Preparing Your CV

What is a CV?

Curriculum Vitae is Latin and means “the course of your life”.

Why do I need a CV?

 It is the first point of contact between a potential employer and yourself.  A CV can get or lose you an interview  A good CV can get you the interview. The rest is up to you!

What is a potential employer looking for?  Easy to read  Sufficient but not excessive details  Good personal profile  That you spent time preparing your CV

CV Content and Layout

 Keep it simple  Make it clear  Keep it short

Personal Details Name (first name and surname only), address, phone, DOB Education Secondary – not primary Employment Including work experience Interests Including hobbies, sports Personal Profile Your best points References People who will provide a character reference for you – get their permission first

Completing Your CV Template

Use the completed CV as a guide to help you fill in your details onto the CV template you have been provided with.

You will need to complete:

 Your personal details – name, address, mobile etc  Any GCSE’s/qualificatiaons you have already gained  The subjects you are studying, and predicted grades  Name of your work experience placement  List the duties you undertook on your placement  Your achievements  Your hobbies and interests  The name and address of a person who is prepared to write a reference for you, remember to ask them first