Your guide to writing your CV

A CV, sometimes known as Curriculum Vitae, is a summary of your education, work

history, and the skills and experience you have.

A good CV should:

Attract attention
Create a good impression
Present your relevant skills and qualities clearly and concisely

The Aim of the CV: The purpose of the CV is to show a prospective employer that you have the
necessary qualities to do the job you are applying for. Its aim is to get you an interview with the
employer, so it needs to clearly show that you have:
The specific skills needed for the job
The personal qualities for the job
An understanding of the specific requirements of the job

Keep it simple: The easier the CV is to read the better. An advertised job vacancy will often
attract loads of replies. It can take a prospective employer ages to read through them all. The best way
to make sure yours get read is to:
Keep it short no more than two A4 pages
Keep it clear make it easy to read. A CV should always be typewritten and laid out with clear
section headings that are in a logical order and are easy to follow
Keep it relevant The employer usually has two main questions in mind when looking for a potential
employee:
Is this person able to do the job?
Will this person fit in with the rest of us?

Positive Descriptions: As well as using positive word to describe yourself, there are also a
variety of ways to describe your strengths. Instead of saying I am good at.. you could say:
Skilled at
A skilful.
Competent in.
Extremely good at.
Familiar with.
Excellent at.
With the ability to.
Very good at.
A talent for.
Qualified to.

Desirable Qualities: The following characteristics are rated the most desirable by the majority
of employers. Although many of them seem quite obvious, they are the sort of thing

that can be easily forgotten.

Employers prefer someone who is:

Reliable
Punctual
Trustworthy
Friendly
Willing to learn
Enthusiastic
Accurate
Able to work as part of a team
Able to follow instructions accuately
Able to work with customers or clients

Employers look for someone who:

Has a positive attitude

Takes pride in their work
Has a suitable appearance
Has intiative

Employers would rather not employ people who are:

Dishonest
Unreliable
Irresponsible
Arrogant
Bad at time-keeping
Unable to follow instructions
Constant complainers
Lacking in motivation
Lacking in enthusiasm

however many GCSEs you may have!!!

Finding the right words is often the hardest part of writing a CV.

Personal Characteristics
These words describe personal attributes that are often seen as positive and useful. Choose the words
that describe you best.

Able
Accurate
Adaptable
Adventurous
Alert
Ambitious
Assertive
Astute
Bilingual (speak
different
languages)
Bright
Calm
Capable
Competent
Confident
Consistent
Creative
Decisive
Dedicated
Dependable
Diplomatic
Dynamic

Educated
Effective
Efficient
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Fast
Firm
Fit
Flexible
Friendly
Gregarious
(outgoing, happy)
Hardworking
Healthy
Honest
Imaginative
Independent
Informed
Intelligent
Inventive
Knowledgeable
Literate
Loyal

Mature
Methodical
Motivated
Objective
Open-minded
Organised
Outgoing
Outstanding
Patient
People-orientated
Perceptive
Practical
Professional
Punctual
Qualified
Quick
Quick-thinking
Rational
Ready
Realistic
Reliable
Responsible

Self-motivated
Self-assured
Self-confident
Sensitive
Skilled
Serious
Smart
Stable
Tactful
Trustworthy
Thoughtful
Thorough
Trained
Versatile
Willing
Witty
Well-groomed
Well-educated
Young
Youthful

All the headings below are things that you would find in any CV. By using this template as
a rough guide to your CV, youll find writing the real thing that much easier.

Try and think carefully about each heading. You may not think you have anything to say
for certain areas, but youd be surprised. Think about your school life, home life, working
experience a CV can include all sorts of things.

Try and write something for each section. Easy basics first:
NAME
ADDRESS

Telephone:
If you have a mobile or email address, include them you want to give employers as many ways to
contact you as possible.
HOME
MOBILE
EMAIL ADDRESS

Personal Statement:
Very important you need to sell yourself as best as possible use words from the Buzz Words sheet
remember this is your first opportunity to impress an employer.

EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENTS

I am a well organised, hardworking and reliable school leaver with previous work experience, now
seeking a permanent employment opportunity.
I am hardworking, trustworthy, practical and I like working in a team and learning new skills.
I am a good communicator who enjoys responsibility and meeting deadlines. I would like the
opportunity to develop these skills and qualities.
I am a confident, enthusiastic lively individual who enjoys meeting people from all backgrounds.
I am hard working, reliable and motivated with the ability to work under pressure. I enjoy a challenge
and take pride in the work I do.

 I am an excellent communicator and willing to take any training to learn new skills.
I have experience in customer services, sales and administration. I am looking for a position where I
work with people in a customer service environment.
I am a polite and co operative person and I am keen to develop my practical skills. I would be
interested in undertaking an NVQ qualification.
I have good practical skills in painting and decorating. I have a good eye for detail and always aim to
produce work of good quality and take pride in my work.
I am confident with figures and pay attention to detail. I am interested in developing these skills in a
commercial environment.
I am a sociable person who enjoys meeting and working with people. I have good keyboard skills and
would like to develop a career in office administration.

Education:
What Secondary School and/or College you went to dates are important & you can include the town
and/or county.

School/College

Date Attended (month and year)

Qualifications:
GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs, City and Guilds etc, any certificates you may have been awarded from a first-aid
certificate to a driving license. Put down title/subject & grade.

Subject

Type i.e GCSE

Grade

Employment:
Write the name of the company, the dates you worked there and what your duties involved e.g. dealing
with the public. Dont forget to add in any school work experience. Job title, company name & dates of
work.

Company & Address

Job Title & Duties

Dates

Employment Skills:
What skills have you gained through working / work experience / at school or helping out at home? It
may be that you recognise you are a good team member, have good organisational skills, are punctual
and good at timekeeping. This section does require some thought.
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

Interests:
It is important to put something here. You dont want to sound wooden so if you like the cinema and
reading explain a bit about your favourite author or type of film you prefer. If you take part in
motorcross for example say where you ride and the type of bike you own.

Painting

* Keeping Fit

* Reading

* Sports

* Charity Work

References:
The most common thing to write here is available on request but if you know the details you can put
them in. It is important to ask permission first referees may respond better if they know the request is
coming!

Name :
Position :
Tel:
Address:

Name :
Position :
Tel:
Address

(If you fill in the above you will have a permanent record and can use this template for
reference when you fill in other application forms)
There are plenty of other headings you could use. If there is a heading that you want to include but doesnt
feature in this template, you can add it or expand on one of the existing headings.
A CV is a very individual thing, feel free to put a bit of yourself into your CV.

1. Make sure that your CV is between 1 and 2 pages (no longer)

2. Always attach a covering letter or speculative letter with your CV
3. Always check the spelling and grammar on your CV (do not just rely on the spell check)
4. Keep sentences short and where possible use bullet points
5. Be honest Dont lie
6. Use an easy to read, conventional font such as Times New Roman or Arial

7. Keep the recruiter in mind and make your CV specific

8. Dont make your font too small or large (12 is generally appropriate)
9. Be clear and concise dont waffle
10. Dont include irrelevant information such as primary school achievements
KEY SKILLS FOR YOUR CV

Enjoy learning new skills

Aware of hygiene and Health and Safety in the work place
Trustworthy, Honest and Dependable
Works well under pressure
Good telephone manner

Multi Lingual in English, Hindi and French

Good IT skills
Flexible
Enjoy mixing with people
Good childcare skills

Able to work well in a team

Fast learner who will undertake any training
IT knowledge in word, excel and access
Good numeracy skills
Enjoy providing practical care for people

Enjoys operating machines and equipments

Good with using tools
Enjoy making and repairing things
Excellent technical drawing skills
Knowledge of electrical and electronic equipments

o
o
o
o
o

Enthusiastic and full of stamina

Very patient understandable and caring
A responsible, dependable and caring person
Plenty of common sense and initiative
Able to get on well people from all background

A quick and accurate worker

Talented songwriter
Helpful and responsible
Responsible and well organised
Able to concentrate in a busy environment

A creative imagination
Able to think logically
Ability to meet deadlines
Speak clearly and pleasantly
Good appearance and smart
Enjoy problem solving
Able to follow written instructions and use diagrams
A careful and responsible attitude
An interest in science and technology
An interest in how things work

Able to analyse complex information

Honest and trustworthy

 Good with my hands

Safe and careful
Friendly and approachable
A good eye for style
A high standard of hygiene

EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR YOUR CV

Young and enthusiastic person, who enjoys working as part of a team . Ability to
follow instructions well and enjoys learning new skills.
Friendly and polite person who enjoys working with other people in a team or alone.
A quick learner and enthusiastic person with good communication and telephone skills.

