CV Preparation

The letters ‘C’ and ‘V’ are the initial letters for Curriculum Vitae which literally means, ‘the course of your life’ or the brief story of your career.  A CV is therefore an opportunity for you to put down the details and information you want a prospective employer to read.  CV’s have a variety of uses:

• Applying for a post where the employer asks for a CV.
• By employment agencies when they are putting your name forward for a post.
• As a memory jogger for when you complete application forms.

Contents of a CV

Personal Information: name, address, contact details such as telephone/email

Educational History: list of qualifications obtained at school in chronological order or what level you were education to.  You can also use this section to list any training you have undertaken.  If training is accredited then state the qualification and year obtained.

Employment history: name and address of employers, job role and duties, start and end dates. Begin with your most recent employer and you can use this as opportunity to state what skills you used or developed in the post.

Skills, competencies and abilities: use this section to sell yourself.  Think about what skills you needed to undertake your previous jobs. Remember that skills are transferable and can be gained in your personal life and through your interests or volunteering.  Include on-the-job training and if you have a driving licence.

Hobbies and interests: outline of what you do in your leisure time; keep this brief.

Referees: should be people you know well who know your skills (such as a previous employer) and are not related to you.  Ask their permission first and list their name, address and contact details.

What if you don’t have qualifications or work experience?

• Look at the essential skills and see what training may be required; see if there is support to pay training course fees in your local area such as Job Assist.
• Many skills are transferable from everyday life; see if you can relate your skills from your experience in life.
• Show example of how and why you possess these skills, for example learning to play the guitar shows a determination to pick up new skills, sitting on a youth committee shows organisational skills and motivation.
• Put yourself forward for voluntary work experience which organisations such as Job Assist can organise for you.

Handy Tips

Do

• Keep it brief – 1 page is best, 2 pages maximum
• Keep it clear with good formatting of paragraphs and columns
• Check spelling and grammar
• Dates should be precise
• Use plain English

Don’t

• Use jargon
• Invent information or lie about yourself
• Waffle
• Type in BLOCK CAPITALS

Remember you can REGISTER WITH US if you need more help.