What is a CV?
4. CV's - not only for
finding work
What is a CV? Curriculum Vitae -
Course of life
Your CV is ideally a two page outline of all
the work experience, personal qualities and achievements that you
have had and developed so far. Your CV can be used as a point of
reference in so many ways:
- Enrolling on a
course - you may be asked about previous
qualifications and when you achieved them. Your CV will save you
having to try to remember.
- Filling in an application
form - most of the information that you need, will
already be to hand on your CV.
- Preparing for an
interview - give yourself a confidence boost by
looking at your CV. After all, your CV is really you on paper.
- Making a call where you need to
give information - your CV will act as a prompt so
that you don't forget anything.
- At your interview -
take a copy of your CV along with you to act as a memory aid.
- Entering work or looking for a
career move - many employers now request a copy of
your CV. Keep it up to date with all your latest achievements and
developments.
- When discussing career
choices - your CV is a great place to start because
it shows your strengths, capabilities, qualities and
interests.
Why do employers ask for
a CV?
Recruitment is expensive and time-consuming.
Your CV allows an employer to quickly gain an overall impression of
you and match your skills, abilities and experience to the job they
have to offer.
It is important to get to know yourself
better, so that when you send your CV you know that you have shown
in it the skills and experience that an employer needs. This is
your chance to be noticed.
Many employers keep CVs on file as a first
point of referral when other job opportunities arise, this saves
time and avoids the expense of advertising new vacancies. So even
if you're unsuccessful in getting the job you actually applied for,
you may still be offered a position with that company.
A good
CV is:
- Clear and concise
- Well presented
- Well organised
- Well written
- Interesting and relevant
- Impressive - focusing on your achievements
- Accurate - honest and supportable
- Clean and without mistakes
10 top tips on
preparing a good CV
- Keep it brief.
- A good layout will make it easy to read.
- Include personal details, full name, address, telephone number
as well as an email address and mobile number if you have one.
- Have a personal profile that is a positive picture of you and
gives a good first impression.
- List your qualities, skills and strengths.
- Start with your most recent job and work backwards (unless a
past position is particularly relevant).
- Include part-time, voluntary and self employment
positions.
- Keep your descriptions brief and to the point.
- Include all of your achievements, training and qualifications
achieved.
- Make space to include your spare time activities and personal
interests as they say a lot about you.
References - It isn't
necessary to include references on your CV. Simply include the
statement at the bottom "references can be provided on
request”.
To get started in your job search, have a look at the Workways
Jobkit: