Writing a CV

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CV stands for Curriculum Vitae which is Latin for ‘life story’. But your next employer is not looking for a saga or epic, they are interested whether you have the skills, expertise, experiences and character that would enhance their workforce.

 

You can get additional help online.

 

YOU CAN DO IT! It is not that complex. It just means plodding through details and thinking positively about yourself.

  1. SEE IT FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW. You are going to send your CV probably by email to your next employer so it is important to make a good impression. It helps if it reads well. It also helps if you show that you will be good for them rather than just saying I am desperate for a job (they know that!)
  2. FORMAT

·         The information on your CV should be clear, readable and not displayed in a fancy font. ( If you are sending by email it will have to be one of the standard fonts, e.g. Arial, Times New Roman, Tahoma.)

·         It should not be more than two pages and the key information must be on the first page. (First impressions matter)

·         Avoid using lengthy paragraphs and use bullet points where this makes what you are writing clearer. (But make sure it reads well.)

·         Try to avoid repeating yourself, so decide where you put a particular skill. For example, if you have good customer skills and make that point in your Personal Statement, do not labour the point in your Employment History.

 

  1. STRUCTURE

 

Contact details

Best placed at the top of the first page in the middle or on the left. This ‘heading’ should include your full name, home address, Telephone numbers (Home and Mobile), email address. It is vital that these are correct.

 

Personal details.  You would not normally give these in a CV you send as an application. Under equal opportunities your date of birth, marital status are not relevant. Your Driving Licence would come under Key Skills ( if relevant).

 

Personal Statement

This should be concise and not more than 50 words. Your personal statement is perhaps the single most important part of you CV get it wrong and your chances of being invited to interview are drastically reduced. Its aim is to highlight your professional attributes and goals, summarising why someone should consider your application. It should mention all the points made in the 'Job Description' so will need tailoring to individual applications. (You will have a general one to email to agencies, and other people where you do not know the Job Description)

 

Employment History

Give details of all jobs and positions held including Work experience, part-time and voluntary work in reverse order (most recent first). Each job should have basic details including job Title, Company name and start and finish dates. This section can be used by the person reviewing your CV to see that you fit into a particular position within the company so do not use up precious space by including full addresses or details of the job role, unless this demonstrates that you are experienced in the work that if offered. At most two posts should have detail. The rest need to be listed for continuity. If you have been caring for children or an adult, list this as a job. You have worked hard and were entirely justified in your care!

 

Key Skills

Only have this section if you can demonstrate specific skills not listed elsewhere. For example: technical competence in specific software, machinery, etc. Avoid repetition!

 

Qualifications

Your educational history should be listed in reverse order (most recent or highest qualification first). Professional qualifications may need a brief explanation. (Remember that your CV may initially be checked by 'Human Resources' who may not be aware of all qualifications). GCSE passes should be limited to A-C grades only unless they are your main qualifications. Do not list lower qualification where you already have listed a higher one in that area.

 

 

Personal Skill and Interests

Include courses, membership of Societies and other responsibilities which you may consider relevant. Outside interests enable a potential employer to gain an understanding to what motivates you, what personal skills you may have and how you will integrate into the team. Avoid filling this bit out with irrelevant interests (TV watching, etc)

Look at how the job advertisement stipulates certain personality traits required for positions. Identify what they are and show how your hobbies can relate to their requirements.

 

 

 

  1. CHECK.

Always remember to spell check your CV, if possible get someone to proof read it, read it back to yourself and ask “is this a good reflection of me and my experiences. Would the person who reads this think I am good to employ in this job?” If you are posting it, print it on high quality A4 paper.

 

  1. SAVE

Keep more than one copy on your computer or on a USB stick and at least one printed copy. Send yourself an email with our CV attached which you can then forward or download. Try to have copies ready to give out (especially if you are visiting retailers) to anyone who is interested.

 

  1. BE READY

Have a version that includes 'everything' but do not send 'everything'  in a CV. 'Everything' includes, in addition to all details about employment, education, personal skills, experiences (plus hobbies, etc), your National Insurance number, Medical Card number, Driving Licence number, Passport number, Bank details.

 Make sure you can find your driving Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.