1. Module 5 Recovery and Employability Unit 5.1B Build Your CV

2. How to build a great CV Building a CV Start with the basics
Ask yourself questions that will shape your job hunting, e.g.
What am I good at?
What do I really enjoy doing?
Define your skills
• What are my core skills (i.e. being creative, delivery…etc.)?
• How have I utilised these skills in the past?
• How transferable are these core skills?

3. How to build a great CV Building a CV Structure Your CV
Your CV is not an autobiography.
Build your CV using your career history whilst highlighting core skills.
Never add anything in a CV that you are not prepared to demonstrate or elaborate on.
Stick to the facts – not opinions.

4. Building a CV 1. Concentrate on the essentials
Employers generally spend less than one minute reading a CV before deciding to reject it or to shortlist it for detailed consideration. If you fail to make the right impact, you have missed your chance.
If applying for an advertised vacancy, always ensure that you comply with any application process provided. The advertisement might specify: how to apply (CV, application form, online application), the length and/or format of the CV, whether a covering letter is required, etc.
Be brief: two A4 pages are usually more than enough, irrespective of your education or experience.
Is your work experience limited? Describe your education and training first; highlight volunteering activities and placements or traineeships.

5. Building a CV 2. Be clear and concise
Use short sentences.
Update your CV as your experience develops. Remove old information if it does not add value in relation to the position you are applying for.
3. Always adapt your CV to suit the post you are applying for
Highlight your strengths according to the needs of the employer and focus on the skills that match the job.
Before sending your CV to an employer, check again that it corresponds to the required profile.
Do not artificially inflate your CV; if you do, you are likely to be found out at the interview.
Trainer tip – Factsheet on writing CVs and job applications (see Train the Trainers Module)