HOW TO WRITE A CV Mrs Mandley
WHAT IS A CV? A CV is your life story A summary of your Experience, Skills & Education Your chance to sell yourself Contains Key Facts and Information About You
KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION Contact
Information Education Qualifications Work Experience Relevant Skills Personal Interests References
NOT REQUIRED Standard
A4.
No
CV no longer than 2 sides of
Photo (unless requested)
Date
or Place of Birth
Details
of Referees (Available on Request is sufficient)
GENERAL POINTS
Grammar: No mistakes! Use spell check and get someone to proof read.
Grammar Use active verbs where possible (created, devised, analysed)
Layout: List highest grades first and most attractive skills and talents towards top of CV
Presentation: Use bullet points for Lists,
Use clear font (Verdana, Lucida Sans) avoid Comic Sans
TYPES OF CV Chronological Functional/Skills-Based Hybrid
CONTACT INFORMATION
Full address including postcode
Landline and mobile telephone numbers
Email address (if current email not appropriate create a new one!)
MAKE SURE ALL DETAILS ARE CORRECT
PROFILE ď ľ
Aim for 2 sentences.
ď ľ
Provide a bold statement outlining your purpose & include characteristics, skills, experience and sector interest.
ď ľ
Ambitious and personable history graduate with wide ranging experience due to a variety of summer jobs, gap year abroad and involvement in team activities. Seeking to combine academic achievements and work experience in a challenging role in the retail sector.
PROFILE ď ľ
I am a highly motivated and adaptable individual with experience in customer service and administration. A recent graduate, I am seeking a role to build on my biological studies.
ď ľ
A versatile and professional law graduate with broad ranging experience in a range of law-related areas including employment law and housing. Seeking to combine academic achievements and work experience in a challenging role in the voluntary sector
EDUCATION
List your primary & secondary schools including postcodes and dates you attended
ALWAYS START YOUR LIST WITH THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL
From
Sep 93 – Jul 00 St Joseph’s, Main Square, Southampton SO12 5PD
To
QUALIFICATIONS
List any examinations you have taken or are taking
Give month and year plus grade
START WITH MOST RECENT
A Level: Sep 15 – Jul 17 History (Grade pending) Maths (Grade pending)
GCSE: Sep 13 – Jul 15 History
Maths
Physics
Grade A*
Grade A* Grade A
WORK EXPERIENCE
LIST MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE FIRST
Include paid and unpaid/voluntary employment.
Give an outline of the role and highlight the transferrable skills you gained
RELEVANT SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
EIGHT MOST POPULAR QUALITIES
Communication skills, verbal & written
Team skills
Attention to detail
Energy/dynamism/drive
Initiative
Ability to handle pressure
Enthusiasm
Leadership
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Always back up statements with examples
Communication Skills: my diverse range of experiences at school, work and in extra-curricular activities has enabled me to acquire strong verbal and written skills.
Team Skills: As a member of a Duke of Edinburgh Expedition I worked with the rest of the group to ensure that we all completed the route safely despite extremely adverse weather conditions.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Mention hobbies that are relevant to the job for which you are applying.
Mention hobbies that allow you to demonstrate additional skills.
Do not include generic examples such as reading, going to the cinema or socialising with friends.
BE HONEST ď ľ
Never lie on your CV
ď ľ
For Example: Altering your degree grade from a 2:2 to a 2:1 is classed as degree fraud and can result in a prison sentence.
SCHOOL LEAVER CV CHECKLIST
Contact details
Full details of all paid jobs
Details of any voluntary work
Full educational qualifications
Interests/hobbies
Emphasize achievements and results
Believable competency statements with evidence
Snappy profile statement
Laser-printed on high-quality paper
References available on request
COVERING LETTER
All CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter
Never more than one page long
As well laid out as CV
Do not state information which can be gathered from reading your CV
Typed unless a handwritten letter requested
CONTENTS OF COVERING LETTER
Your name, address and phone number
Name of the person to whom you are writing, their job title & address
Dear Ms/Sir
First sentence should include the job, reference number, where you saw the advert
2 sentences of competency statements
2 sentences about why the job/employer is right for you
Request for reply
Signature with name typed below