writing a winning cv

Prepare for your future …

Creating a powerful CV to make you stand out from the crowd

9. Writing a Winning CV

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The advice in this publication is designed to help you plan your job search strategy.

Think about what you have read, turn it into action points and implement them.

Good luck!

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Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3

The Structure ......................................................................................................................... 3 Skills based .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Reverse Chronological ......................................................................................................................... 3 Hybrid CV ............................................................................................................................................. 4

The Content ........................................................................................................................... 4 Career Aim/Personal Profile ................................................................................................................ 4 Skills Section ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Education and Qualifications ............................................................................................................... 4 Additional or Professional Qualifications ............................................................................................. 5 Work History/Employment History ....................................................................................................... 5 Personal Achievements ....................................................................................................................... 5 Extracurricular Activities ....................................................................................................................... 6 Additional Personal Details .................................................................................................................. 6 Referees ............................................................................................................................................... 6

How to Tailor a CV to a Job Description/Person Specification ................................................ 7 Points to Remember ............................................................................................................................ 7

Finding Further Information .................................................................................................. 8

What do you have to offer? .................................................................................................... 8

Build a Career Portfolio .......................................................................................................... 8

Additional Information............................................................................................................. 9

Words and Phrases to Help you Write your CV .................................................................... 10

The Power Word Lists from www.prospects.ac.uk ................................................................ 10

Putting Your CV Together .................................................................................................... 11 Career Aim ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Employment History ........................................................................................................................... 11 Education & Qualifications ................................................................................................................. 12 Key Skills ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Hobbies and Interests ........................................................................................................................ 14 Additional Information ........................................................................................................................ 14 Referees ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Completed Example CV ..................................................................................................................... 15

CV Examples ....................................................................................................................... 17 Example One – Hybrid CV ................................................................................................................. 17 Example Two – Reverse Chronological (Recruitment Agency) ......................................................... 20 Examples Three and Four – Skills Based .......................................................................................... 23

Other Types of CVs .............................................................................................................. 26 Academic CVs.................................................................................................................................... 28 Law CVs ................................................................................................................................................. Creative CVs .......................................................................................................................................... On-line CVs ............................................................................................................................................

E-mailing your CV ................................................................................................................ 29

Covering Letters ................................................................................................................... 29


Introduction There is no such a thing as a ‘perfect CV’. You will find many different examples of strong CVs alongside some extremely poor ones. The suggestions below aim to help you create a powerful CV that makes you stand out from the crowd. Remember, a CV is your personal marketing tool and the first thing an employer will know about you. You need to make it easy to read, interesting, positive, relevant and concise; you must be comfortable with it. It should be written in the third person (ie. not using ‘I’) and the most important information about you, in relation to the job you are applying for, should be placed on page one. Content and presentation are equally important and can be successfully achieved in a variety of ways. Presentation includes headings, sub-headings, font type (usually Arial), size of text (usually 11 or 12 for the body of the text, although 10 can be effective), bullet points and indentation, shading, length (normally no more than two sides of A4), boxes and lines. Please be aware that some employers scan CVs into computer files and some graphics can adversely affect the layout of your CV. Always make sure that you keep an attractive balance between text and white space on the page. The best format is a simple one. The Structure This will depend on your past history and current situation and you will find that there are a variety of styles which can be used. For example, for some jobs a skills-based CV may be the better choice, whilst on other occasions it may be more suitable to use a reverse chronological (most recent education/qualifications, work experience placed first) or combine the two styles to create a hybrid one. Remember, whichever style you use you must tailor it to the job you are applying for.

Skills based This can be very pertinent if you are trying to change career direction and you are applying for a position for which you do not have the relevant work history, but have gained a diversity of directly relevant transferable skills from past experiences. Mature students, who have gained such skills through longer periods of previously paid work, voluntary or extra-curricular activities, may find this a suitable structure to work within. In addition, students with very little or no work experience may find this a suitable style to use to highlight the relevant skills they have developed through academic and social activities. It can be a way of playing down lack of experience whilst drawing the readers’ eye to key skills.

Reverse Chronological If you use this style of CV whilst you are studying, you will highlight your educational achievements first and then any work experience (most recent first). You must be comfortable that your education is the most relevant thing to sell at the top of page one. This can be a very useful style to use if your degree subject is the key selling point for the job and if you are applying for jobs within more traditional career areas, such as Law and Chartered Accountancy. It can also help you highlight any relevant work experience, but a Chronological CV requires you to put your most recent job first, whether or not it is the most relevant. Please note that this type of CV should still contain a powerful skills section.


Hybrid CV This allows you to really play around with the CV to highlight the most relevant things about you in relation to the job you are applying for. It can be a mixture of both the skills based and reverse chronological. It is the easiest format to use to make your CV stand out.

Consult your careers adviser if you are unsure as to the type of CV to use!

The Content The following sections are not presented in any particular order although if you are going to have a Career Aim it should be at the beginning of the CV.

Career Aim/Personal Profile This is an introduction to your CV. It is a summary of:

• the type of person you are; • where you are now; • what you have got to offer; • where you want to be in terms of a career, ie. a snap shot of you.

It should be written in a positive, upbeat style, using strong descriptive words (refer to the Power Word Lists (on page 10) that will catch the eye of the reader and encourage them to read on. It should be short and to the point and always be placed at the beginning of the CV. Graduate recruiters, canvassed for their opinion, have confirmed that they like to see a Career Aim/Personal Profile.

Skills Section 1. From the job description and person specification pick out all the essential (key) and

desirable skills required.

2. Ask yourself if you have them, particularly the essential skills.

3. Consider examples from your academic life, paid/voluntary work and extracurricular activities to use and show when and how you have developed these. Make sure that your examples are specific and not general. Remember employers are looking for proof that you have the required skills, so provide the evidence. Graduate recruiters require specific, relevant examples.