A bright out going and talented young lady.

Has both acting and musical abilities including song writing, guitar, solo singing and
experience of live theatre performance.
Values and understand the need for dedication, commitment and hard work in order
to progress and ultimately succeed.
Also interested in back stage and related industry jobs for useful experience and
possible alternative career.
Is a very punctual and well spoken individual who has a good telephone manner.
Has caring and compassionate nature, who enjoys taking care of children both with educational and
physical needs.

An individual who is looking for a position where he can continue to use his Information
Technology skills and learn new ideas.
An excellent communicator who has the ability to motivate others and lead by example.

Enjoys customer care and meeting sales targets.

Good interpersonal skills which enables me to interact well with others.
A hands on person who enjoys using tools and equipments.

A young enthusiastic person, who is a team player and a good timekeeper, is also a hard worker
and who has the capability to learn fast. Can work as alone and has a mature attitude to life.
A patient person who is capable of working alone or with others. An individual who is

looking for a position where he can use his Information Technology skills and learn ideas.

A responsible and enthusiastic person who is flexible and adaptable in the workplace.
Has experience in customer service along with great interpersonal skills. Hard working and
always punctual who enjoys working with others.
An enthusiastic trainee hairdresser who is a conscientious and reliable worker enjoy learning new skills and is willing to undertake any
training required.
A reasonably fit person who is able to climb and bend and use my hands.
Able to follow drawings and instructions while working safely and carefully.
Knowledge of some motor mechanic tools and are able to use this to a great extent.
A patient, tolerant and sensitive individual who enjoys taking care of young children.

A CV is a vital document for job hunting. It gives a clear summary of

your education, work experience, knowledge and skills. Many
employers will ask you to send your CV when you apply for a job.
You can also send it to employers who have not yet advertised a
vacancy.
In the current job market, employers receive many CVs for their vacancies.
They tend to glance over CVs quickly. You need to ensure that your CV is eye
catching and interesting. You need to sell yourself.

Your CV should be:

Well designed and presented

Produced on a computer
A maximum of 2 sides
Concise, to the point, factual
Targeted at the employers needs/job description

Employers are usually looking for particular skills or personal qualities, such as the
ability to use a computer keyboard, good communication skills (with business
clients and colleagues), ability to use initiative, organisational skills, flexibility,
teamwork and the ability to cope with pressure. When applying for positions, pick
out the skills required and demonstrate that you have them.

In your CV, the following should be included:

Personal Details:

Full name, address, telephone/mobile number, date of birth, e-mail

Personal Statement:

This is a short, snappy statement about yourself outlining your career aims. If you are
applying for a number of different jobs you may need to do several CVs each with
a different Personal Statement.

 Skills:

Include keyboard skills with speeds, knowledge of software

packages, any languages that you can speak etc. Look at skills
list if you need help.

Education and Qualifications

:
Secondary school/College with dates. List your qualifications with
grades or predicted grades.

Work Experience:

Include full-time and part-time work, paid and voluntary. For each job
include dates, the name of the employers and the main duties
undertaken.

Interests:

These may not be directly related to your application but you

should include them in order to tell a prospective employer more
about yourself.
Remember most employers like applicants who can work as a
member of a team eg sports or drama. Show your level of
achievement, how long you have been involved and positions of
responsibility. Describe your interests music is not enough
you need to say if you sing, write, play an instrument or are a
member of a band.
Do not list any interests you could not talk about in an interview.

References:

It is best to include the names and addresses of two references

one should be from school or college and one can be from
someone who knows you well not a relative. Always ask
permission before putting down a name.

