CV Writing workshop

Learning objectives• To know what a Curriculum Vitae is and

why it is used

• To understand what makes a good/ bad CV

• To be able to write your own CV

What is a CV

• CV stands for Curriculum Vitae

• It provides a summary of your academic and work history

• Employers use it to check whether or not you are suitable for a job or work experience position. You may then be asked to attend an interview

• It is an opportunity to sell yourself to an employer

Quick careers quizTry this true/false quiz to see how much your students know about networking.1. CV stands for ‘current vocation’.False: it stands for ‘curriculum vitae’ – Latin for ‘course of life’.2. Up to 80% of jobs may not be advertised.True: many jobs are found in other ways, such as word of mouth, so it’s best not to just rely on job adverts.3. ‘Networking’ is when you add people to your Facebook and LinkedIn accounts in order to lookmore popular.False: it is when you use the people you know to find out about an industry and job opportunities.4. You should give your CV to everyone you know.False: it might be a good idea to give your CV to someone if they think they mayhave a suitable job or work for an organisation that you are interested in. Offer your CV if you think it might be helpful.5. If someone is thinking about offering you a job, it’s against the law for them to

look you up on Facebook.False: potential employers may look you up on Facebook so you need to make sure they won’t find anything that could put them off employing you!If you want to take this further, log in and take a look at Work Skills activity four: Networking skills workshop (barclayslifeskills.com/teachers/lessons/networking-skills-workshop

What does a CV look like?

Normally no more than two pages long

Contains contact details

Shows the specific position being applied for

Gives a detailed record of school and work history including exam grades

http://www.cvtips.com/resumes-and-cvs/cv-example.htmlClick here for more examples

What makes a good CV?

Why should you never lie on your CV?

• Employers always check that your details are correct

• If you knowingly provide false information, you can be sacked, even years later

• Employers will refer to your CV during an interview

Why Bother With Making a Well Presented CV?

• It will get noticed• It will get read• Shows you have good organisation, IT and

presentation skills• Shows you care about your work• It is the employers first impression of you• Key areas are easy to find• Could lead to interview, then a job!

Personal Details

• Your Name• Your Address and Postcode• Your Telephone Number (Home /

Work / Mobile)• Your Email Address – if you check it

regularly

Putting Together Your CV

Profile

Putting Together Your CV

Reliable

Enthusiastic

Dedicated

FriendlyResponsible

Understanding

People-orientatedDetermined

Adaptable

Motivated

MotivatedHonest Ambitious

ResourcefulExperienced

Hardworking Personable

Patient Trustworthy

Punctual

Putting Together Your CV

Key SkillsFocus on most recent experiencesFocus on skills relating to job applying for

Check out the job description / advert to find out what the employer is looking for

Put your most relevant key skills first in the list

Circle 5 key skills from the list on your sheet.

On your CV you should have a min of 5 and max of 10 key skills listed

Remember: Be Honest!

Putting Together Your CV AchievementsGetting a promotion Meeting targets

Fund-raising

Volunteering

Awards

Sports

Completing a course

Community work

Responsibilities

PrizesManaging a project

Helping out / running a club

Tasks

• Fill in your own CV using a template on Word. Print off at the end of the lesson

• These will be checked next lesson by a Barclays Adviser so everyone must have one printed off

http://www.cvtips.com/resumes-and-cvs/cv-example.htmlClick here for more examples

PLENARY

• List 5 things that make a good/ bad CV

Good practice Bad practice

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.