CVs made easy
You've completed your course - now go for that job!
A good CV is an essential tool in your job-hunting toolkit, so make sure your one stands out from the crowd.
CV stands for curriculum vitae, meaning a summary of your education, qualifications, jobs, skills and qualities.
The basics
- Use a computer. If you don't have your own, you'll find free and low-cost access at your local library or careers service.
- If you have a disability that prevents you from producing a written or typed CV you can send an audio version.
- Keep it short. Ideally no more than two sides of A4 paper.
- There is no set format but including some of the following will help.
About You
- Name, address and contact details.
- You don't have to give your age unless you want to.
Personal profile
- Give a short overview of yourself and your main skills and qualities relevant to the job you're applying for.
Education and training
- Start with what you've done most recently, recording the subject, grade and date for each academic or vocational qualification.
- Include any training you have done.
Work history
- Start with your most recent job, giving job titles, employer and key responsibilities. Include your main achievements for each job.
- If you lack work experience, give details of appropriate voluntary work, unpaid work experience or holiday jobs.
Interests
- Give a few examples of your interests or hobbies, especially if they are relevant to the job.
References
- It's helpful to give the names and contact details of one or two referees, one of which should be your last employer.
- If you haven't worked for some time, ask a responsible person to be your referee such as the person in charge of the voluntary scheme you work with, a teacher or a family doctor.
Need more help?
Get in touch with your local job centre or careers service. They
can help you to set out your CV and give you further advice.
Or visit
www.learndirect-advice.co.uk for an interactive careers
service and CV builder.