Now that you have searched and found your dream job, you’re ready to write your CV! But what things do you need to include?
What is a CV?
So a company you want to apply to has asked you to send in a CV and you're thinking, "What!!?" Don't worry though! Curriculum Vitae (CV) means "courses of life" in Latin, and that is just what it is!
A CV simply summarises your past, existing professional skills, abilities and experiences…you are literally selling your talents and skills! So here are some tips to show the company why you are the perfect candidate for the job...
CV top tips
- Never ever lie on a CV, you will be found out!
- One size doesn't fit all so make every CV different for each different role you apply for
- Your CV is a working document and needs to be adapted for every job role you apply for
- Never underestimate your transferable skills
- Presentation is important, never go over 2 sides and make it easy to find information quickly. Recruiters only spend about 30 seconds looking over your CV sop make it easy to read
- Think about your USP (your unique selling point) what makes you stand out?
- Bullet point your experience and use active, positive words (verbs) in a CV i.e. ‘Lead a team of 6 to win the IMI Autocity Business Studies Competition’
- Provide 2 referees (people who will say good things about you) at the end of your CV or write ‘references available on request’. These people should not be family members but employers, college lecturers or teachers
Your personal profile
Your personal profile section is at the top of your CV and your chance, in 4-5 sentences, to summarise who you are and what you do, it’s the first thing they will read about you and the first chance to show why they should offer you the job. Make it short, punchy and to the point.
Your personal statement
- The personal statement or additional information section is usually found at the end of an application and is a chance for you to show the employer why you should be hired above the other applicants
- Read the job description and person specification carefully
- Pick out key points of the job description or person spec and make sure you elaborate, giving examples of how you show these. Be specific!
- If you are completing your statement on a separate piece of paper ensure it is no longer than 2 sides of A4
- Break it down into sections i.e. experience, events and marketing
- Show some knowledge of the company and that you have done your research and this isn’t a generic application
- You also need to show your enthusiasm for the job and what attracted you to the organisation as well as why you meet the job specification
- After providing an example, reflecting on the experience shows that you can learn from your experiences and are always trying to improve
Example layout: Student / Graduate CV
With a student or graduate CV you highlight your qualifications first. If you’ve been in full-time education most of your life your qualifications will probably be your main achievement. If you don't have a lot of work experience, try to make your course work relevant to the skills you’d use in the job. Think about your transferable skill and any extra experience you’ve had (work experience, Saturday job, Duke of Edinburgh, Scouts etc).
