Your CV Guide

Many employers and agencies will ask you for a CV when you
apply for a job. This guide will help you to create a CV that is
individual to you.

What’s a CV for? What your CV should contain:

Contact Details
 Your CV is a piece of work completed by
you, like a sales pitch to employers on a  Your full name & full home address.
piece of paper.  Telephone (mobile & landline).
 Your CV is to show potential employers that  Appropriate email address—an email such as
you have the ability to do the job you are [email protected] is likely to be sifted out by
applying—skills, experience and ability to employers.
perform.  Do not need date of birth, family details, marital
 Your CV is the first step in applying, leading status, photograph, nationality.
to interview and getting the job!
 Employers have a high volume of CVs to Personal Profile
scan and yours needs to stand out and be  This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of your CV be-
relevant to the person reading it. cause it highlights you as a candidate and why you are
different from the rest
 Make it either a short and snappy paragraph or use
Key points to remember: bullet points highlighting your best skills. See pages 6-
8 for more ideas.
 Try to keep to maximum 2 sides A4. A po-
tential employer doesn't want pages of in- Key skills and achievements
formation and may not have much time.  Use this section to highlight the most important skills
 Make sure you put the most important that you have that are relevant to the job.
things right at the beginning—a profile will  Check for key words in job vacancy, employer website,
help with this. job description, or job profiles on National Careers
 Produce a different version of your CV for Service website. See page 7 to review own skills.
every job you apply for—highlighting your  Back up skills with relevant achievements.
key skills and experience most relevant to
the job description and requirements. Experience or Career History
 Keep the layout simple and uncluttered with  List your most recent job, work experience or volun-
clear section headings and well organised tary work first and work your way back.
information that is easy to follow
 Employers will want to see your up to date experience
 Explain gaps where possible– e.g. if you at the top.
have looked after a family.
 Include main responsibilities, your job tile and dates
 Get someone to check the spelling and you worked there.
grammar.
 Don’t make up things to make yourself look better,
but if you have gaps, explain these as roles such as
Typing and saving a CV: parent, carer or student are sources of skills you may
have gained.
 Word process your CV—use a package that
allows you to save in a .doc or .docx format Training and Education
(Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, LibreOffice). If
 Give details of education and any qualifications gained
employers can not open your CV file they
from this (school, college, university).
are unlikely to interview you.
 Use font a normal font like Arial or Times  If you have trained in a work place, for example cus-
tomer service, list this as well as it will show a new
New Roman no smaller than 10pt.
employer you are willing to learn .
 Use the CV builder on www.direct.gov.uk/
nationalcareersservice if you are unsure how Other Relevant Information
to create a wordprocessed document.
 Save the file on a computer you can use or a  Include interests and hobbies—make sure they are
USB memory stick so you can upload it to genuine as an employer may ask at interview.
jobsearch or employer websites, as well as  Include languages / driving licence if not already men-
your email tioned.

References
 Not required on your CV—-only need to write
“References available on request”

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 1

Which type of CV?
To help you choose the best type of CV for you, we
have outlined below various types and listed pros
and cons to each.

PERFORMANCE CV
You might like to use a performance CV if:

you want to highlight your career progression

your present or last employer is well-known by the company you're applying to
you want to stay in the same line of work
Is it suitable for me?

This style of CV might not be suitable for you if:

you've got gaps in your work history
you want to change your type of job
the relevant experience you’re trying to emphasise was some time ago – it might not stand out
you've worked in lots of different jobs and you want your CV to look more focused

SKILLS-BASED CV
You might consider using a functional / skills based CV if:

you want to change to a broad, new area of work, and show your relevant transferable skills and
experience
you've got gaps in your employment history
you've had a lot of jobs and you want to describe the experience you've got as a whole
you want to highlight skills you've gained in previous jobs but that you don't use in your current
or most recent job

Drawbacks with functional CVs can include:

it's one of the more unusual formats – some employers might not be familiar with it
if you've worked for well-known employers or you've had a lot of promotions they will be on the
second page, so not as noticeable
setting alarm bells ringing for employers – some may feel a skills-based CV format is an attempt
to hide something (such as gaps in your work history)

TARGETTED CV
You might like to use a targeted CV format if you:

want to change career

have had a varied career or lots of jobs and you want to describe the experience you’ve gained as
a whole
want to target your CV towards one particular job
have got gaps in your employment history
want to emphasise skills you have gained in previous jobs that you don’t use in your current or
most recent job.

