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How to create a CV
est. 90 - 120 mins
💡 After this training:
The learner understands the purpose and basic structure of a CV.
The learner can identify what makes a good CV.
The learner can reflect on their own skills, experiences, and goals.
The learner knows how to make a CV.
👀 How to coordinate this training:
| You can use various methods to introduce CV. Option 1: Intro Discussion Questions
Option 2: Walk through CV sections:
Option 3: Show sample CVs (strong vs. weak). You can search online for examples.
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2. Individual Self-Reflection Exercise | Ask learners to write down answers on word processor of their choice to the following questions: Questions:
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| Participants start creating their own CVs in class using their self-reflection answers.
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Materials needed:
Computer 💻
Flipchart or whiteboard 📊
Account for word-processor applications and or Canva
✨ Digital skills training about creating and writing a CV
Trainer Tips: Introducing CV
1. Start with a relatable hook
Ask: “Imagine you are an employer. You get 100 CVs for one job. How long do you think you look at each CV?”
Explain: “This means our CV must make a quick, clear impression.”
Tip: Use a short story, e.g., “I once saw a CV where the person forgot to put their phone number… guess what happened?” → This helps participants connect personally.
2. Define the CV simply
A CV is not just a list of jobs → it is your personal marketing tool.
The goal is to show your strengths, experience, and potential in a clear and structured way.
3. Highlight why it matters
Employers often decide who to interview based only on the CV.
A good CV shows:
Professionalism (clear, mistake-free, well-structured)
Relevance (skills and experience linked to the job ad)
Personality (short profile/summary to stand out)
Finland 🇫🇮
Materials
Video 🇫🇮 Millainen on hyvä CV? 📝 Katso vinkit toimivan ansioluettelon tekemiseen 🙌 (Duunivinkit)
Plain language material 🇫🇮 Ansioluettelo Wordilla (SelkoDigi - opiskelumateriaalit)
Exercise list 🇫🇮 Kirjoitusharjoitus (Helsingin työväenopisto)
Slides 🇫🇮 Opetusmateriaali (Helsingin työväenopisto)
CV template on Google Docs 🇫🇮 CV pohja (Helsingin työväenopisto)
Tips
Website 🇫🇮 CV-pohja: Näin teet tyylikkään ansioluettelon helposti – Duunitori
Website 🇬🇧 Tips for finding a job - Searching for work - Job Market Finland
Website 🇫🇮 Työhakemus ja CV, 🇬🇧 Job application and CV (Info Finland), available in more languages
Estonia 🇪🇪
Europass 🇪🇺
Video language 🇬🇧
Step-by-step: How to make a CV in Word or Google Docs 📝
1. Open the Program
Word: Go to your computer and open Microsoft Word.
Google Docs: Open your web browser, go to docs.google.com, and log in with your Google account.
2. Start a New Document
Word: Click on New to start a new document.
Google Docs: Click the Blank document (+) or choose from the Template Gallery.
3. Choose a Template
Word: Look through the ready-made templates. Click on a CV template you like, then press Create.
Google Docs: From the Template Gallery, select a Résumé template you like.
4. Add Your Own Information
Click on the text in the template and replace it with your own details.
Make sure to include:
Your name
Contact information (email, phone number)
Work experience
Education
Skills
5. Add Your Photo (Optional)
Word: Click Insert > Pictures and choose your photo.
Google Docs: Click Insert > Image and upload your photo.
6. Save Your Work
Word: Click File > Save As → choose where to save (Desktop, Documents, etc.), and give it a clear name like YourName_CV.docx.
Google Docs: Google Docs saves automatically. To keep a copy on your computer, click File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).
7. Check and Edit
Adjust the design or style so it fits your personality and the job.
Use spell check:
Word: Review > Spelling & Grammar.
Google Docs: Tools > Spelling and grammar > Spelling and grammar check.
If possible, ask a friend to review your CV and give feedback.
8. Save as PDF (Final Version)
Word: Click File > Save As → Choose file type PDF.
Google Docs: Click File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf).
Step-by-step: How to Make a CV in Canva 📝
1. Open Canva
Go to www.canva.com in your browser.
Log in (create a free account if you don’t have one).
2. Search for CV Templates
In the search bar, type “CV” or “Resume”.
You will see many ready-made designs.
3. Choose a Template
Browse the templates and click on one you like.
Press Customize this template to start editing.
4. Add Your Own Information
Click on the text in the template and replace it with your details.
Make sure to include:
Your name
Contact information (email, phone number)
Work experience
Education
Skills
💡 Tip: You can move, delete, or resize text boxes to make the CV fit your needs.
5. Add Your Photo (Optional)
Click Uploads > Upload files and choose your photo.
Drag and drop the photo into the photo frame on the template.
6. Customize the Design
Change colors, fonts, and layout to match your style.
Keep it clear and professional (avoid too many decorations).
7. Save Your Work
Canva saves automatically online.
To download, click Share > Download.
8. Download as PDF
Choose File type: PDF Print (best quality).
Name your file clearly, e.g., YourName_CV.pdf.
Save it on your computer or phone.