Curriculum vitae sample for Philippine job seekers

If you're searching for a job in the Philippines, a compelling curriculum vitae can help you. There's no doubt that a CV is more than just a connection to your employment history. It's your marketing tool to help you secure your desired job. Based on the job posting and company preference, the CV can be entirely in English, Filipino, or both; however, it should still identify your qualifications and strengths. 

Here, we’ll provide you with a curriculum vitae sample, the distinctions between a CV and a resume, the basic areas that every Filipino job seeker should never leave out, and exclusive advice to help you develop a compelling, professional CV. This guide is specific to the Philippine job market and explains how to write a CV that gives you an extra edge and the visibility you seek. 

• Understanding the difference between a CV and a resume 
• CV sample for Philippine job seekers 
• Essential sections of a CV for Philippine job seekers 
• Formatting your CV for Philippine employers 
• CV format guide
• Common mistakes to avoid in Philippine CVs 
• Tips for making your CV stand out in the Philippine job market 
• Crafting your path to success in the Philippine job market 
• FAQs

Understanding the difference between a CV and a resume 

In the Philippines, the terms curriculum vitae and resume serve different objectives and have different structures, though many use the terms interchangeably. Differentiating the two is vital for choosing the document to submit with your job application. 

A CV is an academic qualification-centered document that summarizes your research studies, licenses, work experience, projects, and necessary skills in depth.  

A resume is a skill-based document that stresses the applicant's skills, achievements, and work experience relevant to a specific job.  

CV sample for Philippine job seekers 

Here is a CV sample for a mid-level IT professional to help you better understand the layout of a properly written CV. These kinds of jobs have become some of the most sought-after careers in the Philippines today.  

JUAN DELA CRUZ 
Blk 8 Lot 12, Sampaguita St., Barangay San Isidro, Quezon City 
0917 123 4567 
[email protected] 
linkedin.com/in/juandelacruz 

Professional Summary 

IT Specialist with over five years of experience in system administration, technical support, and network security. Skilled in troubleshooting, cloud-based tools, and streamlining IT processes to support business growth. Certified in AWS and CompTIA Security+, with a track record of reducing response times and improving system reliability. Fluent in English and Filipino. Looking to bring my skills to a fast-paced, growth-oriented tech team. 

Work Experience 

IT Support Specialist 
Smart Communications Inc. | Makati City 
July 2020–Present 

• Handled technical support for 300-plus internal users across Metro Manila branches 
• Helped migrate internal data systems to AWS, cutting downtime by 30% 
• Resolved over 90% of helpdesk tickets within SLA for 12 consecutive months
• Conducted monthly IT training for new hires and junior staff 

Junior System Administrator 
DataCore Solutions | Quezon City 
August 2017–June 2020 

• Managed updates, backups, and patches for 150-plus workstations 
• Supported Windows and Linux environments for company operations 
• Developed an internal tracking system for IT requests, which improved team efficiency 
• Assisted in company-wide cybersecurity policy implementation 

Education 

B.S., Information Technology 
Technological Institute of the Philippines, Quezon City 
Graduated: March 2017 

• Capstone Project: Barangay Emergency Mobile Reporting App 
• Member, Junior IT Professionals Society 

Certifications 

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 
• CompTIA Security+ 
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate 

Skills 

Technical 

• Network troubleshooting (LAN/WAN) 
• Cloud tools (AWS, Google Workspace) 
• Windows Server, Ubuntu 
• Ticketing systems (Jira, Freshdesk) 

Soft Skills 

• Communication 
• Problem-solving under pressure 
• Team collaboration 
• Time management 

Languages 

• English – Fluent
• Filipino – Native 

References 

Available upon request 

This CV is a great starting point for IT-based workers in the Philippines, business professionals, healthcare professionals, and workers in other high-demand industries. 

