Howto

WriteandDevelopaCurriculum
Vitae(CV)

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Introduction

WelcometothefirstbookletintheHowtoseriesonwritinganddeveloping
acurriculumvitaeorCV.OtherbookletsinthisseriesincludeHowtoWritea
CoveringLetter,andourStudentGuidestoJobHunting,PsychometricTests,
AssessmentCentres,JobHunting,StudentFinance,andUsefulWebsites.

The aim of this bookletis to assist youin writing a complete CV. It includes
helpfulhintsandtipsalongsideadviceonhowtoconveyyourskills,abilities,
work experience and other elements to write a concise but comprehensive
CV.

You can choose to use the templateon page 11 14togive you anidea of
thelayout,structureandoutlineofaCV.Thereisanexampleofacompleted
CVonpages1114andpersonalprofileexamplesarealsoavailableforyou
touseandadaptyourownCV(page15).

Finally, remember that a CV is a work in progress and that it needs to be

developedasyoudevelop.

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Contents

WhatisaCurriculumVitae? ............................................................... 4
ThepurposeofaCurriculumVitae ..................................................... 4
WhenshouldyouuseaCurriculumVitae?......................................... 4
Wheredoyoustart? ........................................................................... 5
Whatshouldyouinclude? .................................................................. 5
Personaldetails:............................................................................. 5
Profile:............................................................................................ 5
Education: ...................................................................................... 5
Achievements:................................................................................ 5
Employmentorworkexperience:.................................................... 5
Skills:.............................................................................................. 5
Interests: ........................................................................................ 6
References:.................................................................................... 6
HowdoIdecidewhatmyskillsare?................................................... 6
Stage1:.......................................................................................... 6
Stage2:.......................................................................................... 6
Stage3:.......................................................................................... 7
Stage4:.......................................................................................... 7
Howmuchshouldyouwrite?.............................................................. 7
HowshouldIdisplaytheinformation? ................................................ 7
ThechronologicalCV: .................................................................... 7
TheskillsbasedCV:....................................................................... 8
TheacademicCV........................................................................... 8
Hintsandtips ..................................................................................... 8
Keepitsimple................................................................................. 8
CreateanImpression ..................................................................... 8
Style ............................................................................................... 9
Subheadingsandbulletspoints..................................................... 9
Bepositive...................................................................................... 9
Reviseandedit............................................................................... 9
Andfinallyafewfinaltips ................ Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
WhenyousendyourCV,rememberthefollowing: ....................... 10
Usefulwebsites ............................................................................ 11
Appendix1:SampleChronologicalCV............................................. 12
Appendix2:SampleFunctionalorSkillsbasedCV .......................... 14
Appendix3:Personalprofileexamples............................................. 16
Appendix4:PowerWordstousewhenwritingyourCV. .................. 19

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WhatisaCurriculumVitae?
ACurriculumVitae,oftencalledaCVoraresum,isadocumentthatoutlines
details about you, your skills and experiences, which you have gained
throughout your career history. A CV should show, in an ordered and
methodicalway,howyourprofilematchestheemployersneeds.

When employers ask for a CV, they are setting you the task of inventing an
original application for the job. This is different from an application form,
whichasksallcandidatestofillinthesameboxesunderthesameheadings.
The CV really is a unique selling document. Its an opportunity to make
yourselfstandout.Itwillbedifferentforeveryapplicationyoumake.

ThedecisionsaboutwhichCVstyletouse,whattoincludeandomit,whatto
emphasise, and how to order the information, are all determined by what is
thebestwaytosellyourselftoanemployerwhohasaspecificvacancy.Your
CV is never done. It is constantly revised and rewritten for each new job
application.

AgoodCVshould:

Attractattention
Createagoodimpression
Presentyourrelevantskillsandqualitiesclearlyandconcisely.

ThepurposeofaCurriculumVitae
The purpose of a CV is to show a prospective employer that you have the
necessaryqualitiesandqualificationstodothejobyoureapplyingfor.Itsaim
is to get you an interview with that employer, so it needs to demonstrate
clearlythatyouhave:

Thespecificskillsneededforthejob
Therightsortofexperienceforthejob
Thepersonalqualitiesfortheposition
Anunderstandingofthespecificrequirementsofthejob.