4. Write a concise and punchy sentence or two, using positive words to describe the skill, backed up with a strong example/s (refer to the Power Word List on page 10). The use of bullet points can help draw the reader’s eye to the most relevant information you are trying to highlight.

Education and Qualifications 1. Usually placed in reverse chronological order, ie. most recent first.

2. Use bold or underline to highlight the most relevant aspects of your qualifications, eg. this could be the degree title, grade, or dissertation title.

3. Give some information about your course but do not list every module you have ever studied. Only mention those that are relevant, eg. subjects that are pertinent to the job you are applying for or subjects that show relevant skills development.

4. If you have consistently achieved strong grades, consider highlighting them.


5. Dissertation - give more information than just the title if the subject is particularly relevant to the job you are applying for.

6. State the name of the institution; it is unnecessary to put the address.

7. Follow your Higher Education information with your A Levels/BTEC National/GNVQ or equivalent. You would usually include grades if they are fairly recent, a specific requirement of the job or if you are particularly proud of them.

8. Consider whether it is necessary to list all your GCSE subjects – it is perfectly acceptable to state how many you achieved at A-C grade and mention the most relevant.

9. List the dates when you achieved the qualifications. Dates can be placed on either the right or left of the CV. Consider what is more relevant: the work experience/ education/qualifications or the dates. It is easier to highlight to the reader work experience etc. if you place the dates on the right. By doing it this way, the reader will first come to your job title or qualification. Whichever side you choose, you must be consistent throughout your CV.

Additional or Professional Qualifications 1. This can be a separate section from the Education and Qualifications.

2. Contains details of qualifications that are not necessarily academic, eg. Health and Safety, Coaching Awards, Customer Care and Information Technology, eg. ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence – a qualification recognised by many employers).

3. Use bullet points to help highlight each one.

4. Add in the dates you achieved the qualifications.

5. Put the most relevant at the top of the list.

Work History/Employment History All work experience, whether it is paid, unpaid, voluntary, part-time or temporary is important. Relevant experience is obviously crucial, but work experience that you think is not relevant can still be important. It is through all these experiences that you have developed transferable skills and key competencies.

1. Give job title, employer name and basic location details.

2. Add full dates.

3. Describe main duties, particularly those that have relevance for the post you are applying for and use bullet points to highlight them.

4. Mention any additional duties you have undertaken or any one-off projects you have been involved with that may make you stand out and can be used to provide evidence of relevant skills.

5. Say more about the jobs that are directly relevant than those that are not; this is particularly important if you are not going to run out of space.

6. Make sure that you mention anything you have done that is innovative or showed a strong degree of responsibility, ie. anything that will make you stand out in the eyes of the employer.

Personal Achievements 1. You can use this section to highlight any personal achievements you are particularly

proud of. Use examples that are not used elsewhere in your CV.

2. They can be academic, work related, voluntary or social.


3. It is particularly useful to use this section to highlight achievements that are directly related to the job you are applying for.

Extracurricular Activities 1. This is your opportunity to show what a ‘well rounded’ individual you are.

2. Do not write a list but provide a short paragraph, or use bullet points, and describe your interests and activities.

Additional Personal Details This section can be used to include relevant information not found elsewhere on the CV, eg.

• Nationality – if you are not British but have the right to work in the UK without a work permit it maybe helpful to say so.

• Whether you are a car driver with a full/clean driving licence and car owner.

• Whether you have an excellent health record. Date of birth and marital status are not requirements on a CV; it is up to you whether you feel they have any relevance to your application. In fact it is now illegal for employers to ask for this information.

To look at issues of disclosing disability, read the information sheet ‘Disclosing Disability’ or go to the Skill website (www.skill.org.uk ) where there is an information sheet and a booklet ‘Get that Job’ which includes the issue of disclosure.

Referees If you have space you can add the full name, address, telephone number/fax and email of your referees. If you are a student or a very recent graduate, you would normally include one academic referee and one employer or personal referee (not a member of your family). If you do not have room to add the referees’ details, you can add a single sentence: ‘References available upon request’. Finally, do not lie on your CV, always make the most of your attributes, experiences and skills and tailor your CV to the job you are applying for – Don’t be shy, sell yourself!


http://www.skill.org.uk/

How to Tailor a CV to a Job Description / Person Specification Points to Remember

a. You must tailor your CV to each job you apply for.

b. What are the essential and desirable qualities, experiences and skills required?

c. What examples can you use to back-up any claims you make about skills and experiences?

d. Have you any additional skills and experiences that are relevant that will help you stand out from the crowd?

Always pay close attention to the job description and person specification when compiling your CV. Try to build your CV around the requirements for the job, adding any additional selling points that you wish to highlight. Within the covering letter (which must always accompany your CV) you can highlight key points and incorporate any additional information that is pertinent but that does not fit neatly onto the CV (see the Careers handout on Covering Letters). Remember, do not repeat your CV in your covering letter. Read the job description/person specification very carefully. Prior to compiling your CV, underline or highlight key words, skills and other requirements that must be incorporated into the CV – see the example job description below.

Job Description

Job Title Job Description Location Hours per Week Notes Apply to Apply Using Closing Date

Trainee Public Relations Consultant Assisting one team on all client accounts- researching, collecting, presenting press cuttings, competitions, promotions, brainstorming ideas, developing media lists and much more. Preston 15+ Bright, enthusiastic and quick to learn. It is a very busy office environment with a very friendly team. A graduate of any discipline with excellent communication, presentation, IT and organisational skills required. Preferably with some previous office experience. Mr George Jenkins CV & Letter by Post 05/08/11


Finding Further Information If you cannot get hold of enough information about the job to help you tailor your CV, you will find some helpful detailed careers information on the Prospects website: www.prospects.ac.uk . You can explore ‘types of jobs’ at www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm .

What do you have to offer? Once you are sure about what the job entails and what the employer is looking for, you need to be clear about what you can offer. 1. Consider where and how you have developed the relevant skills and what were the

outcomes of using your skills. Example below:

2. Make sure that you have a record of all your relevant qualifications and work history, with the correct dates.

Build a Career Portfolio The easiest way to have this information at your fingertips is to continually build and update a portfolio of experiences, skills, qualifications, work history, extra-curricular activities and personal achievements. By keeping a file of the following records you will have all the information you need to choose from to tailor your CV to each individual job you apply for:

• brief details of employment, ie. job role and additional responsibilities;

• notes of skills developed, where and how;

• certificates of qualifications and courses attended;

• notes of in-house and external training attended;

• employer citations and written references;

• brief details of your extra-curricular activities;

• positions held and extra responsibilities undertaken, eg. special projects;

• personal achievements;

• copies of old CVs and application forms that have previously helped to get you to interview.

Having this information to hand will drastically reduce the time it takes to write your CV and will ensure that you do not miss out anything of importance. A brief example of a career portfolio is displayed on the next page:

Confident and competent user of IT; during a recent work experience placement given the responsibility to design and build a complex database using Microsoft Access. Successfully achieved this task a month before the deadline set. Senior managers complimented the quality of the work provided and have now rolled out the database to all sections of the company.


http://www.prospects.ac.uk/

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm

Career Portfolio

Education • Final year journalism undergraduate from UCLAN (2008-2011) • On target for a First Class Honours Degree • 3 A Levels: English Language (A), Design Technology (B) and Graphic Design (C) • 10 GCSEs at Grades A* and A including English Language, English Literature,

Mathematics (A), French and Art (A*) Work History 2 one-month voluntary work experience placements: PR Assistant - Manor Public Relations and Marketing, Manchester: (August 2010) • Writing and researching press releases for different clients • Preparing media lists and establishing press contacts • Developing newsletters and material for the company’s website. Editorial Assistant - The Franklin and Matlin Citizen Newspaper, Norwich: (June 2010) • Working in a busy office assisting editorial staff and managing individual projects • Producing articles, which were printed by the Newspaper • Conducting interview by phone, email and in person. Waitress - The Boar Inn, Preston: (2005-present) • Serving customers • Balancing a variety of tasks and working under time constraints • Team member. Retail Assistant - Mex, Preston: (2005-2008) • Running shop unsupervised • Cashing up and banking takings • Offered regular employment at end of placement. Achievements • A Level grades • Awarded Star Student Award in English Language A Level • Experienced at preparing and conducting presentations using PowerPoint and

Overhead Projector • Continually meets deadlines and effectively balances course work with part-time

employment • Competent user of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint);

experience of using PR Planner to research different publications; uses Quark Express for newspaper layout and editing

• Creative, with ability to generate innovative ideas for reports and projects • Experienced at working with others to generate ideas, plan and complete

projects • Awarded 1st for personal design and development of a news website • A Level Graphic Design presented the opportunity to use Apple Mac programs,

such as PhotoShop for creative layout design; also introduced advertising techniques and presented ideas.

Interests • Strong interest in current affairs • Reads variety of newspapers and magazines • Keen writer – writes for University magazine, PLUTO. Additional Information • Full Clean Driving Licence • Excellent Health Record.


Words and Phrases to help you write your CV These words and phrases may be useful in your CV. Choose them carefully and only if they are relevant to a particular skill or situation you possess: The Power Word Lists from www.prospects.ac.uk More than … years’ extensive experience in …

More than … years’ diverse experience in … Successful in / at …

Expertise and demonstrated skills in …

Extensive academic / practical background in … Familiar with …

Experienced in all facets / phases / aspects of …

Knowledge of / experienced as / in …

Experience involved / included …

Extensive training / involvement in … Proficient / competent at … In charge of …

Initially employed to / joined organisation to …

Provided technical assistance to … Reported to …

Worked closely with … Constant interaction with … Now involved in …

Promoted to … Succeeded in … Established …

Proven track record in … Assigned to … Initiated …

Managed … Employed to … Edited …

Formulated … Implemented … Instrumental in …

The following list incorporates words that can convey your suitability to a prospective employer. Let them know that you’ve got what they need! Ability Abundant Achieve Admirable Advance Agreement Ambition Appreciate Approval Aspire Attain Benefit Capable Courage Courtesy Definite Dependable Desirable Determined Effective Efficient Enhance Enthusiasm Excellence Fitting Genuine Good Grateful Guarantee Helpful Humour Imagination Improvement Ingenuity Integrity Initiative Intelligence Judgement Lasting Loyalty Merit Notable Opportunity Perseverance Practical Prestige Proficient Progress Prominent Punctual Reasonable Resilient Recommend Reputable Salient Responsible Satisfactory Service Stability Success Substantial Superior Thorough Truth Useful


http://www.prospects.ac.uk/

Putting Your CV Together The following CV has been compiled and specifically tailored to the role of PR Assistant by using the example job description, additional information, career portfolio and Power Word lists provided in the previous section:

Name Address

Mobile / Home Telephone

Email: Career Aim Ambitious and enthusiastic final year Journalism undergraduate, due to graduate in May 2011, on target for a 1st Class Honours Degree, with relevant hands-on Public Relations work experience and published work, looking to start career as a Trainee PR Consultant.

Employment History Directly Related Work Experience PR Assistant (Voluntary work)

Manor Public Relations and Marketing, Manchester August 2010 (1 Month)

Main Duties: • Writing and researching press releases for different clients • Preparing media lists and establishing press contacts • Developing newsletters and material for the company’s website.

