Resume format for India
There is no single legal format, but most Indian recruiters and ATS software respond well to a short, clear, single-column CV. Here is a layout that works.
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Build my CV freeA simple structure
- Name and contact details: phone, email, city, and a LinkedIn link if you have one.
- Summary: two or three lines about your role and strengths.
- Experience: latest job first, with your title, company, dates and results.
- Education: degree, college, year and score if it helps you.
- Skills: tools and skills that match the job.
- Projects, certifications, achievements: only if relevant.
Length
Freshers and people with up to about eight years of experience can usually fit everything on one page. Senior candidates may need two. Do not shrink the font below a readable size just to fit.
What to leave off
Many older Indian CV formats include date of birth, marital status, religion, father's name, a passport-size photo and a full postal address. These are usually not needed, and some employers prefer not to receive them. Include a photo only if the job advert asks for one.
Make it ATS-friendly
Use one column, real text and standard headings. Avoid tables, text boxes, icons and images for important information. Save as PDF (text-based) or Word, as the employer prefers.
Tailor it for each job
Change your summary and skills to mirror the job advert, using the same words where they are true for you. A few minutes of tailoring helps more than a longer CV.
Frequently asked questions
Which resume format is best in India?
A reverse-chronological, single-column CV is the safest. It is easy for people and for ATS software to read.
Should I add my date of birth or marital status?
Usually not. They are rarely needed. Follow the employer's instructions if they ask for them.
PDF or Word?
If the job advert does not say, a text-based PDF keeps your layout. Some portals prefer Word, so keep both.
Where can I build one?
DesignMyCV has free ATS-friendly templates and lets you download as PDF or Word.
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