WhenshouldyouuseaCurriculumVitae?
A CV can be used for several different purposes to assist you in gaining
employment.Afewexamplesare:

Tosendinresponsetoanadvertisedvacancywhentheemployerhas
askedforaCVtobeincludedwithyourapplication
To send toan organisation you wouldlike to work for a speculative
application(only40%ofvacanciesareadvertised)
Tokeepforpersonalreferencetohelpyoutocompleteforms.

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Always remember that a CV is a forward looking document to get you
interviews,notalifehistory

Wheredoyoustart?
ThereareseveralwaystobeginwritingaCV:youcanusethetemplatebelow
or you can use online resources (see usefulwebsites on page 11). But the
most important part is understanding what are your skills and abilities and
conveyingtheminapositivemanner.Inthispackthereareseveralresources
toassistyouinstartingtheprocess.

Whatshouldyouinclude?
ACurriculum Vitaeshouldincludethefollowingsections:
Personal details: This should include your name, contact details,
email address, and if you have a driving licence. If you have an
alternative termtime address, include both. From October 2006 with
theAgeDiscriminationActinforce,itisnolongermandatorytofeature
yourdateofbirth.
Profile:ThissectionisoptionalonaCV,butifyouuseaprofile,keepit
to three or four lines maximum. Use it to demonstrate your current
aims,careerfocusandevidenceoftwoorthreemainstrengths.Avoid
genericskillstatementsliketeamworkerwithgoodtimemanagement
andanalyticalskillstrytobespecific,e.g.fiveyearsexperienceas
teamleader.ThisisthepartofyourCVwhichismostlikelytochange
with each employer, so make it relevant to the employer and the
vacancy.Therearesomesampleprofilesonpages1114.
Education: Details about your education should be listed in reverse
chronological order, with your most recent experiences and
qualificationsfirst.Youmustincludethenameoftheinstitution,dates,
andtown.Youdonotneedtolistthefulladdressortutorsnamesand
details. You should include the qualifications you gained within each
institution.Think about the relevanceof each qualification,summarise
your earlier qualifications and list in more detail those taken most
recently and those which are required for the position. You can find
examplesofthissectiononpage11.
Achievements: If you have any other qualifications or major
achievements i.e. climbing Everest, sports coaching qualifications,
charity fundraising, or professional qualifications, then include them
herewiththedateachieved.
Employmentorworkexperience:Likeeducation,startwiththemost
recentandincludethreeorfourjobs(goback5years).Ifyouhavehad
several jobs, list the roles that are relevant to the new post you are
applyingfor.Ifyouhavenoemploymenthistory,includevoluntarywork
andworkexperience.Youneedtolistemployerdetails,thedatesyou
worked,jobtitleandafewlinesonkeyrolesandresponsibilities.
Skills: Thisis the section where you can sell those skills youhavein
relationtothejobadvertised.Pickfiveorsixkeyskillsandmatchwitha

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 timeyouusedthemeffectivelyordevelopedthem.Seepages6and12
forexamples.
Interests: You can either write a short paragraph or list your key
interestsinbulletpoints.Becarefulnottosayyoulikesomethingifyou
dont: there is nothing worse in an interview than being asked a
questionthatyoucannotanswer!
References:Itisusuallymoreappropriatetostatethatreferencesare
available on request, rather than listing them here, unless you have
had a short career so far and have space to fill. You will have the
opportunitytoprovideareferenceatintervieworatalaterdate.Most
companieswillnotcontactyourrefereeswithoutyourconsent.

HowdoIdecidewhatmyskillsare?
Deciding what your skills are can be quite a minefield. The first point to
remember is to not include any negative points. Be positive about your
attributesandstateclearlywhattheyare.

