Writing a CV

I’ve written many CV’s over the years and tweaked ones to suit different jobs. I remember in the past being at a loss on how to write a CV and what to include, and have consulted friends and looked for information regarding this. People want to make a good impression and you can pay someone to write one for you but there’s really no need. A good CV is precise, simply laid out and should provide only a page at most of your personal information and experience.

1.. Type the CV on a word processor and print on good quality paper. Try not to use too many font types and sizes. Keep it simple.

2.. Type up a basic CV and adjust accordingly to each job you apply for. Research your employer and try to change it slightly when it comes to highlighting your experience.

3.. The Details you should include are:

Personal details

Education

Work experience, including voluntary work.

Interests

Skills

References: Usually provide two names. You can include these on your CV but you don’t have to.  It is acceptable to write ‘On Request’.

4..It should be about 1 page long, with 3 pages being the max. Don’t write too much and waffle. You need to grab your reader’s interest quickly. If it’s too long they can quickly lose interest.

I have written up a CV as an example. The job is advertising for a temporary support assistant at a play scheme during the summer holidays.

 

CV

 Name:     Sarah Maxwell

Date of Birth:   21^st April, 1995

Address:   7, The Cresent

Bristol

B10 2PU

Telephone:  0117 3456789

Email:  s4-maxwell-345@gmail.com

Nationality:  British

Education:  2006-2010 Springrose Secondary School. 8 GCSEs,  including Maths and                                      English.

 

2010-2012 Eastfields College. CACHE Level 3 certificate in childcare and                                     early years.

 

Additional Courses:  Spanish Level 3, Clait Level 3 and ADHD Awareness.

 

Employment History:

2012-2014:  Sales Assistant, Keats Bookshop, Bristol

I was responsible for the training and supervision of staff during weekends                                   and holidays.

 

2014-present:  Nursery Nurse at   ‘Premier Childcare’.

As a qualified Level 3 nursery nurse, I am responsible for the smooth running                               of the pre-school department within the nursery.

 

Other skills: Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access and Excel.

Aerobics instructor

I hold a clean driving licence and a current DBS certificate.

 

Interests:     I currently support and help train a local women’s football team. I am a member of the Bristol Egyptian Society and I like to travel and enjoy walking holidays.

 

References

On request.

 

This is a fictional CV obviously. I just wanted to show you how you can keep it concise and straightforward. Try and centre on the skills you have that will fit the job that’s advertised. If that proves difficult and your current job doesn’t fit the bill exactly, use your own personal attributes and experiences that would prove valuable to the vacancy. For instance, if the job is for a learning support assistant in a school, mention voluntary work that you may have undertaken and the fact that you have your own children and have a vast amount of experience as a parent. If you haven’t volunteered before this may be a good option to try out as it will show an interest in the specific job vacancy. Working in a charity shop or helping out at a school is a good start. But keep it specific to the job in question.

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