how to make a good cv
- Thread starter andyuk1
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Soldato
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- Scottish Highlands
Damn I just wrote a fair bit of spiel and lost it.
Anyway, to summarise:
- Keep it under 2 pages unless you are over 30.
- Tailor it to the job you are applying for
- Include a stunning covering letter
Thats about it really. Don't know more about your situation so I can't really help. Google can though!
Anyway, to summarise:
- Keep it under 2 pages unless you are over 30.
- Tailor it to the job you are applying for
- Include a stunning covering letter
Thats about it really. Don't know more about your situation so I can't really help. Google can though!
Soldato
- Joined
- 1 Sep 2005
- Posts
- 10,001
- Location
- Scottish Highlands
All valid points, but this point is hugely important. Employers will have a list (in their head or otherwise) of things that need ticking when they meet a candidate. When you look at a job advert, try and work out all of the points they are after. Then tailor you CV so that it ticks as many, if not all of the points covered in the advert. Mass spamming of a CV generally does not work.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am currently seeking a new job. But I require a Curriculum Vitae. Are there any good websites that can provide me with inspiration for the layout of said document? A website containing templates would also be desirable.
Sincerely andyuk1
Fixed.
Tsk, you should never start a sentence with "But". The first line should read "I am currently seeking a new job but I require a Curriculum Vitae."
Where did you go to school?
Soldato
- Joined
- 2 Jun 2004
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- 18,423
Search on here for "Curriculum Vitae".
You'll get at least 73 million results for threads about how to make a good CV.
You'll get at least 73 million results for threads about how to make a good CV.
To inform them of your intentions and why you would make a good candidate for the job?
Last edited:
CV should be 2 pages long unless you have a Level 6 qualification in which case i would allow 3 max. I've copied in some extracts from an old clients CV:
Write in any of the following fonts: Tahoma, Arial, Comic Sans or Verdana and use First or 3rd Person, note: 3rd Person is generally reserved for more professional posts
Name (Font Size 16 and in bold)
Address 1 (All the rest of the text in Font Size 12)
Address 2
Address 3
Postcode
Mobile: 07012 345678
Email: [email protected]
^This needs to be centred
Summary
A loyal, dependable Sales Professional with over 8 years knowledge and expertise. Able to adapt quickly to a the demands of the environment, whilst maintaining high work ethics and standards. Familiar with aspects of insurance processes and procedures as well as a strong base of competence with computers and in house software and systems. Furthermore is eager and willing to learn new skills and undertake new training.
Education and Training
2004-2005 College
Course @ Level 3
1998-2003 High School
5*GCSE’s Grades A-B
GNVQ Full Intermediate ICT Pass
Work History
Jun 08-Present Company Limited
Job Title: Inbound Sales Advisor
Duties:
• To handle inbound calls from prospective clients
• Use of most CDL programs
• Listen carefully to what the clients say as anything could change the price you give them
• Self motivated and eager to succeed within the environment
• To make both commission and profit for the company at same time as winning new business
Sept 07-Jun 08 The Group
Job Title: In/Outbound Retention Sales Advisor
Duties:
• Take inbound and make outbound calls
• To retain people who are wishing to cancel their insurance/retain people who have already cancelled
• To be self motivated and resilient
Nov 02-Sept 07 Currys (DSGi)
Job Titles: Sales Assistant/Product Specialist
Duties:
• Providing in depth product knowledge and support, focusing on closing a deal there and then
• Working on repair bay on computer systems (OS Installs/Hardware fixes)
• Communication skills were a must for this role
• Been able to handle clients that were somewhat high tempered due to faulty item/failed delivery etc
• Maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues
• Assisting Management with any necessary stock/sales queries and support on a regular basis
• Maintaining a high standard to keep company rapport high
Hobbies and Interests
At present these include driving, music, films, gaming and socialising with family and friends.
References Available on Request
This is a very solid and typical layout. What i would say contrary to advice given on here is do not use internet templates... they seriously suck. I've heard very few people have success with them and whats more i have in the past sent templates out to see what employers think... and its not good.
Tayloring your CV is an important part of it (generally speaking)... someone mentioned spec letters on here. If you are sending out a CV on spec (as in just seeing if the company has jobs) as opposed to application letter (sending specific for a role you have seen) keep the spec letter really short and to the point, let your CV do the talking.
For an application letter, because if you know theres a job there must also be a person and job spec, you need to marry both parts of your CV and your Application letter to these descriptions...
For example an Application letter should be similar to this:
Dear Mike Hunt,
RE: Vacancy of Super User
I am submitting my CV for the position of Alpha Male Ubermench based on the Job Specification due to:
• Strong knowledge of CDL software (via daily use) and able to fully utilise branches A, I, C and J
• Familiar with the majority of ABC Policies
• Have never missed an add-on sales target
• Comfortable to quote Public Liability and Tradewise (and fully signed off on this)
• I have a thirst for knowledge and willing to try something new/exciting with variety
• Comfortable assisting new starters with T&D
• An exemplary record of TCF
• Target driven and resilient
• Eager and willing to undertake further training to enhance my skills base
In addition I would also like to add that from a personal point of view this would prove a massive step up the ladder within ALPHA UBER, something I made clear at my interview I have a hunger to do come long or short term.
