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 at :

 https://www.cvbuilder-advice-resources.co.uk/careersadvice/index.php?

 

  1. YOU CAN DO IT! It is not that complex. It just means plodding through details and thinking positively about yourself.
  2. 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!)
  3. 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.)

 

  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

This should include your date of birth, marital status and driving licence status.

 

Personal Profile

This should be concise and not more than 50 words. You are explaining what you have to offer prospective employers. This will be different for each job you apply for.

 

Qualifications

Your educational history should be listed in reverse order (most recent or highest qualification first). GCSE passes should be limited to A-C grades only. Do not list lower qualification where you already have listed a higher one in that area.

 

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.

 

Personal Skill and Interests

Include courses, membership of Societies and other responsibilities which you may consider relevant.

 

 

  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.

 

  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.