1. NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills (601/4680/1)
Writing a CV

2. Writing a CV What type of information should a CV contain?
Personal details
Personal statement
Work experience
Education
Relevant skills
Hobbies and interests
References
Clear and simple layout

3. Writing a CV Personal details Name Address Phone numbers Email address
(Nationality, age and driving licence status are optional)

4. Writing a CV Personal statement
One paragraph to capture their attention
Take your main skill and relate it to the job you are after to show employers why you meet their needs.

5. Writing a CV Work experience Most recent position first
Continue in reverse chronological order
Include name, location and dates of employment for each company
Include paid and unpaid work placements, voluntary work – any situation where you were working! They show your suitability for the job by the particular skills and experience you developed
Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each role to match your experience with their job description

6. Writing a CV Education and qualifications
As far back as secondary school and in reverse chronological order
Give more space to details about qualifications that matter most e.g. degree or professional qualification
Include grades achieved

7. Writing a CV Relevant skills
Identify the particular skills the employer is seeking and then give details
Use specific examples from your course, work experience, voluntary work, interests etc.
Include IT packages or programmes you have used, foreign languages learned, state level (basic, intermediate, advanced)

8. Writing a CV Hobbies and interests
Optional BUT can show evidence of suitability through reference to skills learnt e.g. involvement in sports demonstrate … travel can show …
Concentrate on two or three, write about what you have learnt from them

9. Writing a CV Referees/references
Not necessary to list on the CV but state that details are available on request
Normal to include two unless more are requested
Choose referees/references that you are confident will give positive remarks
Who would not be acceptable as a referee?

10. Writing a CV Clear and simple layout Keep your CV to two pages of A4
It should be easy to find the necessary information on the CV
Leave enough white space to ensure the person reading is not overawed at first glance
Purpose of the CV – to get you an interview not to get you the job
Keep it short, to the point AND interesting

11. Writing a CV
What’s wrong with this CV?

12. Writing a CV What do recruiters hate? Spelling and poor grammar
Inaccurate dates
Inaccurate contact information
Long paragraphs
Information unrelated to the job