Editorial Assistant (Voluntary Work)

The Franklin and Matlin Citizen Newspaper, Norwich June 2010 (1 Month)

Main Duties: • Working in a busy office environment, assisting editorial staff and

managing individual projects • Producing articles, which were printed by the newspaper • Conducting interviews by phone, e-mail and in person.

• Take note of the strong words used to describe the personality of this student • They have very clearly shown where they are in time and their potential level of

academic achievement • They have wet the reader’s appetite by mentioning ‘relevant Public Relations work

experience and published work’ • They have been clear about their career direction and that they know what post they

are applying for • The career aim is short, sharp and to the point, therefore easy to read and leaves a

positive impression.

• This section has been split into two, to help highlight work experience directly related to the vacancy

• Each position is clearly shown alongside the main tasks • It is factually written and made easy to read by the use of bullet points, headings and

bold type


Additional Work Experience

Waitress (part-time evenings & weekends in busy restaurant)

The Boar Inn, Preston

2005 - Present

Main Duties: • Dealing with customers and communicating effectively • Balancing tasks and working well under strict time constraints • Working as part of a team and problem solving.

Shop Assistant

Mex, Preston 2005-2008

Main Duties: • Work placement at Mex led to an offer of regular employment • Showed responsibility and initiative by running the shop

unsupervised, including cashing-up and banking.

Education & Qualifications University of Central Lancashire: BA Hons Journalism 2008-2011

Expected degree class: 1st Modules studied include: Journalism Practice (1st), Journalism Issues (2:1),

Economics of the Media Industry (2:1), International Journalism (2:1)

A-Levels: Ranklin College, Cumbria 2006-2008 English Language (A), Design Technology (B), Graphic Design(C) Star Student Award (English Language)

GCSEs: St Mary’s High School, Cumbria 2001-2006

10 GCSEs at A* and A, including English Language (A), English Literature (A), Mathematics (A), French (A*) and Art (A*)

• Note the order in which educational achievement has been displayed, ie. most recent first. • The degree title is first and in bold. Use bold or underline and putting the most relevant

information first helps the reader to quickly pick out the key points. • The dates are on the right hand side – there is no rule as to whether the dates should be on

the right or left, but as they are not the most important aspect it may make sense to place them on the right rather than making them the first thing the reader comes to.

• Only the modules that have the most relevance for the job are included and, because this individual’s grades are so strong, they have chosen to include them and highlight them. You do not have to do this; consider what is relevant and what you are comfortable with.

• If you are researching for a dissertation make sure you include the title. Where the dissertation has direct relevance to the job make sure you provide a brief abstract or summary.

The most relevant subjects are listed with highlighted grades.

• This section is laid out in the same way as the related work experience. • Only a few key tasks are highlighted – it is not always necessary to go into detail about

every job you have had, particularly if some do not have the same relevance as others.


Key Skills

• Written Communication – a sophisticated

user of written language, which is shown in the grade A and Star Student award received in A level English. These skills have been enhanced by studying journalism and involvement in student magazines and work placements.

• Verbal Communication & Presentation - a

confident and effective communicator and have further developed these skills through conducting presentations using Overhead Projectors and PowerPoint, which involved communicating information in an interesting and effective way to audiences of 20+, including tutors, peers and employers.

• IT - IT skills developed through academic study

and enhanced through various PR and Journalism work placements. Frequent user of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. Knowledge and experience of using PR Planner to research different publications and to contact journalists. Use of Quark Express for newspaper layout and editing.

• Creativity and Team Work - the Degree

requires the generation of innovative ideas for reports and projects. Includes working in teams to brainstorm ideas and working on individual projects. A recent individual project, awarded a 1st grade, involved the design and development of a news website. Studying A level Graphic Design presented the opportunity to explore creative layout design using Apple Mac programs including PhotoShop. Have developed a greater understanding of advertising techniques and idea presentation through academic and employment activities.

• Organisation – Excellent organisational skills

and self-motivation, which is demonstrated by ability to continually meet deadlines, achieve high grades and effectively balance course work with part-time employment.

• The skills described match those mentioned in the job description.

• Strong descriptive words used to describe the level of skill:

‘sophisticated’ ‘frequent’ ‘innovative’ ‘excellent’.

• Real-life examples have been used to show the strength of each skill and how they have been developed:

‘Star Student Award’

‘IT skills developed through academic study and enhanced through various PR and Journalism work placements’

‘Involvement in student magazines’

‘A recent individual project, awarded a first grade, …..’.

• Specific IT packages are mentioned.

• The description of experience of delivering presentations is made specific by describing the size and make-up of the audience.

• The eye is drawn to each skill by using bold and bullet points.


Hobbies and Interests

• Current Affairs: lively interest in current affairs and enjoy reading a variety of newspapers and magazines, such as: PR Weekly, various Broadsheets, Vogue, and Timeout.

• Writer: a keen writer, regularly contributing feature articles for publication in the University magazine. This experience has provided the opportunity to further develop writing skills and to have work published.

• Sports: enjoy a variety of water sports, currently rowing for the University’s Canoeing Club and regularly swim for charity.

Additional Information

• Full clean driving licence and car owner • Willing to relocate • Excellent health record • British.

Referees

You can use the ‘Additional Information’ section to include titbits of information that are important but do not necessarily fit neatly elsewhere on the CV. Date of Birth and Nationality are not necessarily relevant to have on your CV but, if you feel including them is important, you can add them to this section.

• Instead of just listing interests, each one has a brief description to show the depth of involvement in each activity and to highlight that this individual is ‘well-rounded’, ie. not just concentrating on their academic studies.

• Note that bullet points are used to highlight each interest. • A simple sub-heading has been used to help draw the readers eye.

If you have room, add the name, address, telephone and email details of a lecturer/tutor and either an employer or someone who knows you well – not a member of your family or a friend. If you run out of space just add: ‘References available upon request’


Completed Example CV

Name

Address

Mobile:

Home:

Email: Career Aim Ambitious and enthusiastic final year Journalism undergraduate, due to graduate in May 2011, on target for a 1st Class Honours Degree, with relevant hands-on Public Relations work experience and published work, looking to start career as a Trainee PR Consultant. Employment History Directly Related Work Experience PR Assistant (Voluntary work)

Manor Public Relations and Marketing, Manchester August 2010 (1 Month)

Main Duties: • Writing and researching press releases for different clients • Preparing media lists and establishing press contacts • Developing newsletters and material for the company’s website.

Editorial Assistant (Voluntary Work)

The Franklin and Matlin Citizen Newspaper, Norwich June 2010 (1 Month)

Main Duties: • Working in a busy office environment, assisting editorial staff and

managing individual projects • Producing articles, which were printed by the newspaper • Conducting interviews by phone, e-mail and in person.

Additional Work Experience

Waitress (part-time evenings & weekends in busy restaurant)

The Boar Inn, Preston

2005 - Present

Main Duties: • Dealing with customers and communicating effectively • Balancing tasks and working well under strict time constraints • Working as part of a team and problem solving.

Shop Assistant

Mex, Preston 2005-2008

Main Duties: • Work placement at Mex led to an offer of regular employment. • Showed responsibility and initiative by running the shop

unsupervised, including cashing-up and banking.


Education & Qualifications

University of Central Lancashire: BA Hons Journalism 2008-2011 Expected degree class: 1st Modules studied include: Journalism Practice (1st), Journalism Issues (2:1), Economics of the Media Industry (2:1), International Journalism (2:1).

A-Levels: Ranklin College, Cumbria 2006-2008 English Language (A), Design Technology (B), Graphic Design(C) Star Student Award (English Language)

GCSEs: St Mary’s High School, Cumbria 2001-2006 10 GCSEs at A* and A, including English Language (A), English Literature (A), Mathematics (A), French (A*) and Art (A*)

Key Skills

• Written Communication – a sophisticated user of written language, evidenced by the grade A and Star Student award received in A-level English. Skills enhanced by studying journalism, involvement in student magazines and work placements.

• Verbal Communication & Presentation - a confident and effective communicator and have further developed these skills through conducting presentations using Overhead Projectors and PowerPoint. This involved communicating information in an interesting and effective way to audiences of 20+, including tutors, peers and employers.

• IT - IT skills developed through academic study and enhanced through various PR and Journalism work placements. Frequent user of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. Knowledge and experience of using PR Planner to research different publications and to contact journalists. Use of Quark Express for newspaper layout and editing.

• Creativity and Team Work - the degree programme has given me the ability to generate innovative ideas for reports and projects. Includes working in teams to brainstorm ideas and working on individual projects. A recent individual project, awarded a 1st grade, involved the design and development of a news website. Studying A level Graphic Design presented the opportunity to explore creative layout design using Apple Mac programs including PhotoShop. Have developed a greater understanding of advertising techniques and idea presentation through academic and employment activities.

• Organisation – Excellent organisational skills and self-motivation, which is demonstrated by ability to continually meet deadlines, achieve high grades and effectively balance course work with part-time employment.

Hobbies and Interests • Current Affairs: lively interest in current affairs and enjoy reading a variety of newspapers and

magazines, such as: PR Weekly, various Broadsheets, Vogue, and Time Out. • Writer: a keen writer, regularly contributing feature articles for publication in the University

magazine. This experience has provided the opportunity to further develop writing skills and to have work published.

• Sports: enjoy a variety of water sports, currently rowing for the University’s Canoeing Club and regularly swim for charity.

Additional Information • Full clean driving license and car owner • Willing to relocate • Excellent health record.

References available upon request


CV Examples Please note: The following CVs are only examples and, like most CVs, can be improved upon. They should not be copied. Remember - your CV is about you, not the fictional characters described in the CV examples. Example One – Hybrid CV (pages 18-19)

• Page one has been used by this individual to focus on key achievements and work experience as they feel that they are strong selling points for the types of job they are applying for.

• Note that they have highlighted their degree in the profile so that the reader knows that they are an undergraduate and that they are studying for a directly relevant degree discipline.

• They have used the first half of page two to highlight key skills, which are directly relevant to the job area and have followed this with their education in which they have drawn the reader’s eye to strong grades and relevant modules.

• They have chosen to use Arial as the type face with:

o 10 as the font size for the detailed information o 11 for the sub-headings o 14 for the name at the top

Doing it this way ensures all information is on 2 sides only.


NAME

Address Telephone Number: Mobile Number:

Email Address: CAREER OBJECTIVE An enthusiastic and proactive final year BA Business Studies undergraduate with good customer orientated skills and relevant work experience, keen to work in a commercial environment, interacting with clients and colleagues and using financial skills to help progress the business.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Successfully worked with a diverse range of people within a pressurised business environment - demonstrated through last year’s work placement. One requirement was to undertake and implement a new fixed charge allocation system. Research and analysis had to be undertaken with employers and employees throughout the manufacturing plant, service departments and controllers of subsidiaries abroad. Achieved the successful reduction of costs, re-distributed the costs to the appropriate cost centre and secured agreement with departmental managers.

• The design and update of the finance website for Mark Corporation. This involved creating a user friendly, attractive web page for all Mark employees and potential investors. This included a personal decision to be made on what the web page should include and which people it should target. Collecting vital information on each manager and departmental activity with clear photography was the main focus of the final web page. Controllers within the plant and in America produced positive feedback and input upon the finished project.

