Your CV
This is your opportunity to impress a prospective employer before he or she even meets you. You may have all the qualifications and experience required for the job but if your CV lets you down, then you won’t even get as far as that first interview.
By following our simple tips, your CV will open the first door to your future career:
- Start by including standard contact information ie Your name, address and telephone/email
- Then include a very brief description about yourself ( two or three lines) that highlights immediately to the reader why you are applying for the job in question e.g:
" I am an experienced HGV driver who is looking for a new and challenging role. I am able to work independently and as part of a team and take pride in all aspects of my work." (You should tailor your brief overview according to the description of the job that you are applying for) - List all academic and vocational qualifications ( GCSE’s, A levels, Degrees, NVQ’s Diplomas, etc... )
- Next include details of all other jobs that you have had – with your most recent job first including dates, brief roles and responsibilities, and your reason for leaving
- Then include any other skills, interests or achievements
- Finally, you should include the contact details of at least two referees (one should ideally be your current or last employer or if it’s your first job a course tutor or teacher)
CV Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Keep your CV to maximum of 2 pages in a simple typeface
- Tailor your CV to each job that you apply for
- Ensure all details and descriptions are concise
- Leave enough white space to make it easy on the eye
- Get someone else to proof read it (don’t rely on a spell check!)
Don’t:
- Leave career gaps unexplained
- Include false or irrelevant information
- Waffle about anything
Sample CVs
You can download some sample CVs below
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter