1. Preparing an effective CV
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Please refer to the download page for this resource on skillsworkshop for detailed curriculum links and related resources
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.
Functional English Curriculum links
L1: Present information in a logical sequence
Use language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience
L2: Present information/ideas concisely, logically, and persuasively
Use a range of writing styles for different purposes

2. Employability
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

3. Preparing an effective CV
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

4. Aim –
To introduce the term employability, highlight personal skills & qualities and develop a knowledge on the key aspects of planning an effective CV.
Objectives –
Explain the meaning of employability – using understanding of root words, prefixes & suffixes to decipher meaning if necessary.
Express some examples of positive skills/qualities.
Identify what a CV is and how it is used.
Identify key aspects of an effective CV.
Consider how a CV should be presented.
Write a personal profile.
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

5. What does CV stand for? What does a CV do for you?
CV is an abbreviation for ‘Curriculum Vitae’, a Latin term, which commonly means ‘The Course of Your Life’. Basically, it is a short account of you and your life.
What does a CV do for you?
A CV puts all your personal details, experiences and interests into order. It highlights areas of particular interest to employers or other interested parties/agencies.
When do you use a CV?
When you apply in writing for a job or course, or if a potential employer asks you for one. It is also good to refer to when speaking to an employer or completing an application form.
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

6. A CV should… A CV should not…
be relevant to the job you are applying for.
contain irrelevant information.
contain detailed and accurate information.
be vague and lacking in detail.
be easy to read and follow.
contain any spelling mistakes, typing errors or poor grammar.
only contain truthful information that can be supported.
be dishonest.
be typed or word-processed.
include abbreviations and jargon.
highlight the qualities and skills you have developed.
have ‘CV’ as your heading.
be printed with each page on a separate sheet of paper (A4) and printed on one side only .
ideally be longer than two A4 sheets of paper.
be clear and easy to follow by being consistent with headings, fonts and use of bold text.
contain gaps of unexplained time.
have your name and full contact details at the top so they're easy to see.
contain fancy fonts or be on coloured paper.
be completely free of errors.
include a signature at the end.
be handwritten.
include an updated picture on your CV.
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

7. What headings do we need in a CV?
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

8. What headings do we need in a CV?
Education / training
Skills
References
Achievements
Personal information
Work experience
Qualifications
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.
Education
Other experiences
Hobbies & interests

9. How should I lay it out?
The following is a basic but effective CV layout -
Name
Address
Telephone Numbers
address
_______________________________________
Short Personal Profile
Education
Employment History
Additional Information
References
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

10. Write a short personal profile about yourself.
TASK
Write a short personal profile about yourself.
You can use words from the first activity and include some new ones too.
You could ask your friends and tutor to describe you. This will help you with what you write.
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.

11. Any questions?
September Kindly contributed to by Laura Jeffrey Kiiza, Shrewsbury College.