Lewis Secretarial and Computer College
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.
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 waffily 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.