Layout:

Avoid solid blocks of script

Use space to emphasise points and make the sections
stand out

Have it checked for spelling and

grammar before sending it out

Personal Qualities
adaptable
assertive
versatile
precise
energetic
honest
hard working
organised
flexible
responsible
mature
self motivated
confident
ambitious
efficient
quick to learn
creative

Power Words
achieved
co-ordinated
developed
improved
supervised
proposed
prepared
planned
negotiated
introduced
identified
implemented

Action Words
analysed
completed
created
demonstrated
designed
evalued
set up
delivered

Skills
teamwork
numeracy and literacy
punctual
research skills
time management
driving licence
problem solving
social skills
budgeting
reliable
computer literacy Microsoft Word/Excel

C0VERING LETTERS
Some suggestions to help you

Unless specifically asked for a hand written letter, it is better to use the word processor
First impressions count so make sure your letter looks good the
layout is as important as the content.
Lucy Green
123 Bromley Road
Bromley
Kent BR1 4BC
Mrs Jane Smith
Recruitment Manager
Acorn Insurance
22 High Street
Bromley
Kent BR1 5LM

You have
one chance
to make a
first
impression!

Include the
name, if known:
otherwise begin
with Dear
Sir/Madam

1st July 2009

Dear Mrs Smith

I am writing with reference to the position of Office Administrator which
I saw advertised in the Connexions Centre on 1st July 2009.
I left school last summer after taking my GCSEs. I have been working
in a local supermarket part time for the past few months and attending
Orpington College in the evening to retake my GCSE English
Language.
I now want to move into full time work in an office and feel this would
be an ideal first job. I am keen to work hard and would enjoy the
challenge of doing a variety of tasks. I am especially keen on
reception work where I can have contact with members of the public
and use my communication skills. I am also interested in gaining
further training as mentioned in the advertisement.

I enclose my CV and look forward to hearing from you.

I am available for interview every morning.
Yours sincerely

Lucy Green

Say which
position you are
applying for and
where and when
you saw it
advertised
Discuss your current
position and any
work experience you
have undertaken
which is relevant to
the position you are
applying for

Outline skills you

have which you
know are needed.
Emphasise your
enthusiasm and
why you are
suitable

If you start with the

name of the person,
end with Yours
sincerely. If you
start with Dear
Sir/Madam, end with
Yours faithfully

TOM CALCUTT
123 Orpington Road
Bromley
Kent
BR2 2AB
Telephone: 020 8466 1234
Mobile: 07980 123456
Date of Birth: 23rd May 1988

NEED A FEW
SUGGESTIONS
?
A short sharp
paragraph
explaining
your career
aim

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I am a keen, enthusiastic and confident school leaver

with retail experience who is seeking employment in an
office environment. I am willing to learn new skills and
build up qualifications.
KEY SKILLS

Strong team member

Sociable and friendly

Include gained
grades.
If unknown write
awaiting results

Good IT skills can use Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Access

Reliable and punctual
Well organised

EDUCATION
1999 - 2004
2004 GCSEs

Hall School Downham Road Bromley Kent BR2 3EF

English Language
C
Mathematics
C
ICT
C
Double science
DD
Art
D

WORK EXPERIENCE
September 2004 present:
Headway Boutique Bromley BR1 6GH
Duties
Assisting customers with purchases
Stock control and replenishment
Display work
Dealing with complaints
May 2003 School work experience: Cosmos Travel Bromley BR1 3FG
Duties
Answering the telephone
Sending out information packs
Word processing documents
Photocopying
INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
I am a keen footballer and regularly play for my team, Bromley United. Last year we
were area runners up in the Under 16 League. I train with them every Wednesday
evening and have matches on a Saturday.
I like going out, particularly to the cinema and enjoy watching adventure films.
For the past two years I have looked after my neighbours children when
required and in school have been part of the `buddy scheme working with
younger pupils. I have my silver merit award.
REFERENCES
Mrs A Whitehead
Head of Year
Hall School
Downham Road
Bromley
Kent BR2 3EF
020 8466 9876

