India CV Tips & Format Requirements

India CV Requirements

India has a particular work culture, as well as a specific set of expectations when it comes to CV. It is important to be sure that your CV reflects your understanding of these expectations.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

Indian CV Format Example

India CV Tips and rules:

Length: Keep your Indian CV concise - two pages is sufficient.

Format: Use plain white paper and 12 point font if possible.

How to Write an Indian CV

To write an Indian CV that hiring managers would love, follow these tips:

• Pick a resume template that allows you to add common Indian CV sections like summary, work history, certifications, header, skills, certifications, achievements, etc.
• Figure out your qualities that standout e.g. work experience in a recognized Indian company (e.g. Flipkart) or certifications that are rare. Make sure your CV sections highlight those qualities.
• If you are applying to a city where your local language proficiency would be a factor - list your language skills. E.g. listing your fluency in Kannada would improve your chances if you are applying for a job in Bengaluru.
• Make sure you take care of grammar on your CV. Indian hiring managers are selective about grammatical mistakes.
• Follow the STAR method while listing your Indian work history. Majority of Indian CVs don’t follow the STAR method and fail to leave the same impact.
• Link out to your Linkedin or portfolio site from your CV header.

How to Format an Indian CV

The top CV formatting tips to follow while writing a CV for a job in India are:

• Choose the Right CV Format: Select an appropriate CV format (chronological, functional, or combination) based on your work experience and the job requirements. A chronological format is common in India for its clarity in showcasing career progression.
• Keep It Brief: Keep the length of your CV concise, ideally between one to two pages. However, for those with extensive experience, academic roles, or senior leadership positions, a longer CV (Curriculum Vitae) may be acceptable.
• Professional Font and Style: Use a clean and professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman to ensure that your CV is readable and maintains a professional appearance. Additionally, the font size should be between 10 and 12 points for the main text.
• Proper Margins and Alignment: Maintain adequate margins (typically 1 inch on all sides) to make the document visually appealing and readable. A well-structured layout will enhance the presentation of your details.
• Consistent Line Spacing: Utilize a line spacing of either 1 or 1.15 to keep your CV organized and easy to read. Avoid cluttered text and ensure each section is clearly defined.
• Customize for the Job: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements based on the job requirements. Emphasize your accomplishments, key responsibilities, and technical proficiencies that align with the position you are applying for.
• Include Personal Details: Include essential personal details at the top of your CV, such as your full name, contact information (mobile number and email), and current location (city and state). Including a professional LinkedIn profile link can also be beneficial.
• Objective Statement or Career Summary: Start your CV with a brief objective statement or career summary that highlights your professional goals and areas of expertise. This is a common practice in India to quickly convey your value proposition to recruiters.
• Education and Certifications: List your educational qualifications and relevant certifications in reverse chronological order, providing details like the institution’s name, year of passing, and percentage or GPA if desired.
• Professional Experience: Detail your work experience, including the company’s name, your job title, duration, and key responsibilities. Highlight achievements and contributions using bullet points for better readability.
• Technical Skills: In the Indian job market, listing relevant technical and software skills is often crucial. Make sure to specify proficiency levels if applicable.
• Languages: If you are proficient in multiple languages, especially regional languages, consider mentioning them, as multilingual skills can be advantageous in certain roles.

Following these tips will help you create a well-structured CV that is aligned with Indian job market standards, making a positive impact on recruiters.

How to List Personal Information on an Indian CV

When listing personal information on an Indian CV, include the following details in your CV header:

• Full Name: Display prominently at the top of your CV.
• Contact Information: Include your mobile number, professional email address, and your current city and state of residence.
• LinkedIn Profile (Optional): Include a link to your LinkedIn profile if it is updated and professionally curated.
• Date of Birth and Nationality: Including the date of birth is common in India but is optional. You may also list your nationality if relevant.
• Marital Status: This is optional and should be included only if relevant to the job or industry requirements.
• Languages Known: If you are fluent in multiple languages, mention them briefly in this section, especially if it aligns with the job’s needs.

How to List Your Name on an Indian CV

Follow these guidelines while listing your name:

• Placement: Place your full name at the very top of your CV, prominently.
• Formatting: Use a slightly larger font size, bold or capitalize your name for emphasis to make it stand out.

Photo on an Indian CV

While adding a photo is not mandatory for Indian CVs, it can be considered in specific industries like modeling, acting, or client-facing roles. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Placement: Place your professional photo at the top of your CV, usually on the right or left side, based on your layout.
• Size: Keep the photo small and passport-sized (2x2 inches).
• Attire: Dress in formal or semi-formal attire that aligns with the industry norms. Avoid casual clothing.
• Background: Choose a plain, neutral background to keep the focus on you.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral or friendly expression to convey professionalism.
• Quality: Ensure the photo is clear, well-lit, and high-resolution to enhance your professional appeal.

