CV Preparation

It is important to realise that you need to learn how to look for a job, how to apply and sell yourself and how to use relevant resources to get you working. You also need to learn interview skills and continually update and develop these skills. None of us are born with these skills and they should be treated as a separate skill development from the rest of your course.

CREATING AN EFFECTIVE ADVERT – YOUR CV

Your CV needs to be prepared with a very professional image. This indicates your attitude towards work when received by prospective employers. If you show you have bothered to prepare a professional CV, it will show you have a professional attitude. It is surprising how many people do not bother. Several drafts will be made whilst we develop and create the right balance to advertise you in the best way.

The CV is your first point of contact and it needs to say all the right things in an easy to read style. Up to 2 pages is recommended. Use an uncomplicated but professional style.

Put in as much information as you can and then we can edit this accordingly. I shall be developing the right balance to your CV throughout the various draft stages and viewing it as if I were a prospective employer. Read the guidance notes below first to get the right feel and ideas on how to design your CV. It will take time and a great deal of thought.

Education

From secondary education onwards. With degrees and any Further Education Courses try to enhance the business aspect of the course. Avoid using educational jargon, but use jargon that employers can relate to and see the benefit, from their point of view, of what you have covered during the course, ie what other ancillary skills you have developed that would be beneficial to the job in question eg making a presentation, working under pressure.

Employment Experience

Normally it is better to put your last job first, as this is usually the best job. Again try to bring out as many aspects of the job which draw out the skills relevant to the type of positions you will now be applying for. Most jobs have skills which are required in every type of business, eg working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, liaising with other members, organising, prioritising, working as part of a team etc.

Interests and Hobbies

Maintain the right balance – not too much sport or home based interests, but a mixture. Include any other achievements, voluntary work etc. These reveal your personality.

Phrases

Do not use I or make waffly statements. Be precise, factual and make specific points all through the document, using key words as detailed below to create the right impact. Ensure the CV is easy to read and to follow.

Useful phrases and terminology for your CV

Positive and Action Words

Achieved Analysed

Administered Built

Capable Competent

Communicated Consistent

Co-ordinated Created

Designed Developed

Efficient Established

Expanded Experienced

Guided Implemented

Improved Participated

Managed Monitored

Organised Positive

Productive Proficient

Profitable Resourceful

Qualified Repaired

Specialised Stable

Successful Supervised

Trained Versatile

Wide Background

Phrases for Personal and Working Skills

Advising individuals

Calculating numerical data

Checking for accuracy

Classifying records

Compiling figures

Co-ordinating events

Counselling people

Reviewing

Dispensing information

Drafting reports

Editing documents

Handling customer’s complaints

Interpreting data

Interviewing people

Maintaining records

Mediating/Liaising between people/departments/organisations

Motivating others

Able to work to tight deadlines

Demonstrate own use of initiative

Able to work with confidential information

Prioritise workload

Deal with a wide range of people

Use tact and diplomacy

Able to work flexibly

I work well as a team as well as on my own and can contribute forward thinking ideas.

I enjoy working with people and can relate to them.

I can quickly pick up new skills and ideas and can grow with the company as you move forward.

I am keen to study towards any further relevant professional qualifications which may be helpful to both me and my employer.

Hobbies and Interests

Climbing

Voluntary work

Watching or playing sport

Painting

Fishing

Boating or sailing

Collecting stamps and coins

Cookery

Dressmaking Knitting

Maintaining your car

Playing musical instruments

Rambling

Wine making

Potholing

Motor racing

Pottery

Photography

Cycling

Swimming

Writing poetry or stories

Social Activities

Parent teacher association

St Johns Ambulance

British Red Cross

On a local committee

In a choir sports team

Community organisation

Musical group

Voluntary work

Youth club leader

Photography club

Member of any other organisation

Involved in church activities.

Other Achievements

Elected an officer in a club

Won an award or trophy

Written an article

Won a prize

Played in a drama group

Restored an old car (or boat)

Gained a Duke of Edinburgh Award

Won a competition

Completed a marathon

Learned another language

Held any position of responsibility or trust.

By using good phraseology you will create a positive feel right through your CV.