top of page

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:


  1. Introduction to CV

You can use various methods to introduce CV. Option 1: Intro Discussion Questions

  • Why do you think employers ask for a CV?

  • Imagine you are an employer and you receive 100 CVs. What do you look for first?

  • Have you ever sent a CV before? How did you feel about it?

  • What do you think makes a CV stand out in a positive way?

  • What mistakes do you think could harm a CV?

  • Do you think everyone should have the same CV for every job, or should it change depending on the role? Why?


Option 2: Walk through CV sections:

  • Contact info

  • Summary / Profile

  • Work experience

  • Education

  • Skills


Option 3: Show sample CVs (strong vs. weak). You can search online for examples.

  • Group activity: Divide into small groups; each group analyzes one CV section and suggests improvements.

2. Individual Self-Reflection Exercise

Ask learners to write down answers on word processor of their choice to the following questions: Questions:

  1. Who are you?

  2. What are you doing now? (at school, at work, at home?)

  3. What kind of person are you? (e.g., friendly, proactive, courageous)

  4. What can you do – what are you good at?

  5. What jobs have you done?

  6. What kind of work would you like to do?

  7. What are you like as an employee?

  8. In which areas would you like to develop? (What do you want to learn?)

  9. What does work mean to you?

  10. What goals do you have when you think about the future?

  11. Finally, what would you like to say?

  1. Demonstration

  • How to create a CV using:

    • Word (with templates)

    • Google Docs (with résumé templates)

    • Canva (for design-oriented options)

  • Walk through replacing template text with personal information.

  1. Exercise

Participants start creating their own CVs in class using their self-reflection answers.

  • The trainer gives support and feedback while circulating.

  • Option:

    • In-class: learners work directly in Word/Docs/Canva.

    • Homework: learners draft or finalize their CV and submit for feedback.



Materials needed:

Computer 💻

Flipchart or whiteboard 📊

Account for word-processor applications and or Canva



👋🏽  Join the Community

Ideas on how to create better training?  

Would you like to share how your training went?

Join our community of digital skills trainers from the button below. 

✨ 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

Tips

Estonia 🇪🇪


Video language 🇪🇪with English subtitles 🇬🇧


Tips

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.


Resources

bottom of page