NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills (601/4680/1) Writing a CV

Writing a CV What type of information should a CV contain? Personal details Personal statement Work experience Education Relevant skills Hobbies and interests References Clear and simple layout

Writing a CV Personal details Name Address Phone numbers Email address (Nationality, age and driving licence status are optional)

Writing a CV Personal statement One paragraph to capture their attention Take your main skill and relate it to the job you are after to show employers why you meet their needs.

Writing a CV Work experience Most recent position first Continue in reverse chronological order Include name, location and dates of employment for each company Include paid and unpaid work placements, voluntary work – any situation where you were working! They show your suitability for the job by the particular skills and experience you developed Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each role to match your experience with their job description

Writing a CV Education and qualifications As far back as secondary school and in reverse chronological order Give more space to details about qualifications that matter most e.g. degree or professional qualification Include grades achieved

Writing a CV Relevant skills Identify the particular skills the employer is seeking and then give details Use specific examples from your course, work experience, voluntary work, interests etc. Include IT packages or programmes you have used, foreign languages learned, state level (basic, intermediate, advanced)

Writing a CV Hobbies and interests Optional BUT can show evidence of suitability through reference to skills learnt e.g. involvement in sports demonstrate … travel can show … Concentrate on two or three, write about what you have learnt from them

Writing a CV Referees/references Not necessary to list on the CV but state that details are available on request Normal to include two unless more are requested Choose referees/references that you are confident will give positive remarks Who would not be acceptable as a referee?

Writing a CV Clear and simple layout Keep your CV to two pages of A4 It should be easy to find the necessary information on the CV Leave enough white space to ensure the person reading is not overawed at first glance Purpose of the CV – to get you an interview not to get you the job Keep it short, to the point AND interesting

Writing a CV What’s wrong with this CV?

Writing a CV What do recruiters hate? Spelling and poor grammar Inaccurate dates Inaccurate contact information Long paragraphs Information unrelated to the job