool, which should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

Before writing your CV find out information about the company, you want to work for. Such information will help you to adapt your CV more effectively to each specific job and use suitable examples illustrating your achievements.

The India CV should be typed on one to a maximum of two pages, depending on the length of your work experience. Arrange and type your CV in chronological order – starting with your first job and ending with your most recent position. Include your name, address, e-mail and phone number at the top, but never include the place of birth, race or religion.

Often India CVs are kept on file for lengthy periods, so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number, with the international access code and e-mail, are most important.

Follow with your “Career Objectives” written in professional language with reference to the possible contributions you can make to the company. Mention your potential strengths that have relevance to the job and specify the level of responsibility you can handle.

Describe your “Education”. Include examination grades giving dates of attendance, study emphases, diplomas and degrees. State additional courses or training and special skills such as computer programs in which you are proficient. Mention your native tongue and describe the level of fluency for the other languages with reference to the spoken and written levels.

Continue with your “Employment History”. List responsibilities you had in each job with dates, their locations and your titles. Add projects and any other activities you deem relevant. Make your CV more effective by providing examples to illustrate your achievements. Use power words and action verbs such as contributed, organized, demonstrated, trained, managed, developed, coordinated etc. Bullet points these at the start of a sentence for maximum impact.

Finally, close your CV with “References available on request”. It is best to avoid putting references on your CV unless you have been specifically asked to provide them. Employers usually ask for references when they actually need them. This is a strong indication that an employer is interested in you.

Discrimination laws are not as stringent in India as they are elsewhere in the world. Carefully consider what to leave out of your CV and exclude anything that might give prospective employers a chance to discriminate against you. Please note that Indian CVs never include the place of birth, race or religion. If you are not married, it is not wise to mention that you “only” live together with a partner – it does not comply with the Muslim religion.

It is more common in India to apply for a job through the Internet. However, you should be aware that an electronic CV does not look the same as a standard CV. CVs are often scanned by Indian employers, so make your CV scannable by avoiding for example lines or italic fonts etc.

Always include a cover letter with your CV, but never attach any official documents, like diplomas or testimonials to your application.

Check the spelling and grammar of your India CV. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and language usage errors in Hindu or other languages or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.

You may run an India job search right now, but when you find some you must apply immediately with your current India CV and India cover letter.

Remember that your CV must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your CV writing instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use CV samples and CV templates.

Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your CV. So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview using cover letter writing tips.

Other India CV Info

If your India cover letter and India CV are ready, email them to the prospective employers selected during a job search in India.

When you receive an invitation to the job interview, you may apply for an India visa and India work permit. Then prepare yourself for an India job interview and take a look at the India dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in being hired.

Check the job interview dos & don’ts and other job search skills pages. Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.

In addition, on the international info, job search, visa, work permit, cover letter, CV & resume, job interview and dress code pages you will find many useful tips for overseas job seekers.

Good luck with your India CV!