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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Curriculum Vitae (CV) When you apply for a job in writing your aim is to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. The CV is a useful marketing tool as it gives an employer clear information about your qualifications and work experience at a glance. You can use a CV when applying for:   Employment (full & part-time)   Temporary Jobs   Summer Jobs   Voluntary Work Some employers ask you to respond to an advertisement for a job with a CV and covering letter in place of an application form. A CV is also useful when making a speculative approach to an employer. There are no strict rules about what should be covered but, as a general guide, your CV needs to include:   Your name (in full).   Your address including postcode.   Your telephone number (including area code) and/or your mobile number.   Your date of birth (optional - for a CV example see Helen Hibson CV).   A personal profile: a couple of sentences describing yourself that helps the employer to form a clearer picture of you and your skills and strengths.   Education: list schools and colleges attended. List the most recent first.   Examinations: list all the exams you have taken and all the grades you have achieved or expect to achieve, with dates.   Work experience: include any weekend, evening or holiday jobs, including helping out in a business owned by family or friends. Add work experience undertaken at school - whatever it was - as it demonstrates you are familiar with the work environment, instructions and behaving responsibly. Any voluntary work should also be listed.   Personal details: these can include your interests and hobbies which you may be asked to discuss at interview (but don’t feel tempted to exaggerate your skills and glamorise your hobbies!).   References: include an academic reference from school or college and one character reference. You should not ask a member of your family to write you a reference. Ask those concerned first before you include their names. TIPS   Have your CV typed or word-processed if possible   Use good quality plain A4 paper   Keep your CV up-to-date   Always keep a copy of your CV for your own reference Examples of CVs We have provided three examples of CVs: (Click name to view CV) Stephanie Simpson Written from the perspective of a former Year 11 pupil who has left school after completing her GCSEs. Helen Hibson Written from the viewpoint of a student who left school without formal qualifications. However, she has had the opportunity to gain a variety of transferable employment skills through school work experience, an Apprenticeship and then the e2e programme. James Todd Written from the point of view of a BTEC National in Travel and Tourism student who is about to enter the job market at the age of 18 CV Template Click here to download a CV template in Microsoft Word format. TIP Each of these CVs can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just follow the main headings and substitute your own personal details. TIP Remember the choice of CV layout is personal to you. Return to Job Hunting index Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Disclaimer