WORK EXPERIENCE Finance Accounts Assistant

Mark Corporation, Automotive Industry, Birmingham

Aug 2008-9

• Liaising with a diverse range of people including suppliers and customers • Carrying out various tasks on a daily basis including reconciliations, • sales reports, raising and dealing with incoming/outgoing invoices. • Preparing report requirement and statistical data for Government purposes, including export/import

accounts. • Uploading and preparing for month end accounts using different software and database packages. • Training and interviewing new university finance students in 2003 Auxiliary Nurse (Part Time)

NHS Trust Hospitals, Blackburn, Lancashire April 2009-Present

• Work within a team to provide health care for different types of patients, especially those with isability/operational problems, illnesses or difficulties.

• Requires motivation and commitment to be 100% efficient when dealing with problems, tasks and responsibilities.

• Working closely with clients from different backgrounds on every care assignment, which also requires flexibility to work effectively on different wards/departments every week from medical, children’s ward to maternity. Complying with different policies and regulations set on each ward/department and recording personal and medical accounts.

Prepare for your future today …. CAREERS TEAM\Publications (in-house) 2013-2014\ 9. Writing a Winning CV.doc - updated Mar 2014

KEY SKILLS • Communication & Presentation: A very confident and effective communicator of information.

Using and developing these skills through conducting presentations, using PowerPoint, to both student peers and employers. Regularly presented to an audience of 20+. Have taken part in video conferencing and competently use a variety of communication tools such as email. Both verbal and listening skills have been enhanced through working closely with individuals whilst performing the duties of an Auxiliary Nurse.

• Organisation and Flexibility: Excellent organisational skills and self-motivation, demonstrated by meeting all course-work deadlines and achieving high grades alongside successfully carrying out two part time jobs. Competently organised most of the social events for colleagues during the year’s work placement, including a magical mystery trip which received very positive feedback from the 30 people who took part.

• IT: Frequent user of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, Minitab, PowerPoint, HTML, Webmaster and Front00. Knowledge and experience of using employer based packages such as Oracle ADI Manufacturing and Finance databases to carry out different accounting processes and extracting vital information for suppliers and customers.

EDUCATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS BA (Hons) Business Studies

University of Central Lancashire, Preston

2006-2010

• Main options include: – Economics, Taxation and Financial subjects.

• Grades: 60%+ achieved in 2nd year, Merit for placement year and 60%+ in 4th year GNVQ Advanced Business Studies Oaklands College, Farnham 2004-2006

• Studied: Business Advanced GNVQ, with equivalent A Level in business options, which included administration, Communication, Numeracy and Working with others’ key skills. Achieved overall Merit grade.

• GNVQ Advanced included the study of: HR, Production and Employment, Behaviour at work, IT, Marketing, Statistics, Business Planning, Self-Development/Performance, Financial Forecasting and Financial Services/Statements.

GCSEs St Frances High School, Surrey 1999-2004

• 10 GCSEs at grades C and above, including English Language (B) Mathematics (B), and Economics (B).

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

• Keen supporter of a variety of charities; regularly involved in a variety of sponsored activities for kidney and cancer patient funds.

• Enjoy keeping fit by swimming and have gained a variety of awards and badges. Also enjoy working out at the gym.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Full clean driving licence • Excellent Health record

References available upon request


Example Two – Reverse Chronological (Recruitment

Agency) (pages 21-22)

• This particular CV has been successfully used by a recent university graduate to secure interviews for graduate level employment through a recruitment agency.

• You will note that the CV is very factual and in reverse

chronological order. There is very little information provided for skills and leisure activities; both sections could be built upon to give greater depth and stimulate more interest.

• You will also note that a personal profile has not been used;

again this could be included as long as it was short, sharp and to the point.

• The details for both referees are included, in detail, at the

bottom of page two. You will find some helpful advice on writing CVs for recruitment agencies via the Recruitment & Employment Confederation’s (REC) website: www.rec.uk.com .


http://www.rec.uk.com/

Name

Home Address

Telephone Number: Email Address:

Education & Qualifications Higher Education 2006 – 2009 University … … …

2009

BSc (Hons) Pathology (Part 2) Qualification gained: 2.1 included: Virology: Molecular nature of all major viral life cycles, as well as associated pathologies, immunity, vaccination and chemotherapy.

Cellular and Genetic Pathology: Mendelian and non-Mendelian disorders, Reproductive and neurodegenerative pathologies. Molecular nature of cancer.

Research project: A candidate gene for Turners Syndrome - DNA samples from Turner syndrome patients sequenced for polymorphisms or mutations in gene VEGFD to find if there is a predisposing allele for lymphoedema.

2008 Natural Sciences part 1 B: 2.1 Molecular Cell Biology, Pathology, Animal Biology.

2007 Natural Sciences part 1 A: 2.1 Biology of Cells, Physiology, Evolution and Behaviour and Quantitative Biology.

Secondary Education 2004 – 2006 Tertiary College A-levels: Biology (A), Physics (A), Mathematics (A)

General studies (A). 1999 – 2004 High School G.C.S.Es: 6 A* including Biology, Chemistry & Geography

4 A Mathematics and English.

Research experience July–Sept 2008 … … … University, School of Biological Sciences. Wellcome Trust summer vacation scholarship, involving

laboratory research into the DNA damaging effects of oestrogens, androgens and dietary and environmental carcinogens on prostate cells. Methods used included the single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay and the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay.


Work Experience 2003 Lawson Margerison Partnership, Architects Assistant. (2weeks) Architectural drawings • Submission of plans to local council • Site

inspections.

2004 – 2006 MacDonalds restaurant, Crewmember. Preparation of food • Till work • Dealing with the public • Working as a

team.

Skills Driving Full clean driving license.

Computing Familiar with Microsoft Office:

Word – for essays and reports PowerPoint – for project presentation Excel – for data input and tables.

Languages GCSE French.

Special Awards • Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards: Bronze and Silver. Soon to

complete Duke of Edinburgh Gold award. • Gliding Scholarship Certificate.

Regular Extra Curricular: University • Rowing – First year – 3rd boat.

• University Air Squadron: 45 hours flying RAF elementary flying training course.

• Further activities include skiing, shooting, adventurous training, sports events.

• Organised formal hall and volunteered as member of summer ball committee.

• Kickboxing.

Graduate Leisure Activities • Acoustic guitar - learning for pleasure

• Motorsports - motorcross riding since age 5 • Kayaking – with my brother most weekends • Reading.

References Director of Studies Name Address Tel: Email:

Personal Name Address Tel: Email:


Examples Three and Four – Skills Based (Pages 23-26)

• All or most of the first page of a skills-based CV is taken up with relevant skills. Each skill is clearly described and backed up by a solid example.

• The skill-set detailed may vary depending on what the job vacancy requires.

• Duties carried out in a job should be described briefly and purely to provide evidence for the skills listed.

• If possible the most relevant degree modules should be shown.

• The profiles quite clearly show knowledge and experience.

• These are clearly targeted CVs that show that a lot of thought has gone into their development.


NAME

Address

Email: Telephone:

Personal Profile Motivated, enthusiastic final year Business Studies undergraduate (2:I) forecast, IPD exemptions, seeks challenging personnel position within multinational, manufacturing sector to build on relevant academic, work experience and transferable skills achieved to date. Skills Profile • Communication: Excellent communication skills developed as part of degree

programme, both oral and written. Well received presentation given to senior management of Bark as culmination of project given during sandwich placement.

• Teamwork: Experience of working well in many different teams and roles within teams. Adapted and integrated successfully to different culture as Camp Counsellor in USA leading the group responsible for evening entertainment for 200 young children devoid of TV.

• Organisational: Worked throughout the last three years to finance undergraduate study, gaining invaluable experience whilst maintaining a high academic portfolio. Chaired University Society meetings and liaised with other bodies over fund-raising activities.

• IT: Working knowledge of Word for Windows 6, Excel spreadsheets and the Internet. Undertook a paid Work Based Learning project during 2nd year advising and designing a website for a small local company having initially identified their training needs.

• Commercial Awareness: Active role in Enterprise project as part of sixth form curriculum. Profits generated went to local charities and new IT equipment. Worked for large multinationals in retail and manufacturing sector developing business skills. Aware that biggest single asset for any company is its staff. The need to recruit high-class employees and develop the skills of existing staff is fundamental to a company’s growth and success.

Education and Qualifications BA (Hons) Business Studies (2:I forecast) University 2006-2010 Modules studied to date include: Organisational Behaviour 64%, Principles of Human Resource Management 57%, Organisational Design 66%, Management Decision Making 65%. 3 A Levels High School, Bucks 1999-2006

English Lit (C), Psychology (D), General Studies (C) 7 GCSEs including Maths, English Lang and French Prepare for your future today …. CAREERS TEAM\Publications (in-house) 2013-2014\ 9. Writing a Winning CV.doc - updated Mar 2014

Work Experience Bark Cables, Leeds (Sandwich Placement) 9/08 - 9/09

Based in the Training and Development Unit working as part of a team with responsibility for graduate recruitment and identifying and meeting the training needs of existing staff. Camp America, Michigan, USA Summer ‘08

As a Camp Counsellor assisted in the design and delivery of summer camp for 11-16 year olds. Coached soccer (not football!) and tennis as well as devising a full, varied and rigorous evening programme. Johnson & Partners, Leeds (Business Bridge Project) January ‘08

Paid project advising a small local company of the commercial benefits on the Internet, active role in existing staff development. Next Plc, Bucks 2004 to date

Retail experience in busy high street branch over numerous vacations. Quickly identified the need for negotiation, patience and customer care. Interests/Achievements

• Qualified tennis coach. • Member of University Tennis Team. • Member of ID Football Team. • Chair of University Claus Thompson Appreciation Society, organised many successful

fund-raising events. • Travelled extensively across Europe and America. • Attended many training courses on sandwich placement, including Time Management

and Presentation Skills. Referees Name Address Telephone Email

Name Address Telephone Email


NAME PERSONAL DETAILS Lappage Court, Telephone: 01882 652349 Tyler Green, Mobile: 07717 121824 Bucks, Email: [email protected] HP8 4JD PERSONAL PROFILE Adaptable and ambitious business studies undergraduate with proven customer service skills and an excellent understanding of business finance, keen to take on the daily challenges and rewards of working for Innovate Car Hire. SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS Business Awareness

• Experience in financial assistant roles in the commercial and voluntary sector with competence in business finance developed abroad.

• Active member of the university business club – winner of the ‘Bucks Best Business Pitch’ award in 2007 Enterprise Week, judged by Michael Eavis.

• Customer service awareness and skills developed working for Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s, achieving supervisor status in a short time.

Initiative & Adaptability

• Self-funded an evening course in book-keeping during first accountancy role with the Cats Protection League to increase my effectiveness at work.

• Successful study and work in Spain and Mexico demonstrate my ability to adapt and thrive in new and different environments.

• Volunteering as an English language tutor and raising money for Diabetes UK during my studies required initiative, dedication and discipline.

Team Working & Leadership

• Worked in a small team of 5 at Sainsbury’s running a local store and a large financial team of 20 at First Choice taking on a variety of roles.

• Built team spirit as a supervisor at Sainsbury’s by ensuring that staff were supported to meet testing team sales targets.

• Planning and coordination role taken in university group assignments - achieved an overall average 70+% grade in group assessments.

