CV Support/help needed (Many thanks in advance)

BuZ

BuZ

BuZ

Associate
Joined
26 Oct 2011
Posts
684
Location
The Universe
Hello all,

I am wanting to actually apply and search for part-time work while undergoing my college education.

I am thinking of going to university in another country, such Sweden or Finland so I will need to get some sort of formal paid work experience down on my CV.

I am hoping that someone could at least support me, help me or rewrite certain areas of my CV for me.

I'd appreciate this so much; that is if someone is able to help me and give me advice or better still rewrite parts for me to a better standard (being more formal, professional and higher graded).

I have used the following layout:

  • Font = Calibri
  • Name = 14 Calibri
  • Sub headings (e.g. address, e-mail, phone personal profile, etc) = 12 Calibri
  • Main body text = 11 Calibri

I have tried several other fonts and don't seem to like them, so I stick to the default font of most documents, which is formerly called Calibri. I find it the most easiest to read, write and understand as well as the layout being good enough to read and set things out correctly, saving space, etc.

Many thanks/thank you in advance,

BuZ!

I've also changed and edited the my name, towns and details to hide my identity from the internet.

Mr BuZ
Address
Home: Number (Evenings only) E-mail: E-mail here

Personal Profile
I am a keen, reliable, optimistic and enthusiastic individual. My personal strengths include determination, generosity and consideration for others. I have a wide range of skills ranging from Information Technology to Communication. I have an excellent attendance and punctuality record. With a high regard to customer care I am always willing to learn new skills and adapt to changing environments. From this I feel I will become a good asset to your organisation.

Key Skills & Qualities
• Ability to use own initiative, problem solving, motivation, interpersonal skills, adaptable and flexible, questioning and answering skills, team worker, customer service skills, negotiating skills, hospitable and welcoming, health and safety in the workplace, and keen to learn (touch up on old skills and interested in learning new skills).
• I.T. Skills – I am competent in a selection of Microsoft products, e.g. Microsoft Office and Windows XP to 7 as well as a wide range of technical knowledge, e.g. hardware and software.

Work Experience History
Mar 2014 – June/July 2014: College (Town, County)
Part-time teacher assistant and technician shadowing
Roles and responsibilities included:
• Helping fellow students in several classes, helping the college’s IT support team with diagnosing a range of faults and helping additional classes in lower levels below Level 3, e.g. Level 2.

2014 – Present: British Heart Foundation – Charity organisation (Town, County)
Volunteer/ Work Experience
Roles and responsibilities included:
• Cashier/desk and checkout assistant, stacking shelves and shop floor, maintaining shop floor and cleaning aisles, warehouse assistant/working in the warehouse and assisting customers, ensuring high levels of customer service.
• Adhering to shop rules and health and safety regulations

June – July 2010: ASDA (Town, County)
Customer Assistant/Work experience
Roles and responsibilities included:
• Stacking shelves, maintaining store cleanliness, cashier/desk and checkout assistant, working in the warehouse and assisting customers, ensuring high levels of customer service.
• Adhering to health and safety regulations

Education & Training
Sept 2013 – Present (July 2015): College (Town, County)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT (Networking & Systems Support) (pending)
• Microsoft Certificate (pending)
• GCSE English (pending)
• Student Representative for my tutor group/course

Nov – Dec 2012: Prince’s Trust Get into Customer Service & Retail (Town, County)
A four week career development programme designed to develop and enhance skills in the Customer Service & Retail industries as well as providing employability training. Here are the qualifications and skills I gained and developed in:
• Achieved Open Award qualifications in Customer Service and Health and Safety Awareness.
• Became qualified in HSE Emergency First Aid at Work.
• Developed skills in areas such as handling complaints, dealing with difficult customers, communication skills, selling skills, health and safety in the workplace, personal skills and operating as a safe and effective employee.

