If you are applying for a university or a job, you know the importance of regularly improving CV or resume to get the position! But with Covid making travel and work difficult, how can you get new experiences for your resume to really impress in your application?
First, we need to understand the difference between a CV and a resume.
CV stands for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae, which means “course of life.” CVs are typically between three and ten pages (though if you are a student, it may not be this long) and include all details about your academic and professional history, as well as any other accomplishments, awards, and projects.
A resume is typically only one or two pages, and includes only specific information for the position you are applying for. As an example, if you are applying for a job in graphic design, you will only include relevant design work on your resume, such as: personal design projects, previous design internships, or relevant coursework you did in school.
If you are applying to a Chinese university, check out our detailed guide to write a great CV here.
Here is a list of four ways you can improve your CV and resume from home, for free!
1. Learn a new skill online
There are many online sites where you can learn a new skill like coding, data science, statistics, marketing, or psychology with free online courses from top universities, including Chinese universities like Peking University! Coursera, Mooc.org, and EdX are some of the best, though you might to pay a small fee to receive a course certificate. To brush up on high-school-level math and language before taking an exam, check out Khan Academy. Udemy is great for tech and design, and many courses are paid, but here are the free ones.
2. Learn a new language
If you are applying to a university, internship, or job in China, learning Chinese is going to massively increase your credentials and chances of acceptance. Check out our guide of free ways to self-study Chinese, and the best apps to learn Chinese. You can also look at affordable classes for your budget here. If you want certification of your Chinese language ability, you can learn about the HSK test here.
Proficiency in Chinese, English, or another language can really improve your resume. Everyone is interested in bilingual or trilingual candidates! Check out free apps like Duolingo, Bluebird, and Memrise.
3. Take an online course from a Chinese university
Every week, China Admissions offers free online webinars and courses to inspire and teach you new skills and ideas about China. Find them all here.
Here is a list of the top online courses coming up in the winter and spring!
4. Become a published author
This is not as hard as it seems! If you have studied in a Chinese university, China Admissions is looking for writers just like you to share their experience studying Chinese or any other subject at a Chinese university. Having your own story published online will not only look great on your resume/CV, but it will also help give you exposure to potential employers! Learn more here.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering is a good way to give back to your community and add some working experience to your resume. Through volunteering, you can develop people skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, fundraising and logistics skills, and a better understanding of social conditions and how to solve societal problems.
- In the US, use VolunteerMatch to find a nonprofit, or try United Way or Do Something.
- In the UK, use Do-it.org.
- In India, check out Volunteering India, GivingWay, or Volunteer for India.
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