In Pakistan, people use the words CV and resume interchangeably, but what employers actually want depends on the sector and the role. This guide cuts through the confusion and gives you a format you can follow today.
CV vs resume in Pakistan
Internationally, a CV is a long academic document used in research and medicine. A resume is a short, targeted document for job applications. In Pakistan, when a private-sector company says "send your CV," they mean a one to two page resume. Government jobs and academic positions sometimes genuinely want a longer document. When in doubt, send one to two pages.
What sections to include and in what order
- Personal Information: Full name, phone, professional email, city, and LinkedIn URL. Skip your CNIC, date of birth, religion, and marital status. These are outdated and can actually work against you at modern companies.
- Professional Summary: Two to three sentences. Your experience level, core skills, and what kind of role you are going for. Customise this for every application.
- Work Experience: Most recent job first. Company name, title, dates, and three to five bullet points per role using action verbs with results.
- Education: Degree, field, institution, graduation year, and CGPA if it is strong. Only include Matric or A levels if you are a fresh graduate with nothing else to show.
- Skills: Grouped and scannable. Technical, soft, and language skills kept relevant.
- Projects or Certifications: Especially valuable for tech roles and fresh graduates.
Should you include a photo?
This is genuinely debated in Pakistan. Some older companies and non-tech sectors still expect one. Modern tech companies and multinationals prefer no photo because it reduces unconscious bias and follows international standards. Our recommendation: skip the photo unless the job posting specifically asks for one.
Language and tone
Write in English for all private-sector roles. Keep the tone factual and professional. Do not use first person, so write "Managed a team of 5 engineers" rather than "I managed a team of 5 engineers." Government positions sometimes need Urdu but confirm this before submitting.
Formatting that works
Single-column layout. Consistent font at 10 to 11pt. Standard margins. Section headings in bold. Export as PDF every time. Never send a .doc file unless the company explicitly asks for one.