Guidelines for using the CV pack and associated documents
What is a CV?
A CV is an outline of person’s educational and employment history. Everyone can
benefit from a good CV when job hunting. The term ‘Curriculum Vitae’ is Latin and
means ‘the course of your life’.
There is no one way of doing a CV; because every person is unique, every CV will
look different.
It does not matter what sort of qualifications or experience you have, or the sort of job
you are going for; a good CV is useful for everybody. It may be quite simple, if you
are young, or have not had many different jobs, so do not be put off if some of the
following information seems complicated.
Research suggests that an employer spend a maximum of about 30 seconds on
each CV, so it needs to have impact.
You are probably in competition with other people with similar qualifications and
experience. You need to make your CV stand out from the others. Selling yourself is
a necessity when compiling your CV.
These guidelines are designed to help you draw up a CV, which will be relevant to
your own individual needs. You may not need to use every part of the CV pack.
There are some traditions and expectations about the structures of CVs but it is more
important that you develop a structure of your own. Remember, there are no rules on
CVs, only general principles. However, there are two basic structures.


the ‘tombstone’ approach is the traditional CV structure, which you may
recognize
The format which includes a personal career statement or profile. In order to help
you produce your own profile we have included a pen picture exercise.
We have included examples of both types of CV in this information pack.
Whatever format you use, follow three steps
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Prepare the draft CV
check and edit it, so it looks right, and satisfies your needs
produce and check the final version
Remember that in many cases this is a free service, but also it is important that you
do as much work as you possibly can on the draft document, not only to save time
when you book a further appointment, but more importantly to make you feel that you
have ownership of a document that is about you and, as far as possible, was created
by you.
Good luck! Creating a CV is definitely a challenge but, hopefully, the material we
have provides will make the process a little less painful and infuriating.
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CV Starting points
You may be able to complete the whole process yourself, once you have read the
guidelines, and if you have the appropriate facilities. However, staff will be happy to
help, if you need to start from scratch, or need some advice on content or format.
Whatever your situation, the following basic starting points are useful.
1. Read through the CV pack and the documents providing examples of Profiles
and Key Skills. Use all three documents as a foundation on which to build your
own draft CV.
2. Carry out an analysis of your own skills, attitudes, knowledge and experience
gained; not only through work but also through other life experiences, such as
clubs and societies that you may have belonged to, or voluntary work.
3. Compile your own word processed, or hand written and legible, draft CV on A4
paper using the relevant examples given as guidelines. Ensure that, as far as
possible, you use your own words, and language that you are comfortable with.
If you simply use exactly the same words as in the examples offered, we run the
risk of producing CVs that are identically worded, which would obviously
considerably devalue them.
4. When compiling your draft document you may find it helpful to leave a space
between each line, to allow you to more easily make any alterations or necessary
additions, thus keeping the document legible and to prevent you having to start
again.
5. Once you feel that you have done as good a job as you possibly can on your CV,
book a further appointment with a member of our staff, to receive feedback on it
and, ultimately, to have it word processed, produced and forwarded to you for
approval.
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What to put in the CV
1. Personal Details
Include only relevant information. If information is not going to help you get seen by
an employer, think twice about including it.
2. Career Profile or Statement
You can really grab an employer's attention with this section. Don't worry about
sounding big -headed. Tell them what you have achieved.
This section should be written primarily with the employer in mind emphasising your
skills, attitudes, knowledge and experience. Use the pen picture to create your own
profile (page 11).
A mistake often made on a CV is that responsibilities and duties from previous posts
are often lifted directly from old job descriptions. This is missing a golden opportunity
to sell yourself. Always try to imagine what you would be looking for if you were a
prospective employer. Generally this would be someone who could bring real
benefits to your organisation; someone who has demonstrated in previous jobs that
they have worked hard and successfully.
Your CV should therefore, be based on achievements, rather than just information.
For example, if you worked in sales, to say ’handle sales for the company in the
South Wales area’ is simple information. Approached using the achievement
principle it would read, ‘sales representative, and instrumental in increasing existing
client base through cold calling by 25% over a period of three months, resulting in
increased revenue of £5K’.
Both statements are equally valid, but the second transmits the feeling of action and
something achieved. This is the approach employers relate to.