Stage1:
Firstly, look at what experiences you have had, either at work, through
voluntaryactivitiesorsocially.Forexample:
WorkingasaBarmaid/DeputyBarManager
Babysitting
Stuffingenvelopes
Officework
ECDLcourse
Frenchforbeginners

Stage2:
Nextlookateachitemofexperienceyouhavelistedandlistsomeofthekey
rolesthatyouundertook.Forexample:
Barmaid/DeputyBarManager
o Organisedthetimesheetsfor4membersofstaff
o Inputtedthedataforpayroll
o Managedthelevelsofcustomerservice
o Dealtwithcomplaints
o Orderedthestock
o Stocktaking
o Generalbarwork(includingshiftwork)

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Stage3:
Nowthatyouhavelistedyourkeydutiesyoucandeterminetheskillsittookto
achieveeachone.Forexample
Barmaid/DeputyBarManager
o Organisedthetimesheetsfor4membersofstaff
Planning,timemanagement,decisionmaking
o Inputtedthedataforpayroll
Organisingandcoordinating,softwareexperiencewith
payrollsystemsandpayesystems
o Managedthelevelsofcustomerservice
Communication,developingrelationships
o Dealtwithcomplaints
Problemsolving,communication,customerservice
o Orderedthestock
Decisionmaking,analyticalskills,mathematicskills,
planning
o Stocktaking
MSofficedatabase,planning
o Generalbarwork(includingshiftwork)
Timemanagement,communication,organisationalskills

Stage4:
Nowthatyouhaveyourexperience,dutiesandskillsyoucanstarttobuild
yourCV.IfyoufindthatyourCVismoreskillsbasedthenusethetemplate
onpages13and14.

Howmuchshouldyouwrite?
ItisimportantthatyourCVisconciseandveryrelevanttothepositionyouare
applyingfor.MostcompanieswillreceiveseveralCVsforthepositionanddo
notwishtoreadpeopleslifestories.Therefore,youneedtokeepyourCVto
twosidesofA4andmakeavisualimpactwhilebeingeasytoread.Underno
circumstances reduce the font size below 10pt Arial as it will make your CV
hardtoread! Similarly,dontmakethefonttoobigasitgivestheimpression
thatyouaretryingtofillthepage.

HowshouldIdisplaytheinformation?
Depending on the position you are applying for different styles of CV might
help to highlight particular information. Or you can combine the styles to
createyourCV.TherearethreemainstylesofCV:

TheChronologicalCV:ThisisthestandardtypeofCV,inwhichyou
list sections like those above, for education, employment,
achievements and interests. Put the information in reverse
chronological order. This format is particularly good for showing how
your career has progressed over time within one or two employers or

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 single employment field. However, if you have changed employer
frequently or changed career direction, you might like to consider the
Functional(orskillsbased)CV.
TheFunctionalCV(alsoknownastheskillsbasedCV):ThisCVis
idealforthose who have either changed jobs several times or havea
lotofexperiencebecausetheyhavebeenworkingforalongtime. The
focusisonillustratingtheskillsandexperienceyouhavegainedfrom
youremploymentsofar,ratherthanillustratingacareerprogression. It
canbehardertowrite,becauseyouhavetothinkcarefullyaboutwhich
skillsyouwanttohighlight. Itisgoodforshowingthatyouareawareof
whattheemployerislookingfor,butyouneedtoensurethatyougive
examples of how your skills have been used. The career and
education history sections can be kept brief. The person or job
specification for a particular role will be invaluable in assisting you in
writingthissortofCV.
TheacademicCV:ThistypeofCVisusedbythosewishingtofollowa
career within an academic setting or research. This is the only CV
which can be longer than two pages as separate pages should be
includedtolistpublications.

HintsandTips

Keepitsimple
The easier a CV is to read the better. An advertised job vacancy will often
attracthundredsofreplies,andeventhemostconscientiousemployershave
verylittletimetodigesteveryCVthatcrossestheirdesk. So,thebestwayto
makesurethatyoursdoesgetreadisto:
Keepitshort:NomorethattwoA4pages.Ifitislongerthanthisyou
arenotfocusingonyourkeypoints.Somerecruiterssaytheycansum
upaCVin20seconds!
Keep it clear: Make it easy to read. A CV should always be
typewritten,andwelllaidoutwithwidemargins,clearsectionheadings,
andtheinformationorganisedinalogical,easytofollowway
Keepitrelevant:Theemployerusuallyhastwomainquestionsinmind
whenlookingatanemployeeorpotentialemployee:
Isthispersonabletodothejob?
Willthispersonfitinwiththerestofus?
Thinkaboutthekeymessagesyouwanttogetacrosstotheemployer
andrelatethisto:
Yourskills
Yourexperience
Yourachievements.