How to List Contact Information on an Indian CV

When listing your contact information, ensure that your email address is professional and include a mobile number with the appropriate regional code. The typical format is:

• Email: Use a professional email address, avoiding informal or casual handles.
• Mobile Number: Add your mobile number with the country code: +91 (for India), followed by the number.

This format aligns with Indian standards, while allowing for customizations based on the industry and the role being applied for.

How to Write a Winning Work Experience Section on an Indian CV

• List Experience in Reverse Chronological Order: Begin with your most recent job and work backwards to your earlier experiences.
• Use Bullet Points: Present your work experience in bullet points rather than long paragraphs to enhance readability and make it easier for recruiters to scan your CV.
• Highlight Achievements and Impact: Focus on what you achieved in each role and the positive impact you made. Quantify your achievements wherever possible using numbers, percentages, or other metrics.
• Start with Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs (e.g., Led, Managed, Designed, Improved) to make your contributions more compelling and dynamic.

How to List Your Indian or Relevant Work Experience

When listing your Indian or relevant work experience, include the following details:

• Job Title: Clearly mention your job title for each role.
• Company Name: Include the name of the company or organization you worked for.
• Location: Specify the city and state where the company is located (e.g., Bengaluru, Karnataka).
• Dates of Employment: Provide the start and end dates of your employment in the format (Month and Year).
• Responsibilities and Achievements: Describe your key responsibilities and notable achievements in bullet points. Focus on specific contributions and quantify results where possible. Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb.

Example Work Experience Format for an Indian CV

Senior Software Engineer ABC Tech Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka March 2020 – Present

• Led a team of 10 software developers to design and implement a new web-based CRM system, improving client acquisition rates by 25%.
• Developed and optimized key algorithms, reducing processing time by 30% and improving system efficiency.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects within tight deadlines, achieving a 95% on-time delivery rate.
• Trained junior developers, enhancing team productivity and skill development.

How to Detail Your Education Background on an Indian CV

When listing your education background on an Indian CV, include the following details:

• Degrees Obtained: List the degrees you have earned, starting with the highest level of education. Include the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma) and the field of study.
• Institutions Attended: Mention the full names of the institutions from where you obtained your degrees. Also include the location of each institution (city and state).
• Graduation Dates: Provide the month and year of graduation for each degree earned.
• Majors/Fields of Study: Clearly state the major subjects or specialization areas for each degree. This helps recruiters understand your educational background and key areas of expertise.
• Relevant Courses or Projects: Optionally, include any significant courses, certifications, or projects completed during your education that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Highlight courses or projects that demonstrate skills or knowledge pertinent to the role.

Example Format to List Education on an Indian CV

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Institution: Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bengaluru, Karnataka Graduation Date: May 2022 Major: Business Administration Relevant Courses/Projects: Strategic Marketing, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy Project

Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Institution: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi Graduation Date: June 2018 Major: Computer Science Engineering Relevant Courses/Projects: Data Structures and Algorithms, Machine Learning, Capstone Project on AI-Based Predictive Modeling

Tips:

• Keep the formatting consistent throughout the education section.
• If you have recently graduated, you can include relevant coursework or final-year projects to showcase your skills and knowledge in your field.
• For older graduates with substantial work experience, you can focus more on degrees and key courses and omit projects unless particularly relevant.

How to List Languages on an Indian CV

There are two effective ways to mention language proficiency on an Indian CV:

• In a Separate "Languages" Section: This is the preferred approach. Create a distinct section titled "Languages" to list your proficiency levels.
• In the "Skills" Section: If creating a separate "Languages" section is not ideal, you can include language proficiency under the "Skills" section.

Example Format for Listing Languages on an Indian CV:

1. Languages Section Languages

   • English: Fluent (Professional Proficiency)
   • Hindi: Native Speaker
   • Kannada: Intermediate
   • Tamil: Basic Understanding

2. Skills Section Skills

   • Technical Skills: Python, SQL, Data Analysis
   • Languages: English (Fluent), Hindi (Native), Tamil (Basic)

Tips for Listing Languages:

• Clearly indicate the proficiency level (e.g., Native, Fluent, Intermediate, Basic).
• Use standard terms such as Native, Professional Proficiency, Conversational, and Basic to define your language skills accurately.
• If proficiency in regional languages is relevant to the role, highlight them, as multilingual skills can be an advantage in India.

Convert Indian CV to American Resume

1. Simplify and Shorten: American resumes are typically one page long for professionals with less than 10 years of experience and two pages for those with extensive experience. Condense information to make it concise.
2. Remove Personal Details: Avoid including personal details like marital status, date of birth, nationality, or religion, which are often present in Indian CVs. Focus instead on professional details.
3. Focus on Skills and Achievements: American resumes prioritize highlighting relevant skills and quantifiable achievements over listing extensive job responsibilities. Use metrics to show the impact you made.
4. Format with a Clear Objective/Summary: Include a short professional summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your career focus and key skills.
5. Avoid Photos: Unlike Indian CVs where photos may be added in some industries, American resumes do not require a photograph.
6. Use Action-Oriented Language: Use strong, concise action verbs to describe your contributions (e.g., "Developed," "Implemented," "Led").
7. Add Keywords: Include industry-relevant keywords that align with the job description to increase compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
8. Education and Experience Format: Follow this order for sections: Professional Summary, Skills, Work Experience, and Education. Limit education details to the degree and institution without mentioning percentages unless relevant.