Within this information pack you will find a list of suggested action words, that you
may want to use when compiling your CV (page 16).
You can use our blank pro-forma to start creating your CV (you may also want to
make an appointment with the adult guidance adviser, if you feel you will need help
at this stage).
3. Employment
Note down every employer you have worked for: full-time, part-time, holiday or
voluntary work. There is no need to include everything in you final CV, but it is good
raw material to draw from when you come to choose what to include.
4. Education
Put down your highest qualifications first. Give details, i.e. names and dates of
schools and colleges attended and courses that you studied and qualifications you
gained.
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5. Other Skills
This might be any of the following, for example.
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fluency in a foreign language
computer and word processing skills
skills acquired through voluntary work
ability to use certain tools, machinery or equipment
In other words, abilities or skills that are relevant, but not in included in your
employment section.
6. Interests
Interests and hobbies say much about you as a person; your values, motivation and
even your intelligence. For example, ‘chess at County level, crosswords’ suggests
that this person is likely to be intelligent, bright and good at problem solving.
Try to expand on your interests. For example, ’Television – natural history
documentaries. Repairing and maintaining my MK 1 Ford Cortina’, gives a different
picture to ‘Watching TV, cars’.
The three steps
You may want to have help from one of the adult guidance staff, at some point.
Please ask.
1. Prepare the draft CV
You can use the blank pro-forma.
2. Editing your CV
After you have finished filling in the pro forma, you will need to edit the information.
The final CV needs to be brief and interesting to read. The final version should not
exceed two sheets of A4 paper; there is only room for essential information.
3. The final version
Check the final document for accuracy and presentation. It is a good idea to show it
to a friend or colleague. If you are comfortable with the final result you are ready to
use it to apply for jobs and approach employers speculatively. The mistake people
often make is that now they have a CV they feel it is suitable for every job that they
will be applying for. This in reality is not the case: dependant on the vacancy there
will be a need to customise your CV to suit that particular job. You may need to
emphasise certain information and leave out some that is not relevant to that
particular post.
The examples given are not perfect, as everyone will think that bits could be
changed. However, they give the basic shape and content that you might want to
follow.
Some people put references on CVs. One example does and one does not do this.
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EXAMPLE 1
ISAAC NEWTON
4 Lime Grove
Elm Street
Pontypridd
CF37 5YL
 01443 234567
A science graduate, self-motivated and resourceful, with the drive and commitment
necessary to succeed in a management capacity. Quick thinking and enterprising
with strong interpersonal skills gained in previous employment. Seeking to enter the
field of retail management.
KEY SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
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Excellent communication skills having liaised with internal and
external customers and people within business and the general
community.
Computer literate with experience of various software packages,
including word processing, database and spreadsheets.
Negotiation and bargaining ability having brought in 15 new accounts
in a short period through telephone marketing and sales.
Devised and implemented a system to analyse and control customer
bonus incentives thereby maximising profit.
CAREER REVIEW
ABC Frozen Foods
1995 - Date
Retail Supervisor
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Supervised a team of 6 staff and responsible for identifying training
needs and opportunities.
Participated in recruitment and selection of shop floor personnel.
Responsible for balancing tills, preparing banking and wages of staff.
Liaison with internal departmental staff and external customers.
Implemented effective eye catching merchandising, display and
promotions in various retail outlets.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
University of Warwick
1992 – 1995
BSc (Hons) Biology
Cardiff High School
1985 – 1992
3 ‘A’ Levels – Biology B, Chemistry C, Sociology D
8 ‘O’ Levels
5
PART TIME / VACATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Marks and Spencer
1993
Sales assistant with experience of dealing with people personally and via the
telephone. Also involved with display and merchandising.
TSB
1992
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Provided personal quotes for customers.
Renewed policies as required and assisted with customer queries.
Implemented update of insurance details.
INTERESTS
Sport, music and travel.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Date of Birth: 10 August 1974
Marital Status: Single
Driving Licence: Full, clean
REFERENCES
John Smith, Personnel Manager, ABC Frozen Foods (Tel. 01443 842207)
Jane Jones, Personnel Officer, TSB, (Tel. 01443 842208)
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EXAMPLE 2
JANE GREY
Beech Street
Porth
RCT
CF39 0HB
 01443 111222
Profile
An experienced, skilled and confident Warehouse Assistant having gained insight
into a variety of different organisations. Currently involved in assessing warehouse
staff and keen to expand the skills gained within training and development.