Should you have any further questions/queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
You
... Spec Letters are much more basic:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Possible Vacancy
I am writing (say why) to ABC (continue for 3 lines)
I have enclosed my CV for your viewing yada yada yada don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions...
Yours faithfully
You
This should be ample way to go... if you want to get a CV done right get it done professionally... do not go to Connexions they do some of the worst, most inaccurate, most lieing CV's i've ever laid eyes upon.
Some in Connexions say you can lie on a CV... i say bend the truth but don't lie cus you'll get found out somewhere...
Hope this puts a good start for you...
Oh and for gods sake... don't put CV or Curriculum Vitae at the top... employers know exactly what they'll be looking at
Write in any of the following fonts: Tahoma, Arial, Comic Sans or Verdana and use First or 3rd Person, note: 3rd Person is generally reserved for more professional posts
Name (Font Size 16 and in bold)
Address 1 (All the rest of the text in Font Size 12)
Address 2
Address 3
Postcode
Mobile: 07012 345678
Email: [email protected]
^This needs to be centred
Summary
A loyal, dependable Sales Professional with over 8 years knowledge and expertise. Able to adapt quickly to a the demands of the environment, whilst maintaining high work ethics and standards. Familiar with aspects of insurance processes and procedures as well as a strong base of competence with computers and in house software and systems. Furthermore is eager and willing to learn new skills and undertake new training.
Education and Training
2004-2005 College
Course @ Level 3
1998-2003 High School
5*GCSE’s Grades A-B
GNVQ Full Intermediate ICT Pass
Work History
Jun 08-Present Company Limited
Job Title: Inbound Sales Advisor
Duties:
• To handle inbound calls from prospective clients
• Use of most CDL programs
• Listen carefully to what the clients say as anything could change the price you give them
• Self motivated and eager to succeed within the environment
• To make both commission and profit for the company at same time as winning new business
Sept 07-Jun 08 The Group
Job Title: In/Outbound Retention Sales Advisor
Duties:
• Take inbound and make outbound calls
• To retain people who are wishing to cancel their insurance/retain people who have already cancelled
• To be self motivated and resilient
Nov 02-Sept 07 Currys (DSGi)
Job Titles: Sales Assistant/Product Specialist
Duties:
• Providing in depth product knowledge and support, focusing on closing a deal there and then
• Working on repair bay on computer systems (OS Installs/Hardware fixes)
• Communication skills were a must for this role
• Been able to handle clients that were somewhat high tempered due to faulty item/failed delivery etc
• Maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues
• Assisting Management with any necessary stock/sales queries and support on a regular basis
• Maintaining a high standard to keep company rapport high
Hobbies and Interests
At present these include driving, music, films, gaming and socialising with family and friends.
References Available on Request
This is a very solid and typical layout. What i would say contrary to advice given on here is do not use internet templates... they seriously suck. I've heard very few people have success with them and whats more i have in the past sent templates out to see what employers think... and its not good.
Tayloring your CV is an important part of it (generally speaking)... someone mentioned spec letters on here. If you are sending out a CV on spec (as in just seeing if the company has jobs) as opposed to application letter (sending specific for a role you have seen) keep the spec letter really short and to the point, let your CV do the talking.
For an application letter, because if you know theres a job there must also be a person and job spec, you need to marry both parts of your CV and your Application letter to these descriptions...
For example an Application letter should be similar to this:
Dear Mike Hunt,
RE: Vacancy of Super User
I am submitting my CV for the position of Alpha Male Ubermench based on the Job Specification due to:
• Strong knowledge of CDL software (via daily use) and able to fully utilise branches A, I, C and J
• Familiar with the majority of ABC Policies
• Have never missed an add-on sales target
• Comfortable to quote Public Liability and Tradewise (and fully signed off on this)
• I have a thirst for knowledge and willing to try something new/exciting with variety
• Comfortable assisting new starters with T&D
• An exemplary record of TCF
• Target driven and resilient
• Eager and willing to undertake further training to enhance my skills base
In addition I would also like to add that from a personal point of view this would prove a massive step up the ladder within ALPHA UBER, something I made clear at my interview I have a hunger to do come long or short term.
Should you have any further questions/queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
You
... Spec Letters are much more basic:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Possible Vacancy
I am writing (say why) to ABC (continue for 3 lines)
I have enclosed my CV for your viewing yada yada yada don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions...
Yours faithfully
You
This should be ample way to go... if you want to get a CV done right get it done professionally... do not go to Connexions they do some of the worst, most inaccurate, most lieing CV's i've ever laid eyes upon.
Some in Connexions say you can lie on a CV... i say bend the truth but don't lie cus you'll get found out somewhere...
Hope this puts a good start for you...
Oh and for gods sake... don't put CV or Curriculum Vitae at the top... employers know exactly what they'll be looking at
Last edited:
Who said?
But can be used to start a sentence as there is no restriction to its use that way although it is mostly used in informal writing than formal so depending on content use your words wisely, eggface!
Associate
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- 15 Jun 2009
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- 215
- Location
- Wales!
Customise it for it for the job your applying to!
