Fashion
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Curriculum Vitae (Latin: the course of one’s life)
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An outline of a person’s educational and professional
history
What is the purpose of a CV?
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To inform the employer about
your education, work
experience, skills and interests
To ‘sell’ these qualities and to
persuade the employer to invite
you to interview
When an employer asks for a CV
When an employer states ‘apply to…’
without specifying the format
 When making speculative applications
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It is not ‘one size fits all’, you
need to tailor your CV to each
position you apply for.
Research the company. Do they have a mission
statement or core values? What will they be looking
for in you? Check the job description/person
specification.
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Personal details
Education from GCSE level –institutions,
qualifications & dates (most recent first)
Relevant work experience
Work history
Other information (including your website if you
have one)
References
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Name (as a heading rather than ‘CV’)
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Address
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Telephone number
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Email address
 Make sure this is a professional email address, not
‘sexybeccy@hotmail.com’
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Start with the most recent
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Don’t forget your current study
 Mention relevant modules
 You might like to mention top marks
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You don’t have to put your grades on if you
weren’t happy with them
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Include the years of study
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Primary school not needed
Education and Qualifications
2011 – Present
University of Kent
BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles (Predicted 2:1)
Modules include: Fashion and Printed Textile Design,
Creative and Technical Skills, Creative Design and
Business Practice
Dissertation: Should we applaud the influence of
Zandra Rhodes on the fashion industry?
Highlights include:
• Winner of the College Fashion Show
• Portfolio grade of 75%
2009 – 2011
Maidstone Grammar School
A-levels: Media Studies (A), Art (B),
Information Technology (C)
2005 – 2009
Wrotham School
GCSEs: 8 GCSEs grade A-C including English and
Mathematics
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Dates, name of company, position, location.
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Don’t just list your duties – sell your skills and
provide evidence. Which skills are relevant to
the position/company you are applying to?
April 2010 – June 2011
Sales Assistant
Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
• Delivered excellent customer service as demonstrated by my mystery shop result of
91% and by receiving ‘Sales Assistant of the Month’ award three times.
• Achieved a sales result of 5% above my target illustrating my advanced selling skills,
as well as my determination to succeed.
What examples can you give from your work experience?
If you have no paid work experience, give examples from voluntary work or
from your course
created instructed analysed produced
negotiated designed calculated maintained
administered controlled reviewed observed
consolidated delivered founded increased
studied invented supplied detected
programmed recommended distributed
developed solved prepared installed
selected arranged formulated solved started
Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate
skills relevant to the job such as:
• Team work
• Organising
• Commitment
• Your intellectual abilities
• Your personality
• Your artistic ability
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Ideally, one academic and previous/current
employer.
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Ask permission from your referee and let them
know what position(s) you’ve applied for.
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Use relevant references if possible.
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You can say ‘references available on request’
rather than including contact details if you
wish.
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I have good writen skills
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I loathe filling in application forms so much
that I’ll give you the information at the
interview
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If called to interview, I would like to discuss
the salary, pensions and sickness benefits
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The first visual impression of your CV is
important
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For standard CVs, use plain white A4 paper
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Do not double side
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Keep your CV to two sides of paper
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Check your spelling
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Use bullet points and bold font but in
moderation
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Formatting – make sure it’s consistent
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Size 10-12 font (depending on font style)
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Clear font e.g. Arial, Calibri
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2:1, not Two One or 2,1
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Use short, concise sentences
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Be creative in design BUT ensure all relevant CV
information is included
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See http://www.careers-creativeliving.co.uk/cv_gallery
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See http://www.mikeclegg.co.uk/
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See the creative CV guide for ideas & suggestions
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Include a weblink to your portfolio
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In general, less is more!
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www.kent.ac.uk/ces
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http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/creative
-careers.htm
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www.prospects.ac.uk
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medwaycareers@kent.ac.uk