1. CV Workshop
Barclays Life skills

2. What is the purpose of a CV?
Latin for “course for life” or “story of your life”
There is no right or wrong way to compile a CV but there are general guidelines
All recruiters are different so some companies may have a very traditional approach
Others like media and art and design job sectors maybe able to be more creative.

3. Passport to getting a job
A CV wont get you a job but a passport to the next stage of the recruitment process
1st contact with a prospective employer
Opportunity to show off your strong points/sell yourself
Provides personal information, skills and experience, education and qualifications employment history

4. Remember!
An employer can receive many Cvs for just 1 job. Really popular jobs can attarct over 500 CVs!
Some decisions whether to invite for an interview can be made in only 30 seconds!
Some employers have software that will identify key words or phrases and if these aren't included the CV will be binned!

5. Remember Recruitment is a selection process
Employer is filtering out all the people who don’t match their selection criteria.
You need the employer to positively screen you in resulting in an interview
The CV needs to be owned by you and is a personal document. You are the best judge of whether the CV represents you.

6. Basic Principles
Stick to one font Times New Roman is probably the most commonly used
Try and use quality paper if possible
Be brief – use one or two pages if possible
Write in plain English and don’t use words that you wouldn’t normally use to try and impress!
Target your CV to the job you are applying for so its worth having a “skeleton” copy and adapt it appropriately.

7. Basic Principles
If using a CV template make sure you are comfortable with the style and layout. Avoid American “Resumes”
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Get it checked. Most common mistake not using capital letters for names and addresses.
You don’t need to include D.O.B, Gender, Marital Status or photos unless specifically requested.

8. The language of CVs Use action verbs e.g.
Demonstrated, Accomplished, Succeeded, Generated, Delivered, Established.
Try to avoid passive words such as Liaised with, co-ordinated and administered.
Don’t over do it - the recruiter isn't looking for a super human being just someone who can do the job.

9. What you need to do to prepare
Advertisement, job description, person specification for job applying for.
If speculative CV you need to research about the type of job you are looking for.
Dates of exams taken and grades achieved
Dates and names of any employers you have worked for and brief description of roles
Ensure you have permission from at least 2 referees. Tutor/Employer/Professional person not family or friends

10. What to Include
Personal Details top and centre of page, Bold name and contact details to stand out.
Include a phone number that you can be easily contacted and have a professional voice mail message
Include an that you will read on a regular basis and is also appropriate.
Don’t need to have CV as a title.

11. What else you need to include
Personal Profile: Your Banner or sales pitch follows the personal details
4/5 short sentences that summarises your personal strengths summary of who you are, and what you have to offer. Make every word count and this should reflect the job/position you are applying for.
Most people struggle with this section , should be in the third person as if somebody is describing you.

12. Key Skills Applying your CV towards the job not one size fits all.
Employers will have a wish list of skills they require these should be clear in the advert, job description and person specification
Use these as clues and focus your CV towards them skills should stand out and be relevant
If you are still unsure about the skills required use employability skills or research using National Careers service/Job Profiles.

13. Education and Qualifications
As a school leaver this section needs to follow the Key Skills section
Include type of qualification ie: Gcse/BTEC subject and qualification gained. You don’t at this stage need to list every module. Include predicted grades. Make sure the qualifications gained match the entry requirements.
Often you will have to produce evidence at interview in the form of certificates.

14. Work Experience Most recent first and work backwards
Include responsibilities and achievements as well as a brief description of duties.
Try not to repeat duties and skills gained too often if possible
Include name of organisations and dates worked
Include any work experience not just paid work

15. Other Information
This can include belonging to any organisations, leisure activities, projects, achievements , volunteering , charity fund raising and sport activities.
Try and explain how these activities relate to the job you are applying for and skills gained.
References available on request

16. Personal Profile - Example
Enthusiastic and highly motivated 6th Form student seeking a Higher Apprenticeship opportunity within the Engineering sector. Keen to gain Progressing well in school subjects and particularly successful in Maths, Physics and Project Design and enjoys both the theory and practical elements of learning. Displays initiative and leaderships skills as demonstrated in achieving The Duke of Edinburgh Silver award. Gained a positive work experience report from the Engineering company for school work experience resulting in a keen interest to join this sector and gain work skills and qualifications

17. Key Skills
Excellent Maths Science and IT skills predicted A/B grades. Competed in and won the schools maths challenge and ability to use computer assisted engineering and design software
The ability to produce and understand technical drawings gained through a project I worked on during my work experience
Communication skills both written and verbal gained through giving presentations explaining design ideas and writing reports . Ability to relate to people at all levels through volunteering
Practical and technical skills with a particular interest in problem solving and finding solutions.

18. Other Information
Stem Ambassador in school and mentor to younger students in maths.
Took part in Barclays Life skills programme focussing on Employability skills
Took part in the National Citizenship programme over the summer and gained confidence and team work skills as well as raising money for a local project supporting older people in the community
Volunteer at a local community centre as an IT mentor supporting older people with computer skills.
Regular contributor to school twitter feed and newsletter and assisted at parents evenings.
Invited by the work experience placement to help out at engineering sales conferences and exhibitions gaining a clearer understanding of Engineering sector.
Play for a local Sunday League Football team and attend the gym on a regular basis.
References available on request