Essential sections of a CV for Philippine job seekers 3

Below are the essential sections every job seeker should include to present a strong and complete profile:  

• Contact information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and current city or home address. If available, also include your LinkedIn profile and personal website or portfolio links.  
• Personal profile or summary: This is a brief paragraph (3–4 lines) that highlights your past experiences, skills, career goals, and why you qualify for the job.  
• Education: Write the degrees you've earned, with the title, location, and year of completion for each degree. If you're a recent graduate, including academic awards, scholarships, papers, capstone projects, etc., will be helpful. 
• Work experience: List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, including the post, company, location, and time. List key duties and achievements in bullet points, including figures when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%" or "Handled 150-plus customer tickets weekly").    
• Skills: Two types of skills are in demand: technical and soft skills. The first type mainly includes computer knowledge (e.g., accounting software, coding languages, data analysis tools), while the others are more human-related (e.g., communication, leadership, teamwork). Adapt this list according to the job requirements. 
• Publications and presentations:  If applicable, highlight your academic contributions, whether academic papers, research projects, conference talks, or public seminars, particularly if your academic interests lie in subjects such as medicine or research-based job roles. 
• Certifications and awards: List your relevant certifications (e.g., ICT, AWS, PRC license, Six Sigma) and any professional or academic awards you've won. Give the name of the certifying body, the award's title, and the year you received it.  
• Community service or volunteer work: Write down any voluntary work you have done for nongovernmental organizations, religious groups, school organizations, or barangay programs. Specify the organization, your role, and the impact of your work.
• Interests and hobbies: Though this section isn't necessary, you can briefly mention hobbies or interests that concur with the nature of the work and showcase creativity, discipline, or teamwork. 

Formatting your CV for Philippine employers 

​A well-formatted CV can create a great first impression, especially in the crowded Philippine labor market. A person in charge typically spends less than a minute reviewing each CV, so it's essential to be brief while conveying your message. Your resume should be optimized for the hiring managers' convenience and the ATS that around 70% of companies use for the first filter. A good layout is one of the features that can make a resume run smoothly through the system and reach those who matter most: recruiters. 

CV format guide 

There are three main types of CV formats – chronological, functional, and combination: 

• Chronological: This format is popular among Filipinos, as it reflects your career in order. It's the most recognized format in the Philippines for those going through job transitions or with consistent work experience.  
• Functional: This format emphasizes skills over work history and is best for recent graduates or career changers.  
• Combination: A hybrid of the two, this format allows you to showcase your relevant skills and a solid work timeline. 

Selecting a professional font and font size 

Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10–12 points are straightforward to read. Avoid elaborate or handwritten typefaces, as they may appear unprofessional or difficult to read on a computer screen. 

Margins and spacing 

Ensure that you use 1-inch margins, and space the lines adequately (1.0–1.15). Keep the white space appropriate for the eyes and the paper's main idea.  

Organizing information logically 

Arrange your data in a way that employers prefer. After your contact information, a summary of your employment history, experience, education, and skills follows. Philippine employers prefer this sequence. 

Keep it concise and relevant 

A CV should be two to three pages long, depending on your professional level. Use your most recent skills and experiences, and match each entry to the job description. 

Tailoring your CV for the Philippine job market

The best step you can take to prepare your CV for the Philippine job market is to use the following instructions: 

• Customize your CV for each job application. 
• Align your CV with the job description, and use relevant industry keywords. 
• Highlight the skills and experiences most valued by employers in the Philippines. 
• Research the company and its industry to understand its specific needs. 
• Emphasize proficiency in both English and Filipino. 
• Include any relevant international experience or global exposure. 
• Show how your tailored CV increases your chances of getting shortlisted. 

Common mistakes to avoid in Philippine CVs 

Many job seekers make inevitable mistakes that hurt their chances of being selected for an interview, even though they don't know it. Here are the most common errors to avoid when you write a CV for the Philippine job market:  

• Don't include irrelevant information such as age, religion, weight, height, or marital status. 
• Another common mistake is having an email address that is not professional. 
• Check thoroughly for any grammatical mistakes.  
• Don't include out-of-date or inappropriate skills.  
• Don't use inappropriate CV formats or overly stylized designs.  