Mr Tom Jones
Family Friend
22 Oak Gardens
Orpington
Kent BR6 7RS
01689 345678

Make sure the

most recent
activity is listed
first

Include any work

experience that
you have
attended, plus
school/college
work experience
Write a
paragraph on
your interests,
expanding in
certain areas
where possible
Include two
references,
someone who is
from your school
or college, and
someone who
knows you well
enough to
comment on your
character. They
cannot be relatives

Career choice/careers information and advice

www.direct.gov.uk/youngpeople
Click on 'Work and careers' for advice for young people.
www.icould.com
The icould website has lots of short films, featuring real people talking about their jobs.
www.careers-gateway.co.uk
Information on job seeking and links to specific careers websites.
www.careersa-z.co.uk
Has links to websites relating to a wide range of careers.

Further education, training and lifelong learning

www.ucasprogress.com
Allows you to search for courses at schools, colleges and work-based learning providers across the UK.
www.direct.gov.uk/14-19prospectus
The 14-19 area-wide prospectus, through which you can find out about learning opportunities for young people
in your area.
www.direct.gov.uk/nextstep
The 'Find a course' search facility gives details of courses in England at all qualification levels.
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
For information about Apprenticeships in England and to search for vacancies.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/educationandlearning
Includes information on learning for 14- to 19-year-olds and adult learners.
www.hotcourses.com
Allows you to search for courses across the UK at all qualification levels.

Higher education
www.direct.gov.uk/en/educationandlearning
Click on 'University and higher education' for all kinds of information including how to find a suitable course and
student life.
www.ucas.com
For advice and information on university courses, a course search facility, and to apply online.
www.ukcoursefinder.com
Helps you research your ideal higher education course.
www.hotcourses.com
Includes a higher education course search facility.
www.direct.gov.uk/unistats
The official website to help you compare subjects at different universities in the UK.
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Provides information on student financial support for those living in England.
www.unofficial-guides.com
For the student's-eye view of what different universities are like.
www.opendays.com
CV Template

Connexions

15

Find out when universities and colleges are holding open days and book your place online.

Job vacancies
www.direct.gov.uk/jobseekers
Includes a job search facility, plus details of Jobcentre Plus programmes and services, and advice about job
hunting.
www.lgjobs.com
For vacancies in local government at all levels.
www.jobs.nhs.uk
For vacancies in the NHS.
The following are just some of the many commercial job search websites. They carry vacancies for thousands of
jobs in the UK and, sometimes, overseas. You can post your CV on many of these websites.
www.fish4.co.uk
www.jobsite.co.uk
www.monster.co.uk
www.reed.co.uk
www.jobs.guardian.co.uk
WWW.E4S.CO.UK

Advice and information on wider issues

www.thesite.org
A site for young people, managed by the charity YouthNet UK. It includes information on all kinds of issues,
including sex and relationships, health, drink and drugs, law and money.
www.childline.org.uk
Provides advice to children and young people on a variety of issues from bullying to abuse.
www.youngminds.org.uk
The website of a national charity dedicated to improving the mental health of children and young people lots of
information on a range of personal issues.
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/advice
Includes advice on lifestyle and relationship issues.
N.B. There are lots of websites that deal with specific issues or problems, from gambling to eating disorders.
These websites are listed within the relevant lifestyle leaflets in this series.

Other useful sites

www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
A website dedicated to providing information on the options available to young people who don't want to go to
university, including Apprenticeships, gap years, finding a job and distance learning courses.
www.worksmart.org.uk
The TUC site giving information about rights at work includes information for working students, under-18s and
on employment of young people under school-leaving age.
www.disabilityalliance.org
Information for people with disabilities, including disabled students.
www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople
Advice and information for disabled people on employment, financial support, education and learning and other
issues.
www.do-it.org.uk
A database of UK volunteering opportunities. It suggests options taking into account your interests and the times
you are available.
CV Template
Connexions
16

www.timebank.org.uk
Also allows you to search for volunteering opportunities in the UK.
www.volunteering.org.uk
For information on volunteering in England.

http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/apprenticeships/
Careers with Construction skills
www.future-talent.com
Apprenticeships

CV Template

Connexions

17