An Urdu CV uses the same structure as an English one, with Urdu headings such as ذاتی معلومات (personal information), تعلیم (education), تجربہ (experience), مہارتیں (skills) and زبانیں (languages). In Pakistan most private employers, banks and multinationals expect an English CV, so use Urdu when the advertisement is in Urdu or for some local roles. "CV" in Urdu is often called سوانح حیات or simply سی وی.
Urdu CV section headings
| English | Urdu | What goes there |
|---|---|---|
| Personal information | ذاتی معلومات | Name, phone, email, city |
| Objective | مقصد | 1–2 lines about the job you want |
| Education | تعلیم | Degree, institution, year |
| Work experience | تجربہ | Job, employer, dates, results |
| Skills | مہارتیں | Software, technical and people skills |
| Languages | زبانیں | Urdu, English, regional languages, level |
| References | حوالہ جات | Available on request |
Sample CV in Urdu
Urdu CV (fictional sample)
[نام] — اکاؤنٹس اسسٹنٹ
ذاتی معلومات: لاہور · +92 [فون] · [ای میل]
مقصد: ایک کمپنی میں اکاؤنٹس اسسٹنٹ کی حیثیت سے کام کرنا جہاں میں اپنی حساب داری کی مہارت استعمال کر سکوں۔
تجربہ: اکاؤنٹس اسسٹنٹ — [کمپنی]، لاہور — 2023 تا حال · ماہانہ 400 انوائسز کی انٹری، بینک ریکنسیلیشن۔
تعلیم: بی کام — [یونیورسٹی]، 2022
مہارتیں: ایکسل، کوئیک بکس · زبانیں: اردو (مادری)، انگریزی (اچھی)، پنجابی
This sample is fictional. Replace every detail with your own and never list a qualification you have not completed.
What does CV mean in Urdu?
CV stands for curriculum vitae. In Urdu it is commonly translated as سوانح حیات (biography or life history), though most people simply say "سی وی". A resume is usually called ریزیومے.
Urdu or English CV in Pakistan?
| Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Banks, multinationals, IT, most private companies | English CV |
| Advertisement written in Urdu | Urdu CV |
| Government posts | Follow the official application form of the department or commission |
| Jobs abroad | English CV in the destination country's format |
For Pakistani CV conventions in English (photo, CNIC, references), read the Pakistan CV format.
Tips for writing a CV in Urdu
- Use a Nastaliq or Naskh font that renders well in Word, and check it on another computer.
- Keep the layout right-to-left and the text aligned right.
- Write numbers and dates consistently.
- Do not mix Urdu and English headings on one page.
- Keep CNIC numbers off the CV unless requested.
- How do I write a CV in Urdu?
- Use the same sections as an English CV with Urdu headings, right-to-left alignment and a clear font.
- What is CV called in Urdu?
- سوانح حیات, or simply سی وی.
- Do Pakistani companies accept Urdu CVs?
- Most expect English; use Urdu when the ad is in Urdu.
- Should I include my CNIC?
- Only if the employer asks for it.
For language levels, see language levels on a CV.
