Wanna Work? :

Introduction

Preparing and writing a CV

A CV (short for Curriculum Vitae) is a vital tool in helping you to sell yourself to a prospective employer. It allows you to show the employer that you have the necessary qualities to do the job that you are applying for.

The aim of your CV is to get you an interview so it is vital that your CV stands out above others the employer receives.

What an Employer wants from a CV:

• Neat presentation – easy to read with good grammar and spelling. It should always be typed.
• Concise - no longer than 2 sides of A4, but if you don't have much to write, put it all on one side. Keep it factual and brief.
• Full Information – don't leave unexplained gaps as the employer will wonder what you were doing.
• Make it relevant – include as much information as you can which is relevant to the actual job that you are applying for.
• Organised structure – in a logical order with clear section headings.

A good CV should:

• Attract attention
• Create a good impression
• Present your relevant skills and qualities clearly and concisely.

Examples of common layouts for a CV:

Conventional CV headings

• Personal details – including contact information
• Personal profile – optional: it must be proved in the rest of the CV
• Education and qualifications – usually the most recent first, factual and very brief
• Work experience – most recent first
• Skills profile – this should be detailed and list skills which you can prove from your experience
• Interests – keep it brief
• Referees – one from school or college and one, if possible, from work. You can put ‘References available on request’ instead if you want to.

Skills based CV headings

• Personal details – including contact information
• Personal profile – optional: it must be proved in the rest of the CV
• Skills profile – this should be detailed and list skills which you can prove from your experience
• Education and qualifications – usually the most recent first, factual and very brief
• Work experience - most recent first.
• Interests – keep it brief
• Referees - one from school or college and one, if possible, from work. You can put ‘References available on request’ instead if you want to.

Example of a CV.

When completing your CV or application form try to use Positive words and phrases which describe attributes seen as positive and useful in the workplace.

A CV template for you to download and complete so that you can create your own CV.