Convert American Resume to Indian CV

1. Expand the Length if Necessary: Indian CVs can be slightly longer (typically 2-3 pages). Include more details on job responsibilities and academic achievements, if applicable.
2. Include Personal Information: Add relevant personal details such as full name, mobile number, email, and current city and state. Depending on the industry, you might consider adding marital status and date of birth.
3. Add Professional Photo if Relevant: In some fields, especially client-facing roles or traditional industries in India, including a professional photo is acceptable.
4. Include an Objective or Career Summary: Although a summary is standard in American resumes, Indian CVs may include a longer career objective statement that briefly describes career goals and professional value.
5. Mention Key Projects or Internships: Indian CVs often highlight key projects, internships, and coursework more extensively, especially if the candidate is a recent graduate or in a technical field.
6. Detail Educational Background: Include full names of institutions, specific degrees obtained, graduation dates, and optional details like percentages or CGPA, especially if they are above average.
7. List Technical Skills and Languages Separately: Indian recruiters often appreciate separate sections for technical skills and language proficiencies, especially if multilingual capabilities are relevant.
8. Add Honors and Extra-Curricular Activities: Include sections for academic achievements, honors, and any relevant extra-curricular activities that showcase additional skills or leadership experience.

Resume templates: Browse through our gallery of Indian resume templates.

What is the Best CV Format for Experienced Candidates in India?

For experienced candidates the best Indian resume format is either a reverse chronological format or the functional format. If you have less than 15 years of experience, use a reverse chronological format; else use a functional resume format.

How do I write a CV with no experience in India?

To write your first Indian CV, follow these steps:

• Select an Indian CV template that looks visually appealing and would outshine others.
• Add a CV objective that gives your hiring manager an idea of why you are applying for this job.
• List your internships, college projects and other volunteer work under the experience section.
• List your education, an overview of your college curriculum and clearly state your year of graduation.
• Create a section to list your technical skills.
• Add links to your Dribbble, Github, Stackoverflow, or any other online portfolio at the top.

What sections should I include in an Indian CV?

When creating an Indian CV, it’s essential to include key sections such as a professional summary or career objective, personal information (name, contact details, location), education, professional experience, technical and soft skills, and additional sections like certifications, projects, and languages if relevant. Including achievements or honors can be valuable to highlight key accomplishments.

How long should an Indian CV be?

An Indian CV is typically 1-2 pages for professionals with up to 10 years of experience. However, for individuals with extensive work history, senior positions, or in academia, it can be extended to 3 pages if necessary. The aim is to keep it concise while providing sufficient information to demonstrate your expertise and achievements.

Should I include a photograph on my Indian CV?

Including a photograph on an Indian CV is optional and should depend on the industry and the job role. In fields such as hospitality, customer service, or modeling, a professional photograph is often preferred. However, in corporate sectors like IT, finance, or consulting, it is not necessary, and omitting it is more common.

What kind of font and formatting should I use for an Indian CV?

It’s advisable to use a simple and professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, with a font size of 10 to 12 points for the main text. Maintain clear headings with slightly larger font sizes and use consistent margins (typically 1 inch). Avoid using decorative fonts, excessive colors, or overly complex formatting that can distract the reader.

Is it necessary to list all my work experience in detail?

It’s not necessary to include every job in great detail, especially if you have over a decade of experience. Focus on listing the most recent and relevant roles with detailed descriptions, while older or less relevant positions can be summarized or omitted if space is a concern. Tailor the level of detail to the specific job requirements you are applying for.

How should I highlight my technical skills on an Indian CV?

Include a dedicated section for technical skills, especially if you are in a technology or engineering-related field. List specific software, tools, programming languages, or technical competencies you are proficient in, and categorize them based on proficiency level (e.g., basic, intermediate, advanced). For non-technical roles, combine soft and technical skills under a single “Skills” section.

What should I avoid when writing an Indian CV?

Avoid adding irrelevant personal information such as religious beliefs, political affiliations, or family details unless specifically required by the employer. Additionally, steer clear of informal language, long paragraphs, overuse of jargon, and spelling or grammatical errors. Keep your CV professional, straightforward, and focused on what is most relevant to the job.

Should I include references on my Indian CV?

It’s generally not necessary to include references directly on your Indian CV. Instead, mention “References available upon request” if desired. Employers will typically ask for references at a later stage in the hiring process, so keep their details ready separately rather than taking up valuable space on the CV itself.

Conclusion:

Resumes in india are clear, concise, and should act as marketing documents for yourself and your experience. The job of a good resume is to get you an interview, so make sure your Indian resume is impressive and will make employers want to bring you in for an interview.