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Creating and writing a CV can be a stressful and distressing task, especially if you are starting from scratch….
However, here are some helpful tips to get you started and get you one step close to your dream job.
This might sound obvious, but here at Fastnet Group we have received many CVs from candidates that have forgotten to add their personal details, such as their name and contact information. To prevent any awkward moments, ensuring your name and contact details are clearly visible – ‘Curriculum Vitae’ is an unnecessary title.
As this section is the first thing that the employer will be seeing about you, it is essential it stands out.
The personal statement explains who you are, what you are offering and what you are looking for.
Please see Personal statement for help on this.
This section should include all you work experience, listed in a readable format starting with the most recent employment first. Ensuring you have added the job title, name of organisation, time in post and responsibilities and job role.
This is a good opportunity to show off and showcase previous experiences that given you the skills to fulfil the position you are applying for.
Listing achievement with examples will show the employer how you can link your previous experience to the new role.
Education and achievement to be listed here, alongside dates, type of qualification and grade you achieved.
You do not need to always list hobbies and interests but discussing ones that are relevant to the role will help you stand out from the crowd.
For example, saying you enjoy going to the gym would have no benefit, however if you were applying for a position with sports, stating you have a active interest in sport and condition training would be a plus.
Or saying you play 5 a side football with friends twice a week is more appealing if written as successfully organising five a side football tournaments, including managing bookings, venues and participants.
A personal statement can have many uses, the main purpose is to sell yourself to the reader, not only summarising your skills and experiences but it has to be relevant for the position you are applying for. Always start with a personal statement that is unique and tailored to the position.
With regards to structure try to answer the following questions:
Who you are?
What you do?
What you are aiming for?
What you can offer?
HELPFUL TIP: avoid cliches – but highlight your attributes with examples for previous employment or education. This will not only add value to your personal statement, but it will also enhance your credibility.
But what is a personal statement? It is a brief personal summary to help you stand out from the competition, giving you a chance to sell your qualities, prove your suitability and convince the reader to read on to you application.
To be honest a well written personal statement can mean the difference from standing out in the crowd and your application being rejected.
Ideally your personal statement should be no more than 150 – 200 words, and more than this and the reader may lose interest and you run the risk of rambling.
REMEMBER – THIS IS A SUMMARY NOT A COVER LETTER
A personal statement can be written in any person or tense, as long as this is maintained through, try to avoid the following:
‘I am a recent early year’s graduate. Excellent analytical and organisational skills. I am driven and self-motivated individual that always gives 100% in everything I do. Proven track record of successes’ – at all costs’
A different personal statement should be created for every positions you apply for – it is not a one size fits all document. Although it may take some time, your effort will make all the difference when trying to impress an employer.
A highly motivated and hardworking individual who has completed their A levels achieving excellent grades in Maths, English and science. Seeking an apprenticeship within the engineering industry to develop knowledge to fulfil a career within engineering with a long-term aspiration of moving into project management.
Driven retail manager with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. A proven succussed track record of enhancing team performance, with the lowest staff turnover rate across all department stores within the UK. Currently seeking new employment opportunities due to relocating to new area, looking for the right opportunity to continue to use my expertise to enhance and further my carer within retail management.
A highly motivated and experienced financial adviser looking to resume my professional career after taking a break to raise a family. Excellent knowledge and understanding of purchases and sales ledger and VAT returns being AAT qualified. After volunteering for a local company to refresh my skills, one day a week I am now fully committed to returning to full time employment.