Createanimpression
AswellaskeepingyourCVshort,clearandrelevant,makeitlookbusiness
likeandprofessionaltoo.

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Choose a format or layout to use: plain rather than fancy, unless you are
applyingforaroleincreativeareassuchasmedia,advertisingordesignuse
white or cream heavy duty paper, not pink or green. Use active words that
describe your skills, experience and achievements e.g. organised, initiated
(see the list of power words at the end of this guide). Make sure that as a
resultoftheCVtheemployerwantstointerviewyou. YourCVisverylikelyto
need to be varied depending on who you are sending it to and will need
checkingandeditingforeachjobapplication.

Style
The appearance of your CV is important and it can make your application
standout.Itmustbeongoodqualitypaperandtypedorwordprocessedwith
clear black type. Pay attention to the layout and overall appearance and
obviouslytoyourspellingandgrammar.

If you have access to a wordprocessor, experiment with different typefaces

and headings and find alook you like. Thebest typefaces to usearethose
sansserif,likethisonehere(Arial),ratherthan,sayTimesRoman.Lookat
the difference between this paragraph and the next one to see how much
differenceitcanmaketothespeedofreading.Theyareboth12point

A CV should be kept to no more than two sides of A4. More experienced mature
candidates may think they need to use more space, but remember that a CV is an
exercise in presenting information concisely. If it is longer than two sides you are
probablynotfocusingsufficiently onyourkeymessages.Theonlyexceptionisforan
academic CV where extra pages are used to list publications: articles, books and
conferencepapers.

Subheadingsandbulletpoints
Subheadingsandbulletpointscanbereallyusefulbecause:
Theybreakuplongchunksoftext
Theyreducewaffle
Theysignpostthereader
TheyprovidewhitespacetomaketheCVmorereadable.

Bepositive
It is really important on a CV to remain positive about your life and your
achievements. RatherthanusingwordslikeIfeelandIbelievesayIamor
Ido.Again,seethesectionbelowonCVpowerwords.

Reviseandedit
A CV is never doneit needs to be a continuous piece of work adapting to
eachjobyouapplyfor.

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Tosummarise
Use:
PlainwhiteorcreamA4sizepaper
Goodqualitypaper100gsmweight
Agood,cleartypeface
Plainblackink
Aimtomakethelayoutclear,neatandeasytoread
Bulletpointstohighlightkeyskills
BoldheadingstoseparatedifferentsectionsoftheCV

Andensure:
Thecontentisbriefandtothepointavoidtrivia
Therearenomistakesorcorrections
Itistypedorwordprocessed
Youdontleaveoutimportantinformationaboutyourskillsandexperience
YouuseittobepositiverememberyourCVisadvertisingyou!

Avoid:
Gimmicks
Sendingphotocopies(unlesstheyareverygoodquality)
Spellingandgrammaticalmistakes
Alterationsandamendmentsalwaysprintoffafresh,correctcopy
Usinglongsentences.

WhenyousendyourCV,rememberthefollowing:
AlwayssendyourCVtoanamedindividualwithinthecompany,notjustto
The Personnel Department. If you dont know the name of the person to
senditto,ringupandfindout
Include a covering letter written specifically to match the requirements of
thatjob
Theletter should be as well presented as your CV and similarly typed on
goodquality,whiteorcreamA4paper
Send your CV and covering letter unfolded in a white or cream A4 sized
envelope
Make sure your application is sent off in good time to allow for postal
deliverybeforetheclosingdate
Applicationsreceivedafterthedeadlinesarerarely,ifever,considered
TaketimeinpreparingyourCVtimespentdoespay
Keep one copy of your CV as a master and take photocopies, or run
severaloffthewordprocessortosendtoemployers
Dontforgettoupdateit
Donthighlightproblemse.g.divorce,illness
Dontincludesalaryinformation

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 Makesurethatthestyleyouadoptisappropriateforthevacanciesyouare
applyingfor

Finally remember, your CV needs to be accompanied by a covering letter to

introduceandelaborateonyourapplication.

Usefulwebsites
http://www.prospects.ac.uk
http://www.nextstep.org.uk
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Therearehundredsofwebsitesouttheretohelpyouingainingemployment
whichwillalsoassistyouinbuildingaCV.However,lookatafewtogainthe
informationyourequireandalwaysbecarefulaboutpublishingyourpersonal
detailsonline.

ForfurtherinformationcontacttheRACCCareers,AdviceandGuidanceteam:

Email: cag@racc.ac.uk

Tel:02088915907ext.4025/8956

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Appendix1: ChronologicalCVSampleLayout

DavidJones Telephone:014032248653
14GreenDrive Mobile:07717345980
Faygate Email:djones@hotmail.com
WestSussex
RH145XT

A mature and experienced trainer with a proven track record in the design and
implementation of training, complemented by a background in counselling. A clear and
concisecommunicatorwiththeabilitytomotivateandencourage,along withagoodear
fortheunderlyingproblemsthatcanhinderefficientlearning.

EducationandQualifications
UniversityofLeeds September2003 June2006
Leeds BA(Hons)SocialPolicy2.1

WyggestonandQueen September2001June2003
ElizabethICollege,Brighton 3ALevels,GeographyA,MediaStudiesB,
MathsC.1ASLevelPhysicsD.

FaygateCommunityCollege, September1999June2001
WestSussex. 9GCSEsgradesABScienceA/A,
GeographyA,MathsB,EnglishLiteratureB,
EnglishLanguageBandFrenchB.

EmploymentandWorkExperience
DatesofEmployment: From:May2005 To:August2006
CompanyName: CanyonMarketing
JobTitle: FieldSalesRepresentative
Responsibilities: On commencement at Canyon Marketing I was
responsibleforacquiringnewcustomersforseveralblue
chip companies. As the role developed I progressed
through the company and was responsible for the
management, training and organisation of a team of 10
people.

DatesofEmployment: From:July2004 To:January2005

CompanyName: Surveyors
JobTitle: LongDistanceDriverandPropertyPhotographer
Responsibilities: The main responsibilities of the role involved driving to
UK destinations to photograph properties and
development sites for estate agency catalogues. This
included driving an average of 2000 miles per week as
wellastheadditionalofficework.

DatesofEmployment: From:November2003 To:May2004

CompanyName: RGRLakeLouise
JobTitle: HeadSkiLiftOperator
Responsibilities: DuringmyGapyearinCanadaIwasresponsibleforthe
operationofoneofthemainskiliftswithintheskiresort
ofLakeLouise.I workedcloselywitha broad spectrum
of customers, with a wide range of abilities. I was also
responsibleforthesafetyofallthosewhousedthelifts.

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Skills
ThroughoutmytravelsandrangeofpastemploymentIhavegainedmanytransferable
skillsthatIcanapplytoallnewandchallengingsituations.

All of my roles within employment have expected me to work to long hours with
consistenttargets.Thishasenabledmetodevelopmyattitudetowardsworktoamore
focused approach and I feelthat I have developed into a high achieving hard worker
duetomyaimtoconsistentlyreachhightargets.

During my work as a ski lift operator I immensely improved my communication skills.

This was due to the broad spectrum of cliental that passed through the lift on a daily
bases.Iwas expectedtobepolite,welcomingandinformativeinajovialmanner.My
communication skills have since developed further with my position at Montana
Marketingduetothecommunicationwithapproximately80customersaday.

During my work with Mark Witty I was required to independently navigate myself
throughseveralmajorcitieseachday whilsttryingtotakethemosteconomicalroutes
andavoidingmajordelays.

After completing my A Levels I decided to travel to Canada. During my time there I

organised a successful road tripfrom theWest Coast of Canada to the East Coast of
the USA via Car, Train and Bus. This trip not only gave me the confidence to work
independentlybutitgreatlyimprovedmyorganisationalskills.

WhilstworkingforMontanaMarketingIwasresponsiblefortherecruitmentofnewField
Sales Representatives. This included advertising positions, interviewing prospective
candidates and organising the training upon employment. As the recruitment was
successfulmyroleasamanagermeantthatIwasmanagingaSalesteamof10people
whoconsistentlymetthecompanytargets.