Sept 2011 – July 2012: College (Town, County)
• BTEC Level 2 Diploma in IT (Networking & Systems Support) – Pass
• Functional Skills English Level 2 (GCSE English grade C equivalent)

Sept 2006 – July 2011: College (Town, County)
• GCSE Mathematics grade C, GCSE Science grade C and GCSE English grade E
• OCR Level 2 National Certificate in ICT – Pass
• OCR Level 2 National Certificate in Business – Pass
• Functional Skills English and ICT Level 1 (GCSE grade D equivalent)

Hobbies & Interests
I have a range of hobbies and interests and I like to keep myself busy in my spare time. I enjoy listening to range of different music genres and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy the use of a computer, using media entertainment and keeping in touch with friends overseas. On a number of occasions I have assisted family, friends and their families out whenever they have a computer/technical related issue. Volunteering with British Heart Foundation is also one of my hobbies and interests because I care about my future. On top of everything else I also take pleasure in travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery.

References available upon request

If anyone needs to see the official document, request it and tell me what to upload it to and convert it to (e.g. PDF, etc).
 
Why not just upload the file so we can see the formatting properly?

I'd remove "References available upon request" as it's a given.
Bit like putting CV at the top. We know it's a CV and we know you will have references.

Also, "evenings only"? You're not selling a car! Why not put your mobile, and let them leave you a voicemail?
Seriously, who is going to call you in the evening for a job? They'll be working 9-5 as well!
my 2p
 
Many thanks, what should I do to crop it and upload it to?

Link me and I'll do it.
 
Initial thoughts:

- Bullet point the Hobbies and Interests section.
- Replace June/July 2014 with "Present" in the Experience section. You might get struck off tomorrow, who knows. Explain that it is a contract if that is what the job is rather than supplying a finishing date in the future.
- Either sentence it or bullet point, don't just list everything and whack a comma in between.

Hope that helps mate :)
 
Personal Profile
I am a keen, reliable, optimistic and enthusiastic individual. My personal strengths include determination, generosity and consideration for others. I have a wide range of skills ranging from Information Technology to Communication. I have an excellent attendance and punctuality record. With a high regard to customer care I am always willing to learn new skills and adapt to changing environments. From this I feel I will become a good asset to your organisation.

Key Skills & Qualities
• Ability to use own initiative, problem solving, motivation, interpersonal skills, adaptable and flexible, questioning and answering skills, team worker, customer service skills, negotiating skills, hospitable and welcoming, health and safety in the workplace, and keen to learn (touch up on old skills and interested in learning new skills).
• I.T. Skills – I am competent in a selection of Microsoft products, e.g. Microsoft Office and Windows XP to 7 as well as a wide range of technical knowledge, e.g. hardware and software.

As does every tom dick and harry, you must give examples of how you show your intiative, when did you show motivation etc etc otherwise they are just words that have no meaning. eg I showed I had motivation during my time at ......., when i was at i showed my initiative when......
 
Black Dynamite said:
Initial thoughts:

- Bullet point the Hobbies and Interests section.
- Replace June/July 2014 with "Present" in the Experience section. You might get struck off tomorrow, who knows. Explain that it is a contract if that is what the job is rather than supplying a finishing date in the future.
- Either sentence it or bullet point, don't just list everything and whack a comma in between.

Hope that helps mate :)
Click to expand...

Cheers.

I had my CV layout noted like that before until I decided to change it in order to save space. I am getting worried I won't be able to explain and detail everything needed (e.g. when I go to university or get a paid job or get an extra qualification if I somehow come across an apprenticeship or training of some sort.
 
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Generally a good CV! (Sorry if I sound surprised; you wouldn't believe some of the rubbish that gets posted on here!)

You come across as literate, interested, keen and motivated. I don't think you've waffled too much, you've given nice succinct bullet points for most things that you've done. Very good.

I agree that "evenings only" is not good, remove that, give a number that's exclusively yours (ie. a mobile) and just take a voicemail.

Hobbies and interests - I usually suggest not including this unless you've got something *genuinely* interesting to say. For example - "listening to music", "using media entertainment and keeping in touch with friends overseas" and "travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery" are neither hobbies nor interests; they sound like you're desperately trying to contrive something to say. Nobody cares; get rid! Your comment about volunteering because you care about your future though, that sounds good - I'd expand on that a little, much more interesting.
 
