CV Help/CV review. Please? :)

[BuZ]

Hello all/OCUK! Title states all.

1st page:

Mr BuZ [Not my real name xD]
[Insert Address here]
E-mail: [Insert E-mail here]
Home: [Insert number here]

Personal Profile
I am a keen, reliable and enthusiastic young person. My personal strengths include determination, generosity and consideration for others. I have a range of skills ranging from Information Technology to Communication. I am able to work well in a team and use my own initiative when required. I have a good attendance record and my time keeping is excellent. With a high regard to customer care I am always willing to learn new skills and adapt to different working environments. I feel with minimal support I will become a good asset to your organisation.

Key Skills & Qualities

• Team work
• Use own initiative
• Interpersonal skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Communication and listening skills
• I.T skill – Competent in Microsoft Office products
• Reliable
• Keen to learn

Education & Training
Nov – Dec 2012: Prince’s Trust Get Into Customer Service & Retail Programme
A four week career development programme designed to develop and enhance skills in the Customer Service & Retail industries as well as providing employability training. During this course I have studied for and achieved Open Award qualifications in Customer Service & Health & Safety Awareness. Through these modules I have developed skills in areas such as handling complaints, dealing with difficult customers, communication skills, selling skills, health and safety in the workplace, personal skills, confidence and operating as a safe, effective employee. I have also become qualified in HSE Emergency First Aid at Work.

Sept 2011 – July 2012 College

• Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma
• Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma in IT – Pass
• Level 2 Functional Skills English – Pass (GCSE Equivalent)

2006 – 2011 High School

• GCSE Mathematics – C
• GCSE Science – C
• Level 1 Functional Skills ICT – Pass
• Level 1 Functional Skills English – Pass
• OCR Level 2 National Award in Business – Pass
• OCR Level 2 National Certificate in ICT – Pass

2nd page:

Work Experience History
Asda (2 weeks work experience) – Summer 2010
Customer Assistant

• Roles and responsibilities included:
• Stacking shelves
• Cleaning shelves
• Cleaning aisles
• Working in the warehouse
• Assisting customers
• Adhering to health and safety regulations

Hobbies & Interests
I have a range of hobbies and interest and I like to keep busy in my spare time. I enjoy listening to range of different music and socialising with family and friends. I also enjoy using the computer, playing video games and using media entertainment. I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery.

References
[References here]
____________________

Just to add the title (My name, address, E-mail and number) is centre aligned and the font of the entire document/CV is Calibri. Name starts off as 14 Calibri and the title text is set to 12 and the main body text is set to 11.

I'm currently applying for jobs/any vacancies I can find relating to my experience and grades which is vastly & widely open since I am quite educated.

I also intend on increasing myself from a 'Diploma' to an 'Advanced Diploma' through an apprenticeship. I am 18 (Date of Birth for me is 16th December 1994).

As you've noticed I've edited my CV slightly to make it more private and available for reviews and help online. Especially when it comes to forums.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[aln]

Layout is important. Link to word / pdf.

 

[Mr^B]

"I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery"

Really?

 

[Transfunctioner]

"I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery"

 

[dacads]

How about something such as:

"When time allows it, I like trekking to places of great scenery where I can polish up my photography skills"

Sorry that's probably worse than yours

 

[BuZ]

"I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery"

Really?

Yes, really. It's something to add. Shows I am able to look and concentrate on certain places and parts.

"I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery"

lol. It may be to you. Although, my view is it can actually be an advantage. Like I said to the above poster.

How about something such as:

"When time allows it, I like trekking to places of great scenery where I can polish up my photography skills"

Sorry that's probably worse than yours

I could add the picture/photography skills, but I'm more of a Technical IT person. Although I do have an interest in "photography".

 

[Frxn]

Would be better with pdf as well even though you've given a description of the formatting.

I would recommend you don't put your references on it (only supply them when asked) as it could become a nuisance for them if you're successful with a number of recruiters.

"I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery"

Made me lol

 

['Harry]

You fluffed it out well

Looks good for retail work.

 

[atpbx]

I am not pulling the CV apart or running the OP down, but in don't see how he knows what work related qualities he brings to an organisation, as he's not had a job yet.
I would rewrite it and word it in a way that shows how much he is relishing the prospect of entering the work place and starting his working life.

As it reads like what it is, an 18 year old who thinks hes going to be able to stroll right in and know everything.

 

[postbox]

I often wonder why people feel the need to fill 2 pages of wishy washyness? Is it becasue you've read it has to be 2 pages max? I could condense most of that into 1 page and cut out the BS.
For e.g. you have bullet pointed 3 skills to do with aisle/shelf management, yet told me nothing about how you achieve these responsibilities?
You've listed skills - what proof do you have to back up your claims?

One last point, either add some real hobbies or don't bother - listening to music is not really a hobby unless you collect 1920s vinyl and play them on refurbished gramophones.

 

[BuZ]

You fluffed it out well

Looks good for retail work.

Thanks It scored 70% on a professional review on a job website. If I remember rightfully. As well as advisers have looked into and at it and said it is an extremely good if not excellent CV attempt and CV itself in whole.

I often wonder why people feel the need to fill 2 pages of wishy washyness? Is it becasue you've read it has to be 2 pages max? I could condense most of that into 1 page and cut out the BS.
For e.g. you have bullet pointed 3 skills to do with aisle/shelf management, yet told me nothing about how you achieve these responsibilities?
You've listed skills - what proof do you have to back up your claims?