Through my work for Mark Witty Surveyors and during my A Level studies I have
gainedaworkingknowledgeofMicrosoftOfficeandseveralphotoeditingsuites.

DuringmygapyearinCanadaIhadtodevelopmyteamworkingskills.Apartfrommy
main responsibilities I had to help keep the moral of my team at a high level when
temperaturesdroppedbelow40oc.

When building a team in a sales environment, attitude and atmosphere are very
important,overthelast15monthsmyleadershipandteamworkingskillshavehadto
movetoadifferentlevelformetobecomesuccessful.

Interests
IhaveaveryactivelifeinwhichIparticipateinseveralhobbiesandsports.Iamakeen
snowboarder, footballer, and climber and enjoy trying new and exciting activities at
everyopportunity.

Ihavebecomeindependentinliving,workingandlearningthroughmytravelsandpast
employment. I have lived and worked with people from different walks of life and
countries, in England and abroad. I have entered many environments of work from
kitchens to warehouses to fruit farms. At every job I have worked hard and achieved
employerstargetsandmyowngoals.Ifeelthishashelpedmebecomeversatileasa
personandasanemployee.

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Appendix2:FunctionalorSkillsbasedCVSampleLayout

DavidJones Telephone:014032248653
14GreenDrive Mobile:07717345980
Faygate Email:djones@hotmail.com
WestSussex
RH145XT

A mature and experienced trainer with a proven track record in the design and
implementation of training, complemented by a background in counselling. A clear and
concisecommunicatorwiththeabilitytomotivateandencourage,along withagoodear
fortheunderlyingproblemsthatcanhinderefficientlearning.

SkillsandAchievements

BusinessAwareness
Experienceinfinancialroleswithinthecommercialsectorwithcompetencein
payrolladministration
Activememberofyoungenterprisethroughoutschoolandcollege
CustomerserviceawarenessandexperiencefromparttimeworkatCanyon
Marketing.

Initiativeandadaptability
Selffundedmydegreestudieswithrelevantemploymenttoincreasemy
knowledgeofsocialpolicy
SuccessfulstudyinCanadaandFrancedemonstratemyabilitytoadaptand
thriveinnewanddifferentenvironments
WorkingasamissionaryinTanzaniaandwithinachildrenshomeintheUkraine
hasrequiredinitiative,dedicationanddiscipline

TeamWorkingandLeadership
WorkedwithinseveralteamsbothprofessionallyinCanadaandsociallyfora
footballteam
BuiltteamspiritasamissionarywithinasmalldevelopmentinTanzania
PlanningandcoordinatingroleswithinanEnglishschoolinUkraine

EffectiveCommunication
Stronginterpersonalskillsdevelopedwithinmymissionaryexperience
Abilitytobuildarapportwithcustomersasdemonstratedwithinmytimeat
CanyonMarketing
Strongpresentationskillsdevelopedwithinmysocialpolicydegree

ITskills
CompetentwithallMSOfficeapplications,Flash,Java,HTMLandPhotoshop
Level1and2WebDesign(Dreamweaver)
ExperienceduserofEBSandPegasus

Languages
French:semifluent
German:semifluent

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EducationandQualifications
UniversityofLeeds From:September2003 To:June2006
Leeds BA(Hons)SocialPolicy2.1

WyggestonandQueen From:September2001 To:June2003

ElizabethICollege,Brighton 3ALevels,GeographyA,MediaStudiesB,
MathsC.1ASLevelPhysicsD.

FaygateCommunityCollege, From:September1999 To: June2001

WestSussex. 9GCSEsgradesABScienceA/A,
GeographyA,MathsB,EnglishLiteratureB,
EnglishLanguageBandFrenchB.

EmploymentandWorkExperience
DatesofEmployment: From:May2005 To:August2006
CompanyName: CanyonMarketing
JobTitle: FieldSalesRepresentative
Responsibilities: On commencement at Canyon Marketing I was
responsibleforacquiringnewcustomersforseveralblue
chip companies. As the role developed I progressed
through the company and was responsible for the
management, training and organisation of a team of 10
people.