Drawbacks with targeted CVs can include:

one of the more unusual formats – some employers might not be familiar with it
if you’ve worked for well-known employers or you’ve had many promotions they will be on the
second page, so not as noticeable
setting alarm bells ringing for employers – some may feel a skills-based CV format is an attempt
to hide something (such as gaps in your work history)
John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 2
Example of Performance CV

Donna Jones
47 Reddish Avenue,
Manchester M99 1AB
Tel: 0161 123 4567
Mobile: 07777 890123
E-Mail: [email protected]
Profile
An experienced customer service advisor with strong IT and telephone skills. Able to work effectively under
pressure as part of a small team, whilst flexible to adapt to different business needs. Excellent interpersonal
skills gained from work in customer facing roles in retail and hairdressing environments, where my additional
qualities of confidence, person ability, trustworthiness and attention to detail have been demonstrated.

Key Skills and achievements

• Strong IT Skills, proficient in Microsoft Office – Typing Speed 65 WPM
• Personable and confident in dealing with customers both face to face and on telephone—gained from con-
tact centre and retail settings, consistently reaching targets for call handling
• Organised and accurate in clerical skills, e.g. managing and handling booking systems
• Able to handle customer enquiries efficiently and quickly, whilst keeping a professional approach under
challenging circumstances
• Capable of working effectively on my own Initiative or as part of a team

Experience
Dec 2013—present First Systems, Salford Customer Service Advisor
• Handling inbound enquiries for insurance quotations
• Responsibilities included recording information accurately on IT systems and liaising with underwriters re-
garding quotations
• Negotiating with customers, retaining customers and securing new customers to targets

Jan 2012 – Nov 2013 Headfirst Hair Salon, Manchester Receptionist

• Initially responsible for pre-styling preparation of customers & salon tidiness
• Responsibilities subsequently expanded to include telephone booking system and customer reception ser-
vices.

Sep 2008— Mar 2013 Co-op Retail, Manchester Sales Assistant, part-time
• Providing excellent customer service, working under pressure at busy periods in a city centre setting
• Handling cash and electronic payments, ensuring stock merchandised and store kept to high standards of
cleanliness

Education and Training

2014 First Systems—Customer Service Training
2008— 2010 South Lancashire College— Levels 1&2 Hairdressing; Level 2 Business Administration
2003 – 2008 Southside High school – 6 GCSEs including English, Maths and ICT

Other Relevant Information

Driving licence: Full, Clean
Interests/activities: Swimming; Travel—speak basic Italian and Spanish; Voluntary work at local stables

References available on request

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 3

Example of Skills Based CV

Dan Mills
12 North Way, Bolton BL1 6PP
Tel: 01204 006000
Mob: 07999 987654
Email: [email protected]
Profile:
Wide-ranging experience in production and assembly work coupled with some customer service experience. Friendly
and outgoing and able to get on well with others, especially working together to meet targets. Also able to work inde-
pendently without supervision. Well organised with a strong commitment to providing a quality service. Computer lit-
erate and able to plan work effectively

Skills and Experience:

Production:
• Following a specification sheet to produce a range of goods to required tolerances.
• Safe use of hand tools including clippers, pliers, soldering iron, crimpers, electrical screwdrivers and cutters.
• Setting up machinery and loading with appropriate components.
• Use of injection moulding machinery and grinding machines in accordance with safety requirements.
• Ensuring production process is running smoothly running by identification of faults and repair/reporting as appropriate.
Packing:
• Use of bubble and shrink wrap to ensure goods are safely packaged for transportation.
• Packing goods into boxes, plastic bags etc to meet orders and to avoid damage.
• Filling envelopes with specified items both manually and using mechanical inserter.
• Labelling and addressing as required.
• Working to customer specifications and high quality standards.
Quality Procedures:
• Completion of on going quality checks during the production process and carrying out remedial action if required.
• Use of scales and other measuring equipment to ensure produced goods meet the required tolerances.
• Testing electronic equipment to ensure they meet the required standards for quality and accuracy.
• Carrying out safety checks and cleaning machinery to maximise efficiency.
• Use of appropriate safety equipment e.g. goggles, ear protectors, gloves.

Experience:
2014 Horizons, Tester/Packer
Agency work involved in the production of audio equipment.
2012-2013 Millhouses, General Post Worker
Agency work carrying out a range of duties relating to mailings.
2008-2012 Salford Plastics, Injection Moulder
Production of a range of items used to make casings for CCTV cameras.
2004-2007 Asda Stores, Part time Cleaner
Worked 10 hours per week cleaning office premises.
1999-2002 Darwenreach Rest Home, Part Time Care Assistant
Night time care assistant in a home for 22 elderly residents.