Key Skills
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Organised and flexible, able to manage time effectively and prioritise
heavy workloads, often having to work to strict deadlines.
Aptitude for problem solving.
Training new staff to enable them to reach their full potential within the
department.
Communicate effectively at all levels with management and staff while
exercising a tactful and diplomatic approach.
Career Review
Dow Corning
Warehouse Assistant
1992 – Date
A multi disciplined role and involvement in:
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Liaison with haulage operators to establish schedule of incoming and
outgoing goods, unloading and checking goods from suppliers to
ensure production schedules are met.
Fork lift truck driving within warehouse.
Work on own initiative but also in a team assisting with the day
running of the warehouse.
Training and helping warehouse staff for them to achieve their NVQ in
Warehousing.
Customised a training programme with the assistance of the Training
Manager specifically for Warehouse.
Assisted Training Manager on courses.
Safeway Distribution Centre
Warehouse Operative
1989 – 1992

Received incoming stock, assembled orders and maintained work
orders to ensure no backlog of stock.

Responsible for invoices and orders ensuring supply and purchase.
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1985 – 1989
Primark
Warehouse Technician
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
Received goods into the warehouse and maintained stocks.
Processed orders on a computer and trained new employers to use
the warehouse inventory systems.
Education and training
Dow Corning
1995
Various in house training courses including Forklift truck driving training.
1978 – 1985
Newport Comprehensive School
Subjects studied include English, Maths, History, Geography and French.
Interests
Bodybuilding, aromatherapy, alternative medicine.
Personal details
Date of Birth: 15 September 1967
Marital Status: Single
Driving Licence: Full
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Develop a pen picture for your career to date
Attitudes
Skills
Experience
Knowledge
How to build up your own pen picture
The personal profile or statement is a very important part of a CV. Even if you do not
include it in the final version, the discipline involved in drawing it together will focus
your mind on what you are aiming for. If you start with a blank page, it can be a
difficult exercise; if you start with a framework it is easier. A pen picture, using the
SAKE pattern is a simple and effective method.
SAKE stands for
-
Skills
Attitude
Knowledge
Experience
All of these are important aspects of what you have done and what you have to offer
to a potential employer. Follow these simple steps
-
To start with, write down anything that you think of under these
headings
Take out the less important bits
List the most important points in order
You now have the basic information to prepare a personal profile
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Blank CV proforma – use this as a basis for your own information, and then put
it in your preferred CV form
Basic details
Name
………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
………
Address
………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………...…………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………….
Post Code
…………………………………..
Tel No(s)
appropriate)
…………………………………………
Date of birth
(Home/work/mobile
as
…………………….
Marital status …………………….
Nationality
………………………………….
Driving licence ……………………..
Career statement / Profile (see examples page 15 - 16)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Key Skills
What are you particularly good at in work and outside, enjoy doing, want people to
know about yourself or that you consider being transferable:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Employment History
Present or most recent employer name
………………….………………………………
Job title. 19 ……… to 20 ……………
What does your job involve?
………………………………………………………………………
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Action words
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Achievements
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…….……
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………
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Previous employer name
……………….………………………………
Job title. 19 ……… to 19 ……………
What did your job involve?
………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Action words
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Achievements
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Previous employer name
Job title
……………….………………………………
………………………………….. 19 ……… to 19 ……………
What did your job involve?
………………………………………………………………………
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Action words
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Achievements
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…….……
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Add on as many previous jobs as you need.