Effective Communication • Strong interpersonal skills developed in customer service roles in retail, library and as a

university tour guide. • Ability to build rapport with customers in a short time evidenced by working as an English

language tutor in Spain and Mexico. • Strong presentation skills and confidence demonstrated by presentations in different

languages to groups of 5 to 50.

Keep profiles concise and show career focus

Skills headings will change depending on what is required for the specific vacancy

Quantify achievements to make them more realistic.

In this CV the evidence for skills is very specific and achievement orientated.



IT Skills

• Competent with all Microsoft Office applications • OCR Level 1 & 2 Web Design (MS Frontpage) • Experienced user of Sageline 100.

Languages • French: Semi-fluent • Spanish: Fluent.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS 2005 – 2009 Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

BA International Business Studies with Spanish (2:1) • Study semester at The University of Valladolid (Spain) • 6 month work placement in Barcelona • Modules studied included: Business Planning; Sales Promotion and

Marketing; Business Operations Management. 1997 – 2004 Tonbridge School

A-Level: French (C) and Business Studies (B) GCSE: French (A); Maths (B); Spanish(B); Biology (C); Chemistry (C); Physics (C); English (C); Information Technology (C).

WORK HISTORY 2005 – 2009 Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

Campus Librarian (Dec 05 – Jun 06) Tour Guide (Sep 02 – Jan 03).

2008 (Feb – Aug) Audigest S.A. (Barcelona) Audit Assistant 2007 (Jun – Dec) Sainsbury’s Local (Hazelmere) Supervisor 2005 (Jan – Aug) First Choice Holidays and Flights Ltd (High Wycombe) Financial Assistant 2004 (Jul – Aug) Cats Protection League (Chalfont) Financial Assistant 2003 (Jan – Dec) McDonald’s (High Wycombe) Crew Member. VOLUNTARY WORK 2008 (Feb – Aug) Teaching English (Valladolid, Spain)

2004 (Sep – Jan) Teaching English (Guadalajara, Mexico). REFERENCES

Available on request

All the relevant transferrable skills from work history is under ‘Skills and Achievements’. Duties are unimportant compared with the skills and transferable expertise and experience built up doing the work.

It is quite acceptable - and useful - to use this phrase, particularly where you have run out of space.


Other Types of CVs 1. Academic CVs

Academic CVs focus on academic and research experience and achievements. There is no two- page constraint due to the inclusion of material such as Research and Publications; however they still need to be concise, including relevant/targeted information.

For further advice on academic CVs please visit the Vitae website www.vitae.ac.uk which provides a range of activities to support universities to develop postgraduate skills, including job search and career management information.

Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm also provides advice for PhD students including example CVs.

2. Law CVs The publication ‘Applying for a training contract with a CV’ gives helpful advice. This is available on the University of Central Lancashire’s Careers website: www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets

3. Creative CVs Applying to companies in such areas as design, graphics, multimedia, advertising and media requires a more dynamic CV style (eg. using desk top publishing packages and/or live web links to a portfolio of work). When applying for design related positions a well presented and designed CV is paramount, but it must not detract from the content and message. For example, using a particular design may take up a lot of space meaning you struggle to get all your relevant information within two pages. As with any CV it needs to be tailored to the individual organisation. If they are likely to receive a lot of applications, and/or have a specialised recruitment team, then a more standard approach is usually best. For smaller organisations that may not be quite so inundated a more ‘unique’ approach can sometimes be effective. The CV, however, should still follow the general guidelines. The majority of organisations will be faced with many CVs and practical considerations such as being able to photocopy/file the CV effectively need to be considered. Be careful too that anything you use (eg. fonts/desk top publishing) will be compatible with the prospective employers if you are sending it electronically (see advice below). Ask at UCLan Careers Reception for the booklet ‘Creative CV Guide’ which contains useful advice and CV examples.


http://www.vitae.ac.uk/

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets

E-mailing your CV It is becoming increasing popular for recruiters to accept emailed CVs and although the general principles already outlined should still be adhered to, there are a few things to consider. • Follow any instructions outlined otherwise your application may not be read.

• Most employers will accept CVs in an attachment; Microsoft Word format is commonly used.

Alternatives which may be used are Rich Text Format, HTML, and pdf; however be careful the recruiter will accept and be able to read the formats.

• Ensure the font you use is commonly used.

• The alternative (or in addition) to an attached CV is to include your CV within the body of the email as a plain text version, which can be read by all email systems but is not as attractive. Use the default email font, using capitals to highlight the main sections, and be careful to avoid columns, bullets, bold, indents, tabs, etc.

• With regard to your covering letter this can be included as an attachment or written within the body of the email. Again the safest format to use when including this within the email is plain text. If sending as an attachment, make sure you still write a professional ‘message within’ the email itself and adhere to the above advice regarding formats etc.

• Ensure you use a relevant subject line, and email your application back to yourself first to check it. It is also advisable to virus check any attachments before sending.

Ultimately if you have doubts about any issue with regard to sending by email, contact the recruiter for advice. Covering Letters To introduce your CV you should accompany it with a covering letter; for further information please see UCLan Careers booklet ‘4. Writing a Covering Letter’ (see link below). Further Information The UCLan Careers website contains a range of careers booklets, offering advice and tips to help you, at www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets . You can also find information on the site about relevant events, workshops and elective modules. You might also want to check out the recorded online events, covering a number of topics at www.uclan.ac.uk/futuresondemand . If you would like further help or want to speak to a careers adviser please call at UCLan Careers Reception in Foster Entrance Foyer, ring us on 01772 895858 or use the online form at www.uclan.ac.uk/careers to email us with queries.


http://www.uclan.ac.uk/careersbooklets

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/futuresondemand

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/careers

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