DatesofEmployment: From:July2004 To:January2005

CompanyName: Surveyors
JobTitle: LongDistanceDriverandPropertyPhotographer
Responsibilities: The main responsibilities of the role involved driving to
UK destinations to photograph properties and
development sites for estate agency catalogues. This
included driving an average of 2000 miles per week as
wellastheadditionalofficework.

DatesofEmployment: From:November2003 To:May2004

CompanyName: RGRLakeLouise
JobTitle: HeadSkiLiftOperator
Responsibilities: DuringmyGapyearinCanadaIwasresponsibleforthe
operationofoneofthemainskiliftswithintheskiresort
ofLakeLouise.Iworkedcloselywithabroadspectrum
ofcustomers,withawiderangeofabilities.Iwasalso
responsibleforthesafetyofallthosewhousedthelifts.

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Appendix3:PersonalProfileExamples
A smart, intelligent, experienced retail professional with an extensive
backgroundin fashion and womenswear bothinlarge department stores
and small boutiques. Creative, adaptable, versatile and,above all, tactful
anddiplomatic,withanexcellentsenseofcolouranddesign.

A matureandexperiencedtrainerwithaproventrackrecordinthedesign
and implementation of training, complemented by a background in
counselling.Aclearandconcisecommunicatorwiththeabilitytomotivate
andencourage,alongwithagoodearfortheunderlyingproblemsthatcan
hinderefficientlearning.

Anexperiencedcreativeallrounderwithenthusiasmandtheprovenability
to understand client needs and deliver satisfying solutions within a
specified budget. A widerangeof traditionalskills complement the ability
to use modern technology skilfully and appropriately. Highly developed
communicationskillsfinetunedbytheneedtodealeffectivelywithpeople
atalllevels.

Aprofessionalsalesmanagerwithanunusualbreadthofexperienceinthe
internationalmarket.Dependableandenergetic,withtheabilitytomotivate
and direct a workforce to meet targets and objectives, and with the
persistencetoachievethehigheststandardsineveryundertaking.

Bilingual postgraduate hardworking, selfmotivated and responsible, with

anarticulateandoutgoingpersonality.Enjoysmeetingnewchallengesand
seeing them through to completion, while remaining confident and good
humouredunderpressure.Anindividualwhoadaptswelltonewsituations
andhasconsistentlyworkedeffectivelyasateammember.

Aversatileandexperiencedadministrator,proficientwithcomputerisedand
clerical systems. Quick to learn and skilled at working with people,
analysing their problems and initiating an appropriate course of action.
Capableofevaluatingconflictingopinionsandcommunicatingtherelevant
informationtothepeoplewhoneedtotakeaction.

A qualified trainer for PC spreadsheets, data management and graphics

presentation software, supported by expertise in information management
and data analysis acquired in a range of business and financial
environments.

A highly trained sales professional with a thorough background in sales

management, and specific experience in businesstobusiness
negotiations. A successful, profitdriven individual with a proven track
recordinbusinesssystems,officesuppliesandbusinessmachines.

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 A professional caterer with considerable experience in all aspects of
catering and specific expertise in catering management for largescale
operations.

A highly experienced, professional confectioner with a considerable

backgroundin all aspects of catering and retail disciplines through having
startedanddevelopedanumberofbusinessesinthefield.Abusinessman
with a thorough understanding of bookkeeping, marketing, stock control
andstaffmanagement.

An openminded, outgoing and resourceful Project Leader with a sound

backgroundandpositiveoutlook.Possessingagoodsenseofhumourand
the ability to develop and motivate others, coupled with the ability to
communicate comfortably at all levels, thereby ensuring good teamwork
andanenergeticandproductiveworkingenvironment.

An experienced personal assistant and secretary with a background in

bluechip companies and a thorough understanding of the computerised
office, including wordprocessing and desktop publishing, electronic mail
systems,spreadsheetsanddatabases.

Askilledtranslator,fluentinBusinessSpanishhavingworkedfortheAnglo
Business Centre in Madrid and for Compeco (Brazil) in England, with
complementary office and computer skills. A Spanishspeaking graduate
with excellent language skills developed through experience of teaching
EnglishasaForeignLanguageinSpain,PortugalandVenezuela.

