writing a cv

[emamum]

Does anyone have tips for writing a cv? I am applying for a couple of jobs and i havent wrote a cv before... thankyou

[emzy]

It a long time since ive had to write one, I went to the job centre last time and they practically wrote it for me.

[emamum]

The job centre have a list on their computers and said i should be able to find a job easily but they never have anything in for me

[emzy]

Originally Posted by emamum23

The job centre have a list on their computers and said i should be able to find a job easily but they never have anything in for me

No, I meant that the jobcentre will help you prepare a proffsional CV, never said anything about them successfully finding you work lol

[emamum]

They didnt offer me any help, just said to keep checking the computers

[shillelagh]

Use a template from microsoft office website.

[entwisi]

It does depend on what type of job you are applying for. for example I would write a totally different CV for a job at ASDA than I did more my geek role at Barclays.

You should include the following as a base


Personal details

name, DOB, address, Marital status, number of children, telephone details, email address etc

Education

From secondary school upwards including dates of attendance, detail any qualifications and what grade if they are impressive, just mention the exam if they were basic passes. Don't forget to include any outside of core eductaion stuff like part time courses,St Johns ambulance, etc

Job history

Include last 10 years or 5 jobs whichever is greater. list who, where, role you did. Then in the detail expand into what that role actually was. Particularly if you did something wonderful mention it here, like, "I created a new process for checking in deliveries that made things more efficient saving the company money". Be prepared to be questioned about it at interview though so NO lies!

Penultimate section

Hobbies, personal interests etc


If its a role that requires a specific skill then include a small section before the final one that explains why you think you have the skills, list any experience etc

Final section,


References

At least 2, preferably 1 professional and 1 character, more than 1 professional if possible.

[emamum]

thanks entwisi.... they will be going out to schools...

[nikkival]

The best thing to do is keep to simple straight-forward points, you don't need to go into massive detail explaining your previous roles - use bullet points and list your key skills or responsibilities within that job, it will have more impact and be easier for the reader to identify what you can do or offer.

If you need any help or want a former HR Manager's opinion, send me a PM and I'll gladly help you, are you using Microsoft Word?

[emamum]

Originally Posted by shillelagh

Use a template from microsoft office website.

thanks for that Jen. Just had a look on the site and it looks like i need to get office put back on my pc first.. after all the messing ive had past few weeks, its not been put back on yet...

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by emamum23

They didnt offer me any help, just said to keep checking the computers

Sounds about right. Glorified benefits office with a job advertising facility. Many of the jobs they don't even bother to check if they are real jobs ie commission only telephone canvassing jobs.