BuZ said:
Cheers.

I had my CV layout noted like that before until I decided to change it in order to save space. I am getting worried I won't be able to explain and detail everything needed (e.g. when I go to university or get a paid job or get an extra qualification if I somehow come across an apprenticeship or traing of some sort.
Click to expand...

Just want to add, not a bad CV just needs a few tweaks.

I re-read my post and it comes across as very blunt, didn't mean it to come across as ripping your CV apart.

I know what you mean about saving space, it took me a ridiculous amount of time to decide on the layout of my CV.
 
AJK said:
Generally a good CV! (Sorry if I sound surprised; you wouldn't believe some of the rubbish that gets posted on here!)

You come across as literate, interested, keen and motivated. I don't think you've waffled too much, you've given nice succinct bullet points for most things that you've done. Very good.

I agree that "evenings only" is not good, remove that, give a number that's exclusively yours (ie. a mobile) and just take a voicemail.

Hobbies and interests - I usually suggest not including this unless you've got something *genuinely* interesting to say. For example - "listening to music", "using media entertainment and keeping in touch with friends overseas" and "travelling around to different locations and viewing the different scenery" are neither hobbies nor interests; they sound like you're desperately trying to contrive something to say. Nobody cares; get rid! Your comment about volunteering because you care about your future though, that sounds good - I'd expand on that a little, much more interesting.
Click to expand...

AndyCroft1982 said:
goes without saying 2 pages max
Click to expand...

Black Dynamite said:
Just want to add, not a bad CV just needs a few tweaks.

I re-read my post and it comes across as very blunt, didn't mean it to come across as ripping your CV apart.

I know what you mean about saving space, it took me a ridiculous amount of time to decide on the layout of my CV.
Click to expand...

Cheers guys!

I have 2 hours worth of time in order to rewrite this, so I'll give it another go and keep you updated (if possible).

I also agree with the evenings only being removed and/or taken out or moved somewhere else, although it makes it easier to get in touch with them as I don't really use my phone for anything else other than text messaging, e-mail and web/browsing.

Plus I am not on contract - I am on pay as you go, which means I barely top it up and even if I do I don't really need to use the phone function as it is usually overpriced. My college has Wi-Fi access and I tend to connect my phone to that and use it in order to send, receive and do several types of things such as text, social networking, etc.

CV making is just so confusing, every person sees things differently, therefore I cannot exactly get the best looking CV in order to apply for jobs. I go off what I see myself as all employers want different. It isn't really the layout that matters if you ask me; it is what you've got on there. The layout in generically good if you ask me. Although I agree with the posted suggestions on changes (e.g. taking bits out, cropping and several other tweaks).

I appreciate it! ^_^ :) :D
 
Just updated my Hobbies and Interests section:

I consider myself to be true computer enthusiast; one of my favourite hobbies to do is experiment, read and study about new computer related inventions upcoming in the future. I also enjoy looking into the past and history of computers in order of seeing how they’ve evolved. I love diagnosing, repairing and building computers - as well as that I also love assisting family, friends and their families with technical and computer related issues. I enjoy using computers, listening to music and using media entertainment as well as researching several topics, e.g. gaming, technology and news. I also love volunteering as it allows me to span my future career pathways out even wider – giving me a broader choice of options.
 
Cleisthenes said:
Put your education closer, if not at, the top. That is what they are most likely to want to see along with experience.
Click to expand...

Have done in the past and it doesn't really make much of a difference. Although I'll try it again. :)

I've updated it to the best I can. I've given my CV to several of my teachers and let them overlook it for me during my free time. :)
 
BuZ said:
Just updated my Hobbies and Interests section:

I consider myself to be true computer enthusiast; one of my favourite hobbies to do is experiment, read and study about new computer related inventions upcoming in the future. I also enjoy looking into the past and history of computers in order of seeing how they’ve evolved. I love diagnosing, repairing and building computers - as well as that I also love assisting family, friends and their families with technical and computer related issues. I enjoy using computers, listening to music and using media entertainment as well as researching several topics, e.g. gaming, technology and news. I also love volunteering as it allows me to span my future career pathways out even wider – giving me a broader choice of options.
Click to expand...