Education & Training
College / School
Qualifications
Dates
…………………………………………………………………………………………
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Other achievements and activities (e.g. clubs, committees, voluntary work or
other responsibilities)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………
Hobbies and Interests
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………
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VOCABULARY OF ACTION WORDS
Advertising and Promotion
Accounted for
Convinced
Generated
Improved
Influenced
Launched
Marketed
Persuaded
Represented
Promoted
Secured
Recommend Sold
Communication
Approved
Co-ordinated
Counselled
Demonstrated
Edited
Facilitated
Instructed
Interviewed
Moderated
Networked
Participated
Presented
Released
Served as
Wrote
Disseminated
Creativity
Arranged
Built
Conceived
Created
Designed
Devised
Enable
Enhanced
Formulated
Innovated
Invented
Originated
Package
Refined
Developed
Reshaped
Resolved
Solved
Structured
Founded
Managed
Masterminded
Obtained
Organised
Supervised
Performed
Produced
Undertook
Responsible
Retained
Revised
Oversaw
Trimmed
Turned
Enacted
Maintained
Management
Administered
Attained
Conducted
Contracted
Controlled
Co-ordinated
Directed
Initiated
Reduced (losses)
Exceeded
Executed
Expanded
Headed
Implemented
Incorporated
Around
Repositioned
Established
Negotiation
Arbitrated
Represented
Proposed
Determined
Evaluated
Investigated
Consolidated
Mediated
Negotiated
Recommended
Sorted
Closed
Assured
Public Relations and Human Resources
Advised
Balanced
Collaborated
Consulted
Counselled
Employed
Facilitated
Grouped
Guided
Monitored
Handled
Hired
Integrated
Interviewed
Motivated
Recruited
Sponsored
Strengthened
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Research and Analysis
Automated
Classified
Determined
Developed
Differentiated
Equated
Experimented
Interpreted
Investigated
Related
Searched
Solved
Synthesised
Theorised
Resourcefulness
Achieve
Awarded
Corrected
Diverted
Eliminated
Identified
Improved
Pioneered
Rectified
Solved
Strengthened
Surpassed
Technique and Authority
Analysed
Arranged
Budgeted
Catalogued
Compared
Complied
Completed
Improvised
Computed
Decreased
Distributed
Enlargement
Examined
Expanded
Generated
Reorganised
Increased
Indexed
Installed
Instructed
Leveraged
Planed
Redesigned
Restructured
Reviewed
Revised
Scheduled
Single-handedly
Synthesised
Systematised
Verified
Example profiles for the compilation of CVs
Use your own words and your own circumstances. Do not copy the examples, or
invent a false profile.
1. Quick to adjust to any challenges, an adept communicator, capable of
researching, disseminating and correlating information in an efficient and
professional manner. IT skills, numerate and with a keen eye for detail. A
capable team member, reliable, organised, hardworking, well motivated, having
high levels of drive and stamina.
2. A multi-lingual worker with good communications skills. Can working a logical,
organised manner to tight timescales while retaining a necessary degree of
flexibility and creativity? Hardworking, diligent, professional, having keen eye of
detail, sociable and tactful. A competent team worker with high levels of energy
and stamina. Well able to motivate and direct others.
3. A graduate with impressive motivational, organisational and training skills. A fine
team member, creative, flexible, hardworking, extremely conscientious, and well
organised. An adept communicator, proficient in using a keyboard, professional,
tactful, sociable and reliable.
4. Recent business graduate, conscientious, professional, good organisational
skills. Computer literate, with a keen eye for detail. A fine team player,
enthusiastic, dedicated, diligent, tactful and outgoing. Apt to set very high
personal standards, a good communicator, well versed in making ‘class
presentations’, as well as written reporters and with practical and responsible
experience in the workplace.
15
5. A bi-lingual health professional with good communications skills. Can work in a
logical organised manner to tight timescales while retaining a necessary degree
of flexibility and creativity. Hardworking, diligent, professional, punctual and
sociable. A competent team player well able to follow instructions as well as
motivate and direct others.
6. A capable team member, reliable, organised, hardworking, well motivated with a
friendly outgoing nature.
Quick to adapt to new challenges, an adapt
communicator, capable of researching, correlating and presenting information in
a variety of formats and always in highly professional manner.
7. Recently graduated Technical Illustration, conscientious, professional, with good
organisation skills. Computer literate in several leading software packages, a fine
team player, enthusiastic, dedicated, diligent, tactful and outgoing. Apt to set a
High personal standards, and with practical experience of the workplace. Holder
of a current clean driving licence.
