CV Writing

By the end of this session you will be able to: Explain what a CV is and why you need one Explain when a CV should/should not be sent Describe the information to include in your CV

What is a CV? A good CV will not get you the job, but it will open the door to the rest of the selection process. Your CV is an advert selling YOU! It is a summary of your skills, experience and personal qualities.

Why do I need a CV? When an employer asks for one To hand out at career fairs To support speculative enquiries for a job or work experience Tip: Do not send a CV if you have been asked to complete an application form

Activity 1 Play the Boss ule/play-the-boss-teacher/

CV’s – Do’s and Don’ts Be positive Sell yourself Tailor CV to job/position Use evidence and examples Be brief and to the point Keep layout clear and simple Use consistent formats and fonts Add bolder and bigger fonts for headings Print on white A4 paper Keep to max of 2 pages xLie xGo above 2 pages xInclude date of birth, marital status or photo xLeave unexplained gaps xHave any spelling or grammar mistakes Check, check and check again! Your CV is the employers first impression of you – make it a good one!

New Template

Personal Statement Examples: A competent, physically fit and hardworking horticulturist who has a track record of maintaining gardens, lawns and parks that are tidy, environmentally friendly and safe. Possessing comprehensive knowledge of horticulture, as well as the various planting seasons for trees, vegetables and flowers. Comfortable with working in all weathers and seasons. Now looking for a new role to develop skills in landscape design. A recently qualified BTEC Level 2 Horticulture student with experience working in a plant nursery, now looking for an apprenticeship role in garden landscaping. Physically fit, hardworking and a proven team player. Comprehensive experience of using and maintaining landscaping machinery including: strimmers; chainsaws; hedgecutters and lawnmowers. Key Tips Get straight to the point Make sure you answer key questions: Who are you? What can you bring to the role? What are you career aims What can you offer that makes you stand out from the crowd Use the job description Use the Job Profiles on the National Careers Service website

Key Skills In this section include skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Transferable skills – skills you have used before that you can use in a new role. Job related skills – specific to role you are applying for. For example knowledge and use of relevant machinery. Adaptive skills – general skills that you can adapt according to the new role. For example team player – use different examples to show your ability to work as part of a team. Could include sports team, college or in work.

Employment History Work backwards from your most recent job. If your employment history is limited highlight the work and commercial experience gained as part of your college course. Include employer name, dates and job title. Give brief description of the role using bullet points. Include relevant temporary work and volunteering. Avoid gaps – try to explain.

Education FE Qualifications Add most recent college first Present in table or use bullet points Include college name, dates attended, qualifications and grades achieved Include relevant work based qualifications – PA1, PA6, First Aid, Health and Safety, Chainsaws, tractor driving etc Include Functional Skills qualifications and any GCSEs studied at college Secondary School Qualifications **Summarise – do not list all e.g. 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English Language and Maths

Hobbies and Interests Keep these relevant to the job you are applying for. Try to avoid interests you do on your own – unless they are relevant to the role. Add achievements that you are proud of – e.g. passing driving test first time, winning the local football league etc. Again they are relevant to the role. E.g. Playing Rugby This demonstrates you are a team player, physically fit, enjoy meeting people and have time management skills.

References At least 2 referees will be required – one of them should be work related. Keep your referees as professional as possible. College tutors may be happy to give a reference but always ask them first! Make sure you have the referee’s permission before adding their name. Before sending your CV make sure the referee’s contact details are up to date. You do not need to add your referees details on your CV – you can say “Referees details are available on request.”

CV Writing By the end of this session you will be able to: Explain what a CV is and why you need one Explain when a CV should/should not be sent Describe the information to include in your CV

Questions?

Info to-write-a-good-cv-personal-statement/ horticulturist-resume-sample/ cv-template-672.htm cuments/cv_skills_2015.pdf