I'm not great at writing but that paragraph doesn't read well.

You love too many things!

"favourite hobbies to do is experiment" - try "favourite hobbies is to experiment,"

"new computer related inventions upcoming in the future" - try "computer related technologies and future advancements"

"computers in order of seeing how they’ve evolved" - should be "computers in order to see how they evolved" but even when correct it sound corny and pants. Try something like: "computers to learn the roots of the technology I use today".

get rid of the - in the middle.

"I enjoy using computers, listening to music and using media entertainment as well as researching several topics, e.g. gaming, technology and news" - get rid of this entirely. You've already made it clear that you enjoy using computers. No one cares that you like watching films (nobody "uses media entertainment") and you've already said that you like to read up on technology.

As others have said this whole paragraph is a bit redundant. People looking at your CV don't care about this stuff. They find out what kind of person you are and if you are 'the right fit' when they interview you.

Edit: The best bit of that paragraph is the volunteering, however you have said the wrong thing about it. You have made it out like you did it for the personal gain, not to help out the people you were volunteering for.
 
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geuben said:
I'm not great at writing but that paragraph doesn't read well.

You love too many things!

"favourite hobbies to do is experiment" - try "favourite hobbies is to experiment,"

"new computer related inventions upcoming in the future" - try "computer related technologies and future advancements"

"computers in order of seeing how they’ve evolved" - should be "computers in order to see how they evolved" but even when correct it sound corny and pants. Try something like: "computers to learn the roots of the technology I use today".

get rid of the - in the middle.

"I enjoy using computers, listening to music and using media entertainment as well as researching several topics, e.g. gaming, technology and news" - get rid of this entirely. You've already made it clear that you enjoy using computers. No one cares that you like watching films (nobody "uses media entertainment") and you've already said that you like to read up on technology.

As others have said this whole paragraph is a bit redundant. People looking at your CV don't care about this stuff. They find out what kind of person you are and if you are 'the right fit' when they interview you.

Edit: The best bit of that paragraph is the volunteering, however you have said the wrong thing about it. You have made it out like you did it for the personal gain, not to help out the people you were volunteering for.
Click to expand...

Many thanks for this! :) :D ;)

I was hoping someone would review my new "Hobbies and Interests" section.

I'll change it, rewrite it and do it again tomorrow.

I am kind of busy doing several other things at the minute. I am in college and out and about from 8am - 4:30pm almost everyday. lol Sometimes 9am - 6:30pm, depending on the days and workload I have to do.

I usually look at my CV and stuff in spare time I have available and review it, change it/edit it and rewrite it if needed.

I am always tweaking my CV to be honest as I like it to be picture perfect.
 
Couple of things I picked up on:

-Include a mobile number if you have one. Stating "evenings only" against your only contact number will see some recruiters binning your CV on the third line.
-"Mar 2014 – June/July 2014" - pick an end month for this, June/July suggests some uncertainty (which may be valid but from the point of view of a CV you want to minimise the potential for the person reading it to get the wrong impression e.g. "this person doesn't even know when he is due to finish")
-"helping additional classes in lower levels below Level 3, e.g. Level 2. " - why talk yourself down, they don't need to know at this stage that you are only helping with lower-level classes (be honest if questioned on it of course)
-ASDA - I wouldn't start the list of responsibilities with "Stacking shelves", put one of the more 'advanced'/responsible things first to avoid them switching off straight away
-BHF - lack of a starting month looks weird given you've listed it against everything else, my immediate thoughts were "maybe this guy has only very very recently started this volunteer work and is trying to give the impression he has been doing it longer"

Overall I've seen worse CVs and would probably consider an interview for the right position.
 
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A bit "I love this I love that" about computers, use a different word.
(start of that part also doesn't read well.)

Try give examples of times you've demonstrated ability etc. (keep to 2 pages max however)
 
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