How to Write a CV in Sri Lanka (With Examples)
A good CV helps an employer see, in under a minute, that you can do the job. This guide covers the format that works for Sri Lankan and overseas employers, what to put in each section, what to leave out, and how to write about your work when you don't feel you have much to say.
1. The right format and length
Use a reverse-chronological format: your most recent job first, then work backwards. It's what recruiters expect and what screening software reads most reliably.
- Length: one page with under about three years of experience, two pages for most people after that.
- Layout: one column, clear headings, plenty of space. Avoid tables, text boxes and skill bars.
- Font: a plain, readable font at about 10–12 pt, used consistently.
- File: send a PDF unless the ad asks for Word, and name it clearly, e.g. Nimali-Perera-CV.pdf.
2. What to include, section by section
Contact details
Your name, phone number, a professional email address, your city, and your LinkedIn or portfolio link if you have one. A full home address isn't needed; "Colombo" or "Kandy" is enough.
Professional summary
Two to four sentences at the top: who you are, your strongest results, and the role you want next. Rewrite it for each kind of job.
Accountant (ACCA Affiliate) with 4 years of experience in month-end closing and tax filing for a manufacturing company. Reduced the month-end close from 6 working days to 3. Looking for a senior accountant role with exposure to group reporting.
Figures in the examples on this page are illustrations. Use your own real results.
Work experience
For each job, give your title, the company, the dates, and three to five bullet points. Spend the most words on your recent, relevant work. Internships, part-time work and volunteering all count if they show relevant skills.
Education and qualifications
List your highest qualification first, with the institution and year. Be exact about professional qualifications, because employers filter on them: write "CIMA Passed Finalist" or "ACCA Affiliate", not only "CIMA" or "ACCA". Early in your career, add your A/L stream and results, and your O/L results if they help.
Skills
List the skills and tools the job asks for that you can really demonstrate, such as SAP, Excel, AutoCAD or Google Ads. "Hard-working" and "team player" add little here; show those qualities through your bullet points instead.
Languages
List each language and your level. In customer-facing roles, being able to work in Sinhala, Tamil and English can be a real advantage.
References
Many local employers still expect two non-related referees. Always ask them first. You can also write "References available on request", particularly if you're posting your CV publicly.
3. What to leave out
Older "bio data" templates ask for details that modern CVs don't need:
- NIC or passport number
- Religion, race or caste
- Marital status, parents' names and occupations
- Height, weight or health details
- A signed declaration at the bottom
- Your salary expectation, unless the ad asks for it
Some employers and government applications do ask for specific personal details. If so, give them what they request.
4. How to write strong bullet points
Most weak CVs list duties. Strong CVs show results. Start with an action verb, say what you did, and add a number or outcome wherever you honestly can.
No exact figures? Use honest estimates or describe the scale: the size of the team, the number of customers, how often you did the work, or what improved because of it. Never invent results, because you may have to explain them at interview.
5. Writing a CV with no experience
Employers hiring school leavers and graduates know you're starting out. Put your education near the top, then fill the "experience" space with what you have done:
- Internships and industrial training
- Your final-year or A/L project, and what you found or built
- University societies, clubs and sports, especially positions you held
- Volunteering, tutoring and part-time or family-business work
See the fresh graduate CV example for sample wording.
6. Getting through ATS software
Some companies, especially larger ones, use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to store and search CVs. To make sure yours can be read:
- Use standard headings such as "Work Experience", "Education" and "Skills".
- Use the same words as the job ad where they honestly apply to you.
- Avoid putting important text in images, headers, text boxes or tables.
- Save as a PDF made from text, not a scanned photo of your CV.
7. Applying for jobs overseas
Expectations change by country, so check the norms for where you're applying:
- Middle East: a photo is common. Mention your visa status and availability, plus any regional licences or registrations in progress.
- UK, Australia and New Zealand: usually no photo or personal details. Results-focused bullets matter most.
- All countries: add English test scores (IELTS, OET) where relevant, and explain local qualifications or companies that an overseas recruiter might not recognise.
8. Final checklist
- Your phone number and email are correct and professional.
- The summary and skills match this particular job.
- Your most recent job comes first, and all dates are consistent.
- Bullets show results, not only duties.
- Spelling is checked, ideally by a second person too.
- It's saved as a clearly named PDF.
CV examples for your job
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV be in Sri Lanka?
One page if you have under about three years of experience, and two pages for most people after that. Add more only if a job genuinely needs it, such as an academic or senior technical role.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
It's optional. Many local employers are used to seeing one and Middle East employers often expect it, while UK, Australian and many tech employers usually prefer a CV without one. Check what the job ad or employer normally expects.
Should I include my NIC number, religion or marital status?
Leave them out unless the employer specifically asks. They don't help show you can do the job, and an NIC number on a CV you send to many companies is an unnecessary privacy risk.
What is the difference between a CV and bio data?
Bio data focuses on personal details such as family, religion and date of birth. A modern CV focuses on your skills, experience and results. Some government forms still ask for bio data; for most private-sector and overseas jobs, send a CV.
Should I include my O/L and A/L results?
Include them if you're early in your career or the job asks for them. Once you have a degree, a professional qualification and several years of experience, one short line is enough, or you can leave them out.
Do I need references on my CV?
Many Sri Lankan employers still expect two non-related referees, usually a recent manager and a lecturer or another senior colleague. Ask them first. If you don't want to share their contact details widely, write "References available on request".
Should I write my CV in English or Sinhala?
Use the language the job ad is written in. English is the usual choice for private-sector, multinational and overseas jobs, while Sinhala can suit many government and local roles.
Prefer not to start from a blank page? Chat with Vita in English or Sinhala. It asks the questions, writes your summary and bullet points, scores your CV, and exports it as PDF or Word. Free, no sign-up needed.
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