Writing cv/Resume

Preparing for a job: CVs and interviews You want a job. Answer the following questions.

how do you give yourself competitive edge?

1 Have you decided what sort of job you really want	Yes/No
2 Have you spoken to anyone who does the sort of job you would like to do?	Yes/No
3 Have you found out about the companies you would like to work for?	Yes/No
4 Have you spoken to anyone who works for these companies?	Yes/No
5 Do you know what skills you have gained and the skills you have lost in recent years?	Yes/No
6 Have you done anything in the last year which has developed your skills?	Yes/No
7 Do you regularly read the business pages of newspapers or professional journals?	Yes/No
8 Have you talked to a recruitment agency that specialises in your area of work?	Yes/No
9 Have you written or updated your Curriculum Vitae in the last six months?	Yes/No

Score

Yes = 1 point No = 0 points

0-3 You need to spend more time on preparing yourself for a new job.

4-6 You have made a good start, but you still need to do more work to stand out from the competition.

7-9 You are in a strong position to get a new job.

Whatever your score in the quiz, your CV can put you in a strong position.

Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) should be:

• word-processed

• laser printed on good quality paper

• no longer than two pages of A4 paper

You should include:

1. Personal details

The employer wants to know who you are and how to contact you (essential information only).

2. Education

3. Work experience Don't just describe the job - stress what you achieved and what you learnt.

4. Positions of responsibility

If you do not have a lot of work experience, this section will show employers your potential.

5. Skills Be positive about your ability - never undersell your experience.

6. Interests Stress any significant achievements related to your interests.

7. Referees

• Current students and recent graduates should choose an academic referee and a personal one (this could be an employer).

• Get your referees' permission first and tell them what you are applying for and what you would like them to stress in a reference

Curriculum Vitae / CV (Am. E. Resume)

There are various layouts for a CV and this is just one example. Some C.V.s may have a section for supplementary information, where reasons for applying for the position and leaving previous and present employment are included, as well as personal qualities and skills which the candidate feels are relevant to the job. In this example, however, this material is included in the supplementary information, which is provided in covering letter for CV:

Curriculum vitae

Personal Details Address

Melanie Henderson 99 Newlands Park

Date of birth London

3.11.1978 SE30 8UJ

Tel: 0171 25650

Education

1997- present

Degree in French and Film Studies, University of London

Degree performance to date: 2.1

Specialist subjects: British Cinema, The Narrative Technique

1992 -1997

Royal Latin School, Aylesbury

4 A Levels: French (B), German (C), English (B), Film studies (A)

7 GCSEs: French (A), German (A), English (A), History (B), Art (A), Maths (B), Economics (C)

Work experience

1999

Information Officer, Futuroscope, France

Responsible for dealing with enquiries in a busy office, responding to 2,000 enquiries a week. This demonstrated my ability to retain a professional approach and a sense of humour while working under pressure.

1998

Customer Services Assistant

Provided support for customer enquiries. Dealing with customers' complaints demonstrated my ability to remain calm under pressure. Explaining complex issues simply and clearly helped me to develop my communication skills.

Positions of responsibility

In my final year at school, I helped to organise a careers fair for all final year students.

Skills

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Spreadsheets Working knowledge of French and Italian. Current clean driving license.