8. A sympathetic, sensitive and understanding nature, with high levels of energy
and stamina. Good communication skills, a keen eye for detail, capable of
motivating others and of good working in a methodical, efficient and effective
manner.
9. A fully qualified LGV driver (Class 1), with range of experience throughout
Europe.
10. A diligent, hardworking, confident individual, well used to meeting challenges in a
responsible and professional manner.
11. A caring and empathetic person who enjoys communicating at the levels. Has a
varied background with a wide variety of skills to offer an employer. Selfmotivated, enjoys working with a team but comfortable using own initiative to
work independently. Experienced in dealing with elderly people and enjoyed
relating to them, also had a great deal of satisfaction working with children.
12. Outgoing, confident hardworking, sociable and responsible, sound numeric skills,
proficient in maintaining records, experienced in dealing with clients, stock control
and ordering. Capable of motivating others and controlling resources. Fit,
energetic, a keen eye for detail and always highly professional.
13. Experienced executive secretary. Able to work independently and make
decisions. Proven administration and organisation ability, supported by good
interpersonal skills. Used to working with executive management at the highest
level.
14. A technically aware sales co-ordinator, who has good communication and
organisational skills. Able to work at all levels, is committed and can work on
own initiative.
15. Enthusiastic Customer Service Co-ordinator with proven ability to control multiple
marketing projects within a given timescale and to range of exacting criteria. A
confident, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills.
16. A reliable, conscientious and loyal administrator with good secretarial, accounting
and purchasing skills. A skilled negotiator and arbitrator.
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17. A qualified and motivated Health Manager who is an innovator with proven track
record of achievement in implementing changes successfully. Comprehensive
experience within health sector, ranging from nursing to management strategy.
CV dos and don’ts
Do
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keep it clear and simple
use bullet points, as in this list
keep it short, maximum of 2 pages
be positive and elaborate on achievements and results
assume the reader doesn’t know what you did in your previous work
acknowledge a good CV takes time, don’t hurry
adapt your CV to different jobs
know your CV thoroughly, its often the basis for interview
word-process
show results in numbers or money (quantitative data)
pay attention to layout
avoid overcrowding and complications
put strongest statements at the beginning
use short sentences, not long paragraphs
Don’t
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don’t list salary requirements
don’t disclose why you left your previous job
don’t list addresses of the organisations you’ve worked for
don’t use personal pronouns i.e. I or we
don’t use jargon
don’t have any spelling or grammatical errors
don’t send cheap paper or poor photocopies
don’t list references
don’t use pretentious language, write as you speak
don’t copy someone else’s CV
don’t invent information that you can’t justify at an interview
don’t run out of copies to send out
don’t highlight problems i.e. divorce, redundancy, health
don’t use coloured paper
don’t included a photograph
don’t use extreme typeface or visual effects
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The covering letter
All application forms and CVs must have a covering letter, and this is likely to be the
first thing an employer sees.
1. Size. The covering letter can be hand-written or word-processed one side of
good quality A4 paper.
2. Three key points are needed.



say, enthusiastically, why you are interested in the position applied for and/or
how you found out about it.
refer to skills or experience you have to offer (e.g. a problem saving skill) which
can provide a direct benefit to the employer.
close the letter indicating your availability for interview and showing optimism that
you will be called for interview e.g. ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.
3. Personalise it. Always find out the name of the person to whom you are sending
the application.
4. Refer to enclosed CV for evidence.
5. Check it. Get someone to read through and check for spelling and grammar
errors keep a photocopy.
Covering letter layout
Three paragraphs should be enough to cover what you need to say.
First.


From the recipient’s viewpoint or benefit, give your reason for writing, e.g.
‘Your advertisement was of great interest…….’
‘Your company enjoys an excellent reputation in manufacturing….’
Second. To customise your CV and direct the reader to some selling point that
meets the needs of potential employer, e.g.


‘You will see from my enclosed CV….’
‘Customers Services has been the main thrust of my career…’
Third. Should be designed to ask for the interview, which should be described as
discussion or meeting. Some managers prefer this, as they may think that interviews
are for personnel departments to deal with. Write e.g.
 ‘I look forward to hearing from you.’
 ‘Perhaps I may telephone your office next week to see how you may wish to
progress matters.’
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