Complete Guide to Making a CV for Jobs in Nepal

Understanding the Job Market in Nepal

As of 2025, Nepal's job market is expanding, especially in IT, banking, NGOs, hospitality, and education, mainly in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Butwal. Employers now seek both technical skills (like data analysis, programming, and digital marketing) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving). Today, most Nepali job seekers apply through online portals like KumariJob and JobsNepal, where employers instantly view your CV—so it needs to make a strong first impression. This is why it must be clean, professional, and focused on your key skills immediately.

By tracking which industries are offering jobs and understanding what the employers need, you can make your CV more appropriate for the job and apply with more confidence. This approach can really improve your chances of getting hired in Nepal's tough job market.

What is a CV and Why It Matters in Nepal

CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a formal, professional document listing your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments, and is widely used in Nepal to apply for positions in private companies, government institutions, NGOs, and international agencies. Although individuals confuse a CV with a resume, they are actually different. A resume is a one-page summary of one's Information information, usually working in Western countries, whereas a CV is longer and comprises an entire record of your education and work experience. 

In Nepal, most employers prefer a CV since it gives a more true and detailed picture of a candidate's experience and ability. There are also some general misconceptions about CVs in Nepal. Some believe that a CV must be extremely long, but for most people, especially freshers or mid-level candidates, 1 to 2 pages will do.

Essential Sections of a CV

To make a strong CV, it's important to include all the right details. Below are the main sections that every job seeker in Nepal should have in a well-organized CV:

1. Personal Details

Please fill out your CV with significant personal Information so that it will be easy for the employer to reach out to you. Personal Information includes:

• Full Name
• Temporary or Permanent Address
• Contact Number
• Email Address
• Citizenship
• Optional: Date of Birth, Marital Status, Photograph (only where mentioned necessary by the employer)

2. Career Summary or Objective

Make a brief statement of your career aim and why you'll be fit for the work. Make it career or job-field-specific. For example, "Motivated BBA graduate with microfinance internship experience, looking to make a contribution towards rural development via INGOs." Avoid summaries like, "Motivated to work with the aim of enhancing my skills." A clear and concise summary makes you unique and displays confidence.

3. Education

List your educational qualifications starting from the highest level starting from SEE/SLC, +2, Bachelor's, and Master's degree. Mention below academic information in your CV:

• Degree
• Institution
• Board/University (e.g., TU, HSEB)
• Year of Completion
• Percentage or CGPA (if any)
• Equivalence Certificate (in case of Foreign Degree)

4. Work Experience

Document any related work like internship, part-time, volunteer, or family business work. Mention the topics below:

• Job Title
• Company/Organization
• Duration (e.g., Jan 2022 – Dec 2022)
• Key Responsibilities or Achievements
• Tip for recent graduates: Document college projects, leadership, or group activities that prove your skills.

5. Skills

Mention both technical and soft skills in your CV as below:

• Technical Skills: MS Office, AutoCAD, digital marketing, accounting software, etc.
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, leadership, flexibility, and time management.

Wherever possible, add a few examples of real situations along with your skills.

6. Training and Certifications

Mention any extra courses or training you have taken:

• Course Name
• Institution (e.g., CTEVT, British Council, UNDP)
• Completion Date

These show that you are committed to learning and developing professionally.

7. Languages

Mention the languages you know and the extent of your proficiency. For example:

• Nepali – Native
• English – Fluent
• Hindi – Intermediate
• Chinese – Basic

8. References

References provide an opportunity for employers to validate your history. Having an academic and professional reference in Nepal is not unusual. Follow this format:

• Name
• Designation
• Organization
• Contact Number

Always ask for permission before listing someone as your reference.

Best CV Format for Jobs in Nepal

The format of your CV is just as vital as the Information contained within. An organized structure accentuates your key strengths—be it your experience, qualifications, or skills. In Nepal, the correct format for a CV can vary depending on your career stage. These are the three most popular types of CV formats and when to use each:

1. Reverse Chronological Format

Most appropriate for: Individuals with steady experience in one area of work.

This is the most widely used CV format in Nepal. It presents your work experience in the most recent job and working backwards. This is best suited if you have a consistent experience in a single field and want to present professional growth over time.

Highlights:

• Previous job roles
• Professional growth
• Long-term commitment towards a particular field

Most suitable for Mid-career professionals, bank staff, government sector applicants, and corporate career hunters.

