CV Tips
Your CV is the first and in fact the only opportunity you will have to make sure you get onto the ladder. A poor CV or one that doesn't show the relevant experience and qualifications you have may mean you are shortlisted out of the process. Likewise if you don't have the required qualifications, or meet the minimum requirement don't be tempted to boost your CV to include experience or qualifications you don't have. You will be required to produce them so you will be caught out.
CV's should be no longer that 2 A4 pages.
Personal information should be kept to a minimum i.e., name, address and contact details and your qualifications. (Don't include your age or any other personal information)
This should then be followed by your employment history, starting off with your current or most recent employment first.
This should include who you work for, the dates, and the job title. Underneath you should write a brief overview of the role, and 3 main achievements of your time there, i.e. successful tasks you completed, or projects you undertook. Use bullet points where applicable.
This should then be repeated for each of your employers
Don't leave gaps in your career history. If there are any gaps, note them and the reason - i.e.
- Jun 16- June 17 - Gap year travelling around the world
Spell check it, make sure there are no errors, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors
Although you should have a standard CV – sometimes it will be beneficial to ‘tweak’ it slightly for each job / apprenticeship you apply for to make it relevant for the role you are applying for. I.e. make more of ICT qualifications if going for an ICT job than perhaps you would for a Sales apprenticeship
Add a hobby or interest or two. Show you have a work life balance. Going out with friends is acceptable, going out and getting drunk on a Friday night is not suitable. Be aware of the difference
When emailing your CV’s to prospective employers, put yourself in their shoes. What does your CV look like? What does your email address say about you? Is it a professional sounding email address?
- I.e. Name@provider.com or is it offensive, or silly, or provocative i.e. sourcy101@dodgysounding.org
It might be worth organising a second email address for your job applications which is professional and serious sounding
Remember DO NOT lie on your CV. You WILL be caught out – and this can sometimes result in losing your job. Is the lie really worth it?
Ask someone to check through your CV, Ask them is it clear? Does it make sense? Are there any gaps? Are there any mistakes? What would you think if you receive this?
