How to write an effective CV

Sophie

What is a CV?

CV is short for the Latin term “curriculum

vitae” which means “the story

of your life”

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9Keep it to 2

sides of A4 as a maximum -

be concise Check the spelling and

grammar used

Present it in a visually

attractive way - make it look

nice

Make it easy to

read - short sentences can be skimmed

quickly Make it

honest - you will be found

out in the interview!

Include only relevant

information - be concise and

direct

Put your most recent role first

Do not use

jargon or abbreviations - it

will confuse the reader

Use the active voice

(see next page)

9 key steps to a great CV

Writing a CVA CV is an outline of your education and experience. Not all roles require you to submit a CV, but for those that do, we hope that you find this guide helpful. Your CV is like an application form; it is one of the first things the recruiting manager sees about you and more importantly it is the only part of the application process you have full control over.

Writing a CV is not always an easy task and it does require time, effort and determination. However, once you have a good basic CV you can simply update it or tailor it to the position you are applying for.

Remember that through your CV you are selling yourself, your skills and experience, and therefore you must ensure that it presents you in the best possible way.

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Accomplished Conducted Drove Identified Negated Scheduled

Achieved Consolidated Implemented Negotiated Sold

Administered Consulted Earned Increased Solved

Advised Controlled Edited Initiated Obtained Specified

Analysed Converted Eliminated Inspired Operated Standardised

Approved Coordinated Encouraged Installed Organised Started

Arranged Corrected Engineered Instigated Strengthened

Assessed Created Ensured Instructed Performed Structured

Assisted Cut Established Interpreted Planned Supervised

Attained Estimated Introduced Prepared Supported

Decreased Evaluated Presented

Budgeted Defined Expanded Launched Processed Tested

Built Delivered Lead Promoted Trained

Demonstrated Facilitated Liaised Translated

Calculated Designed Forecast Redesigned

Captured Determined Formulated Machined Reduced Uncovered

Centralised Developed Founded Maintained Reorganised Utilised

Checked Devised Managed Represented

Collected Diagnosed Generated Marketed Researched Verified

Combined Directed Guided Modernised Resolved

Completed Distributed Monitored Reviewed Widened

Composed Documented Motivated Revised Won

Conceived Doubled

Using the Active VoiceUsing active, positive words (these are normally verbs) in a CV or in an application form can give it additional oomph – the impact you need!

Examples are:

“designed” rather than “designing”

“improved” rather than “the improvement”

“analysed” rather than “analysing”

“investigated” rather than “the investigation”

Here is a list of “action words” that could work great in your CV:

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Julie Jones

32 Any Street, Birmingham, B1 8AB07791557788

0121 345 67893julie239@email.com

ProfileAn organised, confident and motivated PA with ten years’ experience. Communicates confidently and effectively at all levels and uses initiative to meet the highest standards. Always striving to go the extra mile in order to achieve the set goal. Seeking new challenges and additional responsibility to progress careers.

Achievements• Promoted to the role of PA to the General Manager whilst at Johnson’s

Packaging• Completed the Girl Guiding UK Adult Leadership scheme to become a

Guide Leader• Completed the Birmingham half marathon, raising £5,000 for charity

Experience

Birmingham Royal Hospital Medical Secretary 2005-2009• Providing secretarial and administrative support to a consultant and a

team of junior doctors• Summarising all incoming correspondence into patients’ medical records• Arranging meetings, managing diary, dealing with appointment requests• Actioning all GP referrals, liaising with other internal and external hospital

departments• Audio typing and copy typing of clinic letters and operating lists• Clinical coding of all incoming patient correspondence.

Birmingham City Council Secretary 2002-2005• Provided secretarial support to a manager of a busy educational

department• Drafted and typed letters and other documents• Supplied records using computer database and spreadsheet software• Administered all incoming and outgoing post• Ensured all filing systems were up to date

Career HistoryIn this section you should start with

your present or most recent job and work backwards. You should include employer, the dates you worked for them, job title

and your main duties. Provide more detail on the relevant jobs you’ve had and give examples of the skills you used

and what you achieved. Use bullet pointed lists.

Personal DetailsYou should include your

name, address and contact details. It’s up to you whether you include your age, marital

status and nationality.

Personal profileYour ‘Personal Profile’ should

summarise your: skills and qualities, work background and achievements,

career aims. It should only be a few lines and must grab the reader’s attention. For example, if the job involves working with

people, you could say you’re a good team-worker and an effective communicator. Be

brief - you can highlight examples of your skills in later sections.

Key Skills/Achievements

Bullet point your key skills i.e. good communication skills, good problem solving skills, etc.

Remember these should be relevant to the role you are

applying for.

Example CV

Julie Jones

32 Any Street, Birmingham, B1 8AB07791557788

0121 345 67893julie239@email.com

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Johnson’s Packaging PA/Administrative Assistant 1999-2002• Supervised administrative staff and delegated tasks• Audio typing and copy typing of documents• Managed general manager’s diary• Organised travel arrangements for international travel.

Professional Qualification & Training• First aid at work qualification

Qualifications

Birmingham College of Further Education 1998• Certificate for IT Users (CLAIT)• Adult Centre• NVQ levels 1-4 in Business and Administration

Brunswick County Secondary School 1975-1986• 3x O Levels Grade B 1975-1980• CSE English Grade 1

Interests• Girl Guides – Assistant Leader – assisting in the running of a local

Girl Guides group• Sports – swimming, running and general keep fit.

ReferencesAvailable on request

Career History cont.

Try to relate your skills and experience to the job description or what you think the employer is

looking for, if you’re sending your CV on spec. Also include any relevant temporary work and volunteering

experience.

Professional Qualifications &

TrainingList any relevant professional qualifications and/or training

you have attended

InterestsYou can include

hobbies, interests and achievements that are relevant to the job. For example, if you’re involved in any clubs or societies

this can show that you enjoy meeting new people.

Education & Qualifications

List the schools, colleges and university you attended and the qualifications you

achieved.

Example CVContinued

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Notes

Comeand join the

Northern teamto help keep ourcustomers onthe move

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northernrailway.co.uk/careersOpportunities for all within Rail