A wellorganised, reliable administrative assistant and secretary, with

extensive knowledge of good office practice and a wealth of experience
gainedinbothlargeandsmallcompanies.Hardworkingandreliable,with
theabilitytoremaingoodhumouredandunflappableunderpressure.

A qualified counsellor with wide experience of advice work both with

individualsandgroups,andspecificexpertiseinworkingwithyoungpeople
overcoming a variety of problems including drug and alcoholrelated
conditions.

Acompetent,highlymotivatedprojectleaderseekingaseniormanagement
positionwhereenthusiasm,skillandexperiencecanbeputtogoodusein
anenvironmentwhereresearchproducessolidresults.

A dynamic, peopleorientated communications professional, wishing to

focus on a career in public relations where specific skills and experience
canbeputtoeffectiveuse.

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 A computer professional looking for a position in IT training using well
developed skills to help those people making the transition from
streetfightertospreadsheets.

A chartered engineer with ten years experience in management, looking

for a senior position where knowledge and skill will make a significant
contributiontowardscorporategoals.

An innovative and intelligent electronics engineer, having designed and

installed a range of systems for a variety of clients. Adept at working
effectively within a multidisciplined team at seniorlevel, with many years
experienceofunderstandingandevaluatingproblemsinthefield.

An engineering graduate with a keen interest in computers seeking a

career in computing, especially in a scientific or industrial field, where a
backgroundinproblemsolvingwouldbeanadvantage.

A versatile, quickthinking personal assistantlooking for theopportunity to

makeuseofanartseducationinthefieldofpublishing.

Career objective an administrative position where first rate word

processingandexcellentinterpersonalskillswouldbeofvalue.

Asystemsanalystwithabackgroundinbusinesssystems,interestedina
position where the application of information technology can be used to
improvecompanyefficiency.

Whencompilingyourcareerobjective,includethefollowingpoints:
Saywhatyoudoofferajobtitleorjobdescription
Includesomeofyourkeystrengths
Saywhereyouarecomingfrom backgroundandexperience
Say what youre aiming for how you would like to use your skills and
experience.

[Adaptedfrom ReadymadeCVsbyLynnWilliams,HoganPageLtd(1999)]

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Appendix4:PowerWordstousewhenwritingyourCV

Experience: Responsibilities
Experiencedin Managed
Demonstrates Inchargeof
Extensive Supervised
Knowledgeof Delegated
Provided Coordinated
Familiarwith
Ability Employedtohandle
Trainedin Assignedto
Proficient Projectmanaged
Competent
Initiallyemployedto
Expert Roles
Workingknowledgeof Analysed
Organised Evaluated
Skilled Established
Created
Success Designed
Promoted Formulated
Succeeded Initiated
Proventrackrecord Managed
Experience Presented
Successful Ledteam
Instrumental
Negotiated PersonalAttributes
Developed Committedto
Impact Confident
Outcome Enthusiastic
Resultedin Activelysought
Creative
Innovative
Positive

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MoreCVPowerWords

Accomplished Documented Negated

Achieved Doubled Negotiated
Administered Drove Obtained
Advised Earned Operated
Analysed Edited Organised
Approved Eliminated Performed
Arranged Encouraged Planned
Assessed Engineered Prepared
Assisted Ensured Presented
Attained Established Processed
Budgeted Estimated Promoted
Built Evaluated Redesigned
Calculated Expanded Reduced
Captured Facilitated Reorganised
Centralised Forecast Represented
Checked Formulated Researched
Collected Founded Resolved
Combined Generated Reviewed
Completed Guided Revised
Composed Identified Scheduled
Conceived Implemented Sold
Conducted Improved Solved
Consolidated Improvised Specified
Consulted Increased Standardised
Controlled Initiated Started
Converted Inspired Strengthened
Coordinated Installed Structured
Corrected Instigated Supervised
Created Instructed Supported
Cut Interpreted Tested
Decreased Introduced Trained
Defined Launched Translated
Delivered Lead Uncovered
Demonstrated Liaised Utilised
Designed Machined Verified
Determined Maintained Widened
Developed Managed Won
Devised Marketed
Diagnosed Modernised
Directed Monitored
Distributed Motivated

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