Writing a CV
Your CV should:
Be neat
Be short
Be positive
Make a good impression
Use your CV to:
Send with applications unless the employer states otherwise - many companies will only accept a completed application form, and will not accept CVs
Apply to companies on spec
Remind YOU what you’ve done
Prompt you during phone applications
Prompt you at interviews
Register with agencies
Include:
your name
your address
your phone number
your e-mail address
your career history - see the forum note on the STAR approach
Personal profile
Achievements
Qualifications and training
Interests including voluntary and community involvement
References
Here are some attributes employers might be looking for in your personal profile
Communication skills, verbal and written:
Do you speak clearly?
Can you write clear, understandable English?
Are you able to understand what people are saying to you on most occasions?
Can you explain things to people clearly?
Team skills/ team player
Do you work well with other people?
Do you listen to, and take, advice from others?
Do you help others?
Attention to detail:
Are you careful and thorough?
Are there any mistakes in your cv or covering letter?
Enthusiasm and initiative:
Do you get on with things without being prodded?
Can you think through and solve problems on your own, or know where to find the answers?
Ability to handle pressure:
Can you cope with a rush without getting flustered?
Are you willing to put in more effort when there is more to be done?
Leadership:
Have you led a team? (could be a sports team, or within a voluntary organisation like a PTA or a youth organisation)
Be neat
Be short
Be positive
Make a good impression
Use your CV to:
Send with applications unless the employer states otherwise - many companies will only accept a completed application form, and will not accept CVs
Apply to companies on spec
Remind YOU what you’ve done
Prompt you during phone applications
Prompt you at interviews
Register with agencies
Include:
your name
your address
your phone number
your e-mail address
your career history - see the forum note on the STAR approach
Personal profile
Achievements
Qualifications and training
Interests including voluntary and community involvement
References
Here are some attributes employers might be looking for in your personal profile
Communication skills, verbal and written:
Do you speak clearly?
Can you write clear, understandable English?
Are you able to understand what people are saying to you on most occasions?
Can you explain things to people clearly?
Team skills/ team player
Do you work well with other people?
Do you listen to, and take, advice from others?
Do you help others?
Attention to detail:
Are you careful and thorough?
Are there any mistakes in your cv or covering letter?
Enthusiasm and initiative:
Do you get on with things without being prodded?
Can you think through and solve problems on your own, or know where to find the answers?
Ability to handle pressure:
Can you cope with a rush without getting flustered?
Are you willing to put in more effort when there is more to be done?
Leadership:
Have you led a team? (could be a sports team, or within a voluntary organisation like a PTA or a youth organisation)
