CVs
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a short list of facts about your education, work history, skills and experience. A good CV is essential when looking for work. It is important that you take the time to get it right so you can sell yourself to an employer.
Use your CV to make the most of yourself and your achievements. It is often the first contact you will have with an employer.
You could use this ‘CV Builder’ to construct a CV of your own scroll down to find our example.
Presenting your CV
- print your CV on good-quality, white A4 paper, in a clear font
- put your name at the top of the page – not curriculum vitae or CV
- include your address, telephone number and email address at the top
- show your career history to date , including work experience and employment history
- present the content clearly and concisely, making it easy to read and understand
- use positive language
- aim for no more than two pages
- ask someone to proofread it to check your spelling and grammar
You do not need to put your date of birth, age, or salary on your CV.
Always put your most recent job first and remember to include dates. Even if you aren't in paid employment you can refer to any work experience/placements, temporary, holiday, part-time or voluntary work that you have carried out.
Covering letter for your CV
It is good manners and professional courtesy to enclose a covering letter with your CV, giving the job reference and repeating your contact details.
While your CV gives the facts about your employment, the covering letter might explain why you are interested in the job and why it's just right for you. You must try to give the prospective employer a reason to want to read your CV.
Keep it short and to the point, one A4 page.
If you have a contact name write ‘Dear Mr Jones’ and end with ‘Yours sincerely’. If you don’t have a contact name write ‘Dear Sir / Madam’ and end with ‘Yours faithfully’.
State what the vacancy is and how you heard about it, for example, ‘With reference to your advertisement in the Daily News on 2 May.
List the skills you have that are relevant to the job. If the advert mentions motivation give an example to show how you’re motivated. Give real-life experiences or personal qualities which could make you stand out from other candidate.
Sign your name clearly. Check your spelling and grammar and make sure your letter is set out clearly and logically. Ask someone else to check it over for you.
Enclose your CV with the letter or attach it if sending it by email.
Name
House number and street
Sunderland
Postcode
Mobile
Home telephone number
I am currently studying towards GSCE examinations, following thisI am looking to attend Southmoor Sixth Form. I am currently a Police Cadet which will further develop my skills and knowledge around working with the public. My eventual career goal is to work within the police force.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
School/College attended:Leaving date:
Southmoor Academy June 2015
Subjects studied:Exams Taken:Results:
MathsGCSEC
English LanguageGCSEC
English LiteratureGCSEC
Core ScienceGCSEC
Additional scienceGCSEC
GermanGCSEC
ArtGCSEC
HistoryGCSEC
Performing artsGCSEC
Other courses taken:
Currently completing Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards.
EMPLOYMENT
Employer: Job Title:From: To:
Mackintosh PapersShop assistant03/05/15 Present
Roles and Responsibilities:
Cash handling
Customer Service
Stock Check
Skills and abilities:
Confidence
Hard working
Punctual
Trustworthy
Interests and hobbies:
Police Cadets
Football
Gym
Socialising
REFERENCES
Head of HouseMr B Mackintosh
Southmoor SchoolMackintosh Papers
Ryhope Road43 Tynedale Avenue
SunderlandSunderland
Tyne and WearTyne and Wear
SR2 7TFSR2 9SA
0191 553 76000191 567 9824