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CV's are an important job search tool that can help you to get a job. Due to the high number of unemployed & reduced number of jobs, the number of people applying for a position has risen. You can have over 50 applicants applying for one job position. Due to the high volume of people applying for positions, some employers now ask for a CV to help them sort through the applicants quicker. This in turn makes your CV more crucial and that you have to make it the best it can be!!
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CV's Explained
Simply put a CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) is a page or 2 of A4 of information about you and your qualifications, previous jobs and duties of all your positions. It is also allows you to show an employer who you are and why they should hire you above everyone else. It's very Important to be honest, direct and not to waffle on! Catch the employers attention so that they want to interview you. NOTE: Some countries have different formats so it important you know which format they use before applying!
So how long does an employer look at your CV for? It is said that an employer will look at an CV for 30 seconds or so. It is in this time that you must grab the employers attention so that yours does not get put into the bin pile. This is why it is important not waffle on too much in your CV.
A CV is not just important if your looking for a job, everyone should have a CV and update it every time they gain new experience, qualifications/training and of course new employment.
When else is a CV useful for? If your currently looking for work then you will need a CV if you intend to claim JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) in the UK as it is a key criteria that you have CV and looking for work. What happen's if you have not got one???
If you have not got a CV do not worry, if you can not do a CV by yourself or from tips on here or other sites then ask for help. If your claiming state aid then your local job centre will help as well as local organisations and if you on the work programme then the training provider your with. You can easily create one with their help and guidance. There are also CV writing services that can help you create or develop one but this will cost but it can be worth the price! IMPORTANT THING IS DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!!!!!
So how long does an employer look at your CV for? It is said that an employer will look at an CV for 30 seconds or so. It is in this time that you must grab the employers attention so that yours does not get put into the bin pile. This is why it is important not waffle on too much in your CV.
A CV is not just important if your looking for a job, everyone should have a CV and update it every time they gain new experience, qualifications/training and of course new employment.
When else is a CV useful for? If your currently looking for work then you will need a CV if you intend to claim JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) in the UK as it is a key criteria that you have CV and looking for work. What happen's if you have not got one???
If you have not got a CV do not worry, if you can not do a CV by yourself or from tips on here or other sites then ask for help. If your claiming state aid then your local job centre will help as well as local organisations and if you on the work programme then the training provider your with. You can easily create one with their help and guidance. There are also CV writing services that can help you create or develop one but this will cost but it can be worth the price! IMPORTANT THING IS DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!!!!!
What's In A CV? (UK Format)
Your CV should not
be any more than 2 sides of A4 in length.
Personal Details
Every CV starts with your own personal details e.g. name, date of birth, address & contact details. CONTACT DETAILS ARE A MUST for tow reasons:-
Personal Profile/Statement
An important part of the CV which gives you a chance to show an employer who you are, your personality. This is only a short paragraph and can be a difficult thing to do as a lot of people find it hard to write about themselves! Be honest with yourself & the employer, describe who you are and sell your personality. There is a section on the blog to help you achieve this!!!
Employment History
Show the employer all of your previous employment with a brief description of what your job role was. It's important you include dates of when you were employed and if you want why you left that role. Try not to waffle on over what your role was/is, you don't want to bore an employer. Keep it direct and focused. Start with your current or last job and then keep adding till you have given a full account of your employment history. If you have had any gaps in your employment history....EXPLAIN THEM! You don't want to make an employer start questioning your CV. Most times a gap is either due to family, ill health or even spell of employment. Even during these times you may have done things that could help swing the employer to interview you. Also, it helps show an employer you being honest which is a positive thing. Even if during your unemployment spell and had to go on a course or to a training provider, add it all down as it shows you were active include any volunteering too!!
Education/Qualifications
List all your qualifications you have achieved with dates and places (schools etc). Don't lie about any qualifications as if you get an interview, you will have to prove all your qualifications.
If you have received any qualifications or certificates of training in previous employment then included them as well with dates, were you achieved them and what the training/qualification was for.
Hobbies / Interests
This shows an employer a bit more about you so list what you enjoy in your free time. Putting drinking beer and sex is not a good idea and yes we have seen it done. Another opinion is to leave them out unless you can make them more related to your skills.
References
Give two people who can give a reference about you. One ideally should be your current or last employer. Give a contact name and their contact details (e.g. address or email address). If you been out for a longer period and been working with a training provider then you can use your advisor to if they agree.
Another thing that is commonly done is not to put details of your references down but instead write 'Available on request'. Which ever you use is entirely up to you and what you feel best suits your needs!
Personal Details
Every CV starts with your own personal details e.g. name, date of birth, address & contact details. CONTACT DETAILS ARE A MUST for tow reasons:-
- How do you expect an employer to contact you if they're impressed with your CV
- If an employer does not see any contact details it can give a very bad impression and not bother with your CV
Personal Profile/Statement
An important part of the CV which gives you a chance to show an employer who you are, your personality. This is only a short paragraph and can be a difficult thing to do as a lot of people find it hard to write about themselves! Be honest with yourself & the employer, describe who you are and sell your personality. There is a section on the blog to help you achieve this!!!
Employment History
Show the employer all of your previous employment with a brief description of what your job role was. It's important you include dates of when you were employed and if you want why you left that role. Try not to waffle on over what your role was/is, you don't want to bore an employer. Keep it direct and focused. Start with your current or last job and then keep adding till you have given a full account of your employment history. If you have had any gaps in your employment history....EXPLAIN THEM! You don't want to make an employer start questioning your CV. Most times a gap is either due to family, ill health or even spell of employment. Even during these times you may have done things that could help swing the employer to interview you. Also, it helps show an employer you being honest which is a positive thing. Even if during your unemployment spell and had to go on a course or to a training provider, add it all down as it shows you were active include any volunteering too!!
Education/Qualifications
List all your qualifications you have achieved with dates and places (schools etc). Don't lie about any qualifications as if you get an interview, you will have to prove all your qualifications.
If you have received any qualifications or certificates of training in previous employment then included them as well with dates, were you achieved them and what the training/qualification was for.
Hobbies / Interests
This shows an employer a bit more about you so list what you enjoy in your free time. Putting drinking beer and sex is not a good idea and yes we have seen it done. Another opinion is to leave them out unless you can make them more related to your skills.
References
Give two people who can give a reference about you. One ideally should be your current or last employer. Give a contact name and their contact details (e.g. address or email address). If you been out for a longer period and been working with a training provider then you can use your advisor to if they agree.
Another thing that is commonly done is not to put details of your references down but instead write 'Available on request'. Which ever you use is entirely up to you and what you feel best suits your needs!