One last point, either add some real hobbies or don't bother - listening to music is not really a hobby unless you collect 1920s vinyl and play them on refurbished gramophones.

I understand what you mean, but it shows I am interested and concentrated. Remember I am a "technical" person. The more technical pointers set out means the better.

I also like to edit and play around with music in programs (on a computer or any device capable of this of course).

I am not pulling the CV apart or running the OP down, but in don't see how he knows what work related qualities he brings to an organisation, as he's not had a job yet.
I would rewrite it and word it in a way that shows how much he is relishing the prospect of entering the work place and starting his working life.

As it reads like what it is, an 18 year old who thinks hes going to be able to stroll right in and know everything.

It's not that bad. I cannot make it exactly correct. I've got a few replies. I must have a good CV if this is the result. Everyone has different views and sees things differently. One employer could think it is bad and the next could think it is good. As long as you've mentioned the main pointers of your education, work history and personal information such as "personal profile" and your address and make sure it is set out correctly. Which it is. I can't exactly put everything centre aligned. That would look crazy and stupid.

 

[AJK]

It scored 70% on a professional review on a job website. If I remember rightfully. As well as advisers have looked into and at it and said it is an extremely good if not excellent CV attempt and CV itself in whole.

What did you miss the other 30% for? Seriously asking, as I don't know how any "professional review" can give a CV a percentage - is this based on your experience, your spelling and grammar, your bullet points, what?

I understand what you mean, but it shows I am interested and concentrated. Remember I am a "technical" person. The more technical pointers set out means the better.

What do you mean "technical"? You haven't laid out any technical skills (which is to be expected given your experience), just soft skills. Not saying that's bad, just not sure what you think you mean.

It's not that bad. I cannot make it exactly correct. I've got a few replies. I must have a good CV if this is the result. Everyone has different views and sees things differently. One employer could think it is bad and the next could think it is good. As long as you've mentioned the main pointers of your education, work history and personal information such as "personal profile" and your address and make sure it is set out correctly. Which it is. I can't exactly put everything centre aligned. That would look crazy and stupid.

You did ask for help and a review, no point just disregarding everything people say, is there?

Regarding your hobbies and interests section...

"I have a range of hobbies and interest and I like to keep busy in my spare time."
This literally doesn't mean anything.

"I enjoy listening to range of different music and socialising with family and friends."
Neither does this.

"I also enjoy using the computer, playing video games and using media entertainment."
Could be read as "I'm a loner and spend all my time by myself in front of my PC."

"I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery."
Travelling is great, but "viewing the different scenery" sounds like something a 10 year old would write, sorry.

 

[atpbx]

It's not that bad. I cannot make it exactly correct. I've got a few replies. I must have a good CV if this is the result. Everyone has different views and sees things differently. One employer could think it is bad and the next could think it is good. As long as you've mentioned the main pointers of your education, work history and personal information such as "personal profile" and your address and make sure it is set out correctly. Which it is. I can't exactly put everything centre aligned. That would look crazy and stupid.

So yeah, it comes across as it is, an 18 year old who knows everything.

 

[Mr^B]

What is this CV going to be used for? To get a job? What sort of job are you after?

 

['Harry]

Buzzzzz, listen to their advice my friend.

Many on here are well up the career ladder, so they know what a good CV is and what is trash. Yours isn't bad IMO for your age, but you do come across as a know-it-all. That won't go down well (believe me...I use to be cocksure like you)

 

[jamief]

It's not that bad. I cannot make it exactly correct. I've got a few replies. I must have a good CV if this is the result. Everyone has different views and sees things differently. One employer could think it is bad and the next could think it is good. As long as you've mentioned the main pointers of your education, work history and personal information such as "personal profile" and your address and make sure it is set out correctly. Which it is. I can't exactly put everything centre aligned. That would look crazy and stupid.

If you're going to ask for advice, please listen to those who know considerably more than you about recruitment processes, especially given that you appear to never have had a job.

I used to interview people - when looking at a CV, you generally want someone that stands out - don't list bullet points of skills - talk about what you have actually done. The 25 generic CVs end up in the bin.

 

[clv101]

I often wonder why people feel the need to fill 2 pages of wishy washyness? Is it becasue you've read it has to be 2 pages max? I could condense most of that into 1 page and cut out the BS.

Definitely cut it down to 1 page. Lose some of the fluff. Just be straight - you're looking for your first job in retail, explain why.

 

[BuZ]

I agree with everyone. Thanks. I am taking the advice, but getting to edit and change things worries me since I cannot exactly be sure if it will be better. I'm good at giving descriptions and explaining certain things and points, but the sureness of what I will put worries me.

I can't cut it down. I can increase though. I've had advisers in the job centre review it and they've said it is a good attempt as well as a Young People's Service adviser/support person. They've also given me a thumbs up for it.

Although like I said people think and see things differently to everyone else.

 

[tom_e]

I can't cut it down.

Why not? Mine is bang on 2 pages and I've got 3 or 4 of my previous jobs plus a quick run down of my degree in it alongside the usual grades, personal statement and skills.
That says to me there must be a lot of unneeded fluff in yours.

That sounds harsh but I'm not trying to be

 

['Harry]

The job centers opinion on most things is best ignored. You're a number to them, a number they don't want to see