Training and Qualifications:

2011 North Manchester Training—Level 2 Diploma Performing Manufacturing Operations
2008 Health and Safety in the Work Place; Manual Handling
2002 ITR Training—First Aid
1994 GCSEs passes from High School

Other Relevant Information:

Interests—Snooker, Quizzes, Dog walking
Volunteer for local conservation society

References Available on Request

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 4

Example of Targetted CV

Vikram Khan
18 Lister Hill Road,
Manningley,
Manchester M21 8UK
Tel: 0161 000 7985
Mobile: 07007 865465
E-Mail: [email protected]

Profile:
An ambitious accounts professional with over seven years’ experience, four of these In the chemical industry.
Qualified to AAT part 3 and an advanced user of Sage, having gained qualification from several industry train-
ing courses. Currently managing Mercury chemicals sales and purchase ledger, handling VAT returns, produc-
ing month-end accounts and providing comprehensive financial information for management. Very experi-
enced in credit control, having recently introduced successful new measures to improve this. An effective
team player, possessing good verbal and written communication skills. Looking to progress further and devel-
op career in the accounting sector.

Abilities and Achievements:

 Strong knowledge of accounting skills, techniques and procedures in business settings. Have been able
to apply these to industry settings to successfully manage areas of responsibility to schedules.
 Achieved AAT level 3 and ability to apply skills gained to work place to improve own performance, for
example significantly reducing outstanding invoice payments .
 Able to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers and negotiate to achieve successful
outcomes.
 Excellent organisation skills, to plan in advance and work successfully to targets.
 Proficient in relevant ICT skills and quick to learn new skills.

Work Experience:
2009 – date Mercury Chemicals Accounts Assistant
• Responsible for sales and purchase ledger, VAT and other returns payments
of suppliers’ invoices, producing monthly and quarterly accounts, and providing
comprehensive financial for management
• Through active credit control procedures, reduced average outstanding invoice
times from 26 days to 9 days
• Selected to attend several sage training courses ( now certified as an advanced user)
and also proficient in Microsoft excel, etc.

2006 – 2009 Reid engineering, Manchester Trainee Accounts Clerk

• Obtained a good basic grounding in all aspects og the running of a accounts office
• Given responsibility for staff expenses system, stationary supplies ordering

2004 – 2006 Tesbury Supermarket Part-time Store Assistant

• After starting as a general store assistant, given responsibility for running the fruit
and Vegetables department at weekends, including stock ordering, display and rotation

Training & Education:

1999 – 2006 Manningley High School – 8 GCSEs, 3 ‘A’ levels
2009 – 2011 AAT Qualifications & Sage training;

Personal Information:
Driving Licence: Full, clean
Interests: Playing Rugby in local team; travel; cinema

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 5

Your Personal Profile— Selling Yourself
What is a personal profile?
The profile is a summary of your main selling points and aims to grab the attention of the read-
er from the start and encourage them to read on (most recruiters only spend a few seconds to
start with on a CV so make the first few lines count). As with everything your profile will be tar-
geted towards the jobs or type of work you are applying to.

What should my profile include?

 Your positive qualities

 Your best skills
 Your relevant experience
 Your career objective (for some CVs)

Friendly Team Worker Professional Self-motivated

Quick Thinking Flexible Trustworthy Resourceful
Versatile Enthusiastic Fit Proactive
Calm Creative Hard-working Dynamic
Committed Compassionate Adaptable Honest
Analytical Imaginative Organised Willing to Learn
Mature Innovative Thorough Confident
Reliable Diplomatic Open-minded Articulate
Decisive Capable Adventurous Energetic

Activity: Identify your top qualities

Circle 8 words above that you think best describe your top qualities

Examples of Personal Profiles

A keen worker with a strong sense of responsi- A skilled administrator with experience in
bility and experience of picking, packing, health services and credit control. Computer
warehouse and production operative roles. literate with excellent keyboard skills, particu-
Hard working and committed to providing larly Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Conscien-
work of a high quality. Works well alone or as tious and hardworking, able to work accurately
part of a team and able to communicate with and meet tight deadlines. A friendly and out-
both colleagues and customers. going optimist with the ability to adapt to new
situations and meet new challenges.
An engineer and foreman with wide ranging
skills gained over 30 years working in structur- Wide ranging experience in production and
al engineering and heating & ventilation. assembly work combined with some customer
Honest, conscienctious and hardworking with service experience. Friendly, outgoing and able
the ability to work alone or as part of a team. to get on well with others and work as part of
A good communicator with the temperament a team. Also able to work independently with-
to relate to fellow workers, professional con- out supervision. Well organised with a strong
tacts and to cope with difficult clients. Has a commitment to providing quality services.
strong commitment to product high quality
work to meet customer requirements.

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 6

Identifying your skills and achievements

Below are examples of skills which you may have used either at work or at
home. On the list , circle the skills that most closely match those that you
have.