Using the same CV for each job indicates that you have little interest in the job and can automatically disqualify you. 

In the Filipino work environment, honesty is important. Lying about your skills or experience can result in disqualification or possibly blacklisting. 

Tips for making your CV stand out in the Philippine job market 

Here are some practical tips for making your CV stand out to Philippine employers: 

• Use action verbs and list quantifiable accomplishments. 
• Spotlight key skills and experiences. 
• Include specific language skills. 
• Specify international experience or exposure. 
• Include keywords from the job description. 
• Opt for a clean and formal CV template. 
• Emphasize gratifying credentials in the summary. 
• Highlight degrees, awards, and certifications in the resume summary. 
• Focus on measurable results and achievements in the work experience section. 

By following these tips, you can create a CV tailored to the Philippine job market and have a better chance of getting noticed by employers. 

Crafting your path to success in the Philippine job market 

Your CV is your entry to the new job opportunities the Philippine labor market has in store for you. A CV with the unique skills, experiences, and achievements most interesting to employers can place you ahead of your competition.  

A uniquely formatted, professionally designed CV that shows off a detailed job history can open lots of job opportunities. Seek out the best way to present your CV, and show hiring managers why they should pay attention to your career development. 

FAQs 

1. What are the current employment trends in the Philippines that job seekers should be aware of when creating their CVs? 
   ⁠Job seekers should recognize the massive demand for tech, health care, and remote work opportunities. We can see the growth of digital skills, especially after the pandemic. 
2. How do Philippine employers typically view CVs compared to resumes in the hiring process? 
   ⁠Employers in the Philippines generally use the terms CV and resume interchangeably. A CV is typically more detailed, while a resume is concise and highlights key skills and experience relevant to the job. 
3. What are the most in-demand skills for job seekers in the Philippines? 
   ⁠Employers are currently looking for popular skills, mainly focused on digital literacy, data analytics, project management, software development, customer service, and leadership. These skills are particularly important for remote work. 
4. What are the preferred CV formats among Philippine employers in different industries? 
   ⁠The two most frequently used formats are chronological and combination. These formats highlight work experience and skills and cater to industries such as tech, health care, and education. 
5. How important is it to include a photo in a CV for Philippine job applications? 
   ⁠In some cases, especially those involving customer interaction, including a photo is common. However, it's less important in more technical or remote positions. 
6. What are the most common CV mistakes specific to the Philippine job market? 
   ⁠Some mistakes include adding irrelevant personal information, using unprofessional email addresses, or including outdated data. 
7. How do Philippine employers view international work experience on a CV? 
   ⁠Globally renowned companies value international experience, as it shows adaptability and a broader perspective on business operations.  
8. What are the current language proficiency requirements for professional jobs in the Philippines? 
   ⁠Proficiency in both Filipino and English is essential. The hiring manager will prefer someone who knows two languages, particularly English and Filipino. 
9. How can job seekers effectively showcase their achievements in a CV for Philippine employers? 
   ⁠Active verbs and quantitative data can emphasize the results. For instance, "increased sales by 20%" or "taught a team of 10" are short sentences that explain your achievements simply. 
10. What are the latest trends in CV design and formatting in the Philippines? 
    ⁠Hiring managers prefer clean, professional designs with simple fonts, such as Arial or Calibri. Headers and bullet points, which make content easier to scan, are also trending. 
11. How do Philippine employers typically use applicant tracking systems in their hiring process? 
    ⁠Most Philippine employers use ATS to conduct basic screenings, so job seekers need to include keywords relevant to the job description to succeed with their applications. 
12. What are the soft skills most valued by employers in the Philippines? 
    ⁠Communication, adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management are skills that employers in all sectors in the Philippines like.