2. Skill-Based Format (Functional)

Appropriate for: Freshers, career changers, or those with gaps in employment.

This format places the emphasis on your abilities and not your work history. It is appropriate for those with limited long-term experience but who want to show what they can contribute to a role.

Highlights:

• Core competencies
• Certifications and training
• Projects and academic achievements

Recommended for Freshers, industry changers, or job seekers applying for jobs in NGOs, IT professions, or creative roles.

3. Hybrid Format (Combination)

Ideal for: Candidates with both practical experience and good skill sets.

This is a combination of both the chronological and skill-based formats. It usually starts with your key strengths or abilities, followed by your work experience. It gives a general overview of your profile.

Highlights:

• Key skills
• Employment history
• A balanced view of your expertise

Recommended for Mid to senior-level professionals for jobs in NGOs, INGOs, IT sectors, or multinational corporations.

How to Choose the Right Format

• Use Chronological format if you have steady work experience.
• Use Functional format if you are a fresher or switching careers.
• Use the Combination format if you want to show both your skills and experience.

Picking the right format helps your CV look clear, professional, and targeted, making it more likely to catch the employer's attention.

How to Optimize Your CV for Nepali Job Portals

To optimize your CV for Nepali Job Portals, it's important to make sure your CV is well prepared and feasible for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, as nowadays, many companies use this software that checks CVs before a real person reads them. 

Here's how you can make your CV pass this step and catch attention:

1. Keep the Format Simple

Use a clean and simple design. Please don't use too many columns, pictures, or fancy layouts, as ATS may not read them properly. Stick to basic fonts like Arial or Calibri, and organize the content using bold text and bullet points.

2. Use Keywords from the Job Description

Read the job advertisement carefully and pick out important words or skills such as "customer service,” "project management," or "Tally software." Add these words into your CV naturally, wherever they fit. This helps your CV match what the employer is looking for.

3. Save Your CV as a PDF

Unless the company or job site asks for another format, always save and upload your CV as a PDF. This keeps the format the same on any device and avoids errors.

By following these tips, your CV will have a better chance of passing the online filters and getting noticed by recruiters. This increases your chances of getting an interview.

CV Writing Tips Specific to Nepal

When creating a CV to work in Nepal, being respectful of some local laws will help you avoid unnecessary fuss. Here are some guidelines to follow while creating:

1. Short and Simple

Attempt to keep your CV to 1 or 2 pages. Employers prefer CVs to be brief, well-structured, and easy to scan. Make sure you include only Information information that is relevant to the job you wish to join.

2. Use English (Unless Otherwise Directed)

Most employers, whether they are from banks, NGOs, INGOs, or private or international designations, request CVs to be prepared in English. But if the advertisement specifically mentions Nepali (such as government offices or schools), then only a CV in Nepali would be acceptable.

3. Use Plain, Legible Fonts

Choose readable fonts like Arial or Calibri to provide a professional look. Keep your page neat using bold headings and bullet points.

4. Put Action Verbs at the Start of Bullet Points

When listing your previous work or accomplishments, put a strong verb at the start of each bullet point, for instance:

• Developed a system of records
• Managed a team of 5 interns
• Scheduled staff workshops

These types of comments reflect your active and efficient style of accomplishing things.

Apply these simple but efficient tips so that you can get a better CV that serves the Nepali employer's expectations better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a minor error on your CV will lower your visibility to your desired employers. While preparing a professionally written Nepalese CV, the following are some of the most crucial errors to avoid:

1. Sending the Same CV for Every Job

It is a common error to possess a one-size-fits-all CV. Rather, customize your CV for every job in which you are applying. Highlight the qualifications and experience most applicable to the present position, and write a concise objective that is in alignment with the empty statement.

2. Spelling or Grammar Errors

Grammar or spelling mistakes may lead to a sloppily maintained CV. Do proofread your paper prior to submission. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to proofread your CV for grammar and spelling mistakes.

3. Listing Past or Irrelevant Work History

Avoid listing every job you've ever done. Focus on roles that are recent and closely connected to the position you're applying for. For instance, a short-term job from a decade ago may no longer be relevant.

4. Using General Phrases or Unnecessary Personal Info

Do not use generalities like "honest and hardworking" without giving an example. Show your capabilities through work that you have actually done or accomplished. Please do not include personal Information like religion, caste, or family background unless the employer specifically asks for it.

By thus avoiding these common blunders, you can make your CV more functional, professional, and more suitable to impress Nepal's employers.