People Based Practical Skills Thinking Skills Skills using num-

Skills bers data and
information
Explaining things to Using a keyboard Coming up with new Keeping accurate
people ideas records
Dealing with enquiries Diagnosing faults and Evaluating different Making accurate
or complaints testing equipment ideas measurements
Organising people Using IT word Thinking of Using numbers
processing, internet, improvements accurately
email spreadsheets
Selling, persuading, Using hand tools Planning ahead and Working out costs and
negotiating setting goals budgeting
Motivating others Operating powered Developing other Checking information
equipment peoples’ ideas for accuracy
Managing, supervising Maintaining equipment Sizing up a situation Writing letters, memos
or leading or machinery quickly and reports
Team working Using physical strength Working out how to Organising paperwork
deal with things that systems
have gone wrong
Talking and listening to Handling materials, Developing projects and Researching information
people goods or equipment ideas

Activity: Identifying your skills and achievements

1. From the skills you have circled above, choose 6 that you think are strongest, or
are most relevant to the job you are applying to.
2. List these below
3. For each one give an example of when you have used each skill—for example.
“In my role as a customer advisor I had to promote a store card, trying to per-
suade customers of the benefits.” or “as a picker/packer I had to update stock

Skill or achievement Supporting Statement

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 7

Writing a Personal Profile
Recap—a strong personal profile will include the following:

 Your positive qualities

 Your best skills
 Your relevant experience

Try to produce a personal profile using the qualities you have identified on page 6 and
some of the skills identified on page 7. Use the examples below to help you get start-
ed and discuss with a National Careers Service advisor if you need. Using the Skills
Health Check on National Careers Service website may help you understand what your
skill strengths and qualities are—see links below.

My Personal Profile:

Examples of personal profiles:

A keen worker with a strong sense of responsi- A skilled administrator with experience in
bility and experience of picking, packing, health services and credit control. Computer
warehouse and production operative roles. literate with excellent keyboard skills, particu-
Hard working and committed to providing larly Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Conscien-
work of a high quality. Works well alone or as tious and hardworking, able to work accurately
part of a team and able to communicate with and meet tight deadlines. A friendly and out-
both colleagues and customers. going optimist with the ability to adapt to new
situations and meet new challenges.
An engineer and foreman with wide ranging
skills gained over 30 years working in structur- Wide ranging experience in production and
al engineering and heating & ventilation. assembly work combined with some customer
Honest, conscienctious and hardworking with service experience. Friendly, outgoing and able
the ability to work alone or as part of a team. to get on well with others and work as part of
A good communicator with the temperament a team. Also able to work independently with-
to relate to fellow workers, professional con- out supervision. Well organised with a strong
tacts and to cope with difficult clients. Has a commitment to providing quality services.
strong commitment to product high quality
work to meet customer requirements.

Sources of further information:

www.direct.gov.uk/nationalcareersservice
Tel 0161 393 6474
John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 8
Information Gathering:
Use this space if needed to write down other key information to
prepare your CV:

Name:

Address:

Telephone: Mobile:

Email:

Experience / Voluntary work / Role (can include paid, unpaid,

caring and training) - start with most recent and work back:
Role / Position:

Organisation (if relevant):

Dates:

Key duties / responsibilities:

Role / Position:

Organisation (if relevant):

Dates:

Key duties / responsibilities:

Role / Position:

Organisation (if relevant):

Dates:

Key duties / responsibilities:

Role / Position:

Organisation (if relevant):

Dates:

Key duties / responsibilities:

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 9

Information Gathering:
Use this space if needed to write down other key information to
prepare your CV:

Training and Education: start with most recent and work back:
Course / Training / Qualification:
Training Provider:
Date:

Course / Training / Qualification:

Training Provider:
Date:

Course / Training / Qualification:

Training Provider:
Date:

Course / Training / Qualification:

Training Provider:
Date:

Other Relevant Information:

Interests/Hobbies:
Driving Licence:
Languages:

Getting your CV wordprocessed:

 Use the CV BUILDER on www.direct.gov.uk/nationalcareersservice if you are

not confident to wordprocess this yourself, or need a back up place to save
a CV.
 Register to use the website first—keep your username and password safe, as only you
will be able to access your CV on this website.
 If you are confident to use wordprocessing but don't have software on your computer,
there are several options:
1. If you have a tablet / phone then use the CV builder on National Careers Service and save
the CV. When access a PC/laptop then download as required
2. You can download free wordprocessing software that is compatible with Microsoft Word
from www.libreoffice.org or www.openoffice.org. Be careful to save files as .doc or .docx
so that employers will easily be able to open the file and can easily be uploaded to web-
sites.

John Morton—Your CV Guide Page 10