How to Write a CV in Guyana: Format & Guide 2026
Guyana has become one of the world's fastest-growing economies following the discovery of major offshore oil reserves in the Stabroek Block, with ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC operating what has become one of the most significant oil developments in the Western Hemisphere. Alongside oil and gas, Guyana's economy includes sugar, gold, bauxite, timber, and a growing services sector. CV conventions follow the British Caribbean model, with increasingly specific expectations in the energy sector.
Document Name and Type
The document is called a CV in Guyana. Two pages is the standard for experienced professionals. Recent graduates and those entering the labour market can submit a one-page CV.
Language of the CV
CVs in Guyana are written in English, the official language and language of all formal professional communication.
Professional Photo
A professional photo is not typically included on Guyanese CVs, following the British convention. Do not add a photograph unless the employer specifically requests one.
Personal Information
Include your full name, professional title, email address, phone number (with +592 country code), and location (Georgetown or region). Date of birth, nationality, and marital status are not required. Do not include your national identification number on your CV.
Education
The University of Guyana (UG), established in 1963, is the country's primary degree-granting institution and the most widely recognised domestic qualification. The Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) is respected for technical and vocational qualifications. For engineering, science, and business, many Guyanese professionals hold degrees from universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago (the University of the West Indies). The American University of Antigua (AUA) and University of the Southern Caribbean are also represented. Professional qualifications from ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and the Engineering Institute of Guyana (EIG) are well recognised. State the institution name, degree title, field, and graduation year.
Work Experience
List experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide employer name, job title, dates, location, and 3-4 bullet points focused on outcomes. Major employers that Guyanese recruiters and hiring managers recognise include ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Corporation, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana, Schlumberger (SLB) Guyana, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Bank of Guyana, Republic Bank Guyana, Scotiabank Guyana, Demerara Gold Mines, the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), Digicel Guyana, and GT&T (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph). State-owned entities including the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) and GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) are major public employers. Quantify your contributions: production targets met, cost savings, project budgets managed, or team sizes.
Skills and Languages
Technical skills should be specific and sector-relevant. For oil and gas roles, name industry software (Petrel, Eclipse, PIPESIM), and certifications such as BOSIET, HUET, OPITO, and HSE qualifications. For finance roles, specify IFRS knowledge, ERP systems, and professional certifications. For engineering roles, list relevant software (AutoCAD, ETAP) and professional body memberships. English is the sole professional language; no additional languages are required, though knowledge of Dutch, Spanish, or Portuguese can be an asset for regional roles given Guyana's borders with Suriname, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Key Sectors in Guyana
Oil and gas is now the defining sector of the Guyanese economy, with proven reserves of over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in the Stabroek Block. ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC operate the Liza Phase 1 and Phase 2 fields, with dozens of additional discoveries under development. Gold mining remains significant, with Omai Gold Mines and Guyana Goldfields active in the interior. Bauxite is mined by the Bosai Minerals Group in the Berbice region. Sugar, though in decline, remains a large employer through GuySuCo. The government is actively developing local content requirements through the Local Content Secretariat (LCS), creating demand for Guyanese professionals across the supply chain.
References
Two professional references are expected on a Guyanese CV. Provide the full name, title, organisation, email address, and phone number of each referee. Notify your referees before submitting their details.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is expected for most professional applications in Guyana, particularly in the oil and gas, banking, and public service sectors. It should be one page, written in formal English, and tailored to the specific role and employer. Given the rapid growth of the oil sector, employers increasingly value cover letters that demonstrate specific technical awareness of Guyana's petroleum industry.
Common CV Mistakes in Guyana
- Adding a photo: Guyanese CVs follow the British no-photo convention. Including one is unnecessary and unusual.
- Generic bullet points: In the competitive oil and gas sector, vague descriptions of responsibilities will not stand out.
- Omitting references: References are expected; leaving them out will slow down your application.
- Underselling local content credentials: Under Guyana's Local Content Act 2021, demonstrating Guyanese qualifications and work history is a genuine competitive advantage.
- Outdated contact information: The oil and gas industry moves fast; ensure your phone and email are current.
- Failing to highlight certifications: BOSIET, HUET, OPITO, and HSE certifications are mandatory minimums for many oil field roles and must be prominently listed.