If you missed the Outwood Careers Event Live, you can still look at all the resources by clicking here!!

Writing a CV / job application

What is a CV?

A CV is a summary of things you have achieved or things you are good at which you send to employers to apply for a job. CV stands for 'Curriculum Vitae' which is Latin for 'course of life'. It has a certain format (see example template) and there are certain things it is good to include.

Include sections: SKILLS EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
Include concrete examples. For example, do not just say 'I am good at sport'. Rather: 'I play Squash at beginners' level but am in the First Team for Football, playing Defender. We won the County Cup last year.'
Use spell check and formal language.
Match the initial personal statement to the job. For example, if it is a job looking after animals, mention this at the starting paragraph.
Get someone to read it through for you.

Don't

Waffle on. Keep it concise.
Tell lies. You need to emphasise your achievements but they must be true and backed up by evidence!
Use the same CV for every job. Change the starting paragraph or Skills section slightly to match the job you are applying for. The Education and Experience sections will stay the same.

Accompanying Letter

It is sometimes advisable to send a letter with the CV as an attachment, laid out correctly in letter form. How to set out a letter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv7fqp3/articles/zkq8hbk
You have to convince the Employer you are the best person for the job so - sell yourself. Do not be too modest! 'I am particularly good at…'
Show enthusiasm for the job - why you want it. ' I am really keen to get into…'
Include reasons why you would be good at the job. Look at the advert and pick out things they are looking for and give evidence to show you can do that. For example if the advert says: 'person needs to be capable of working on their own', you could write: 'I can work on my own initiative - I always hand my work in by the deadline.'
Make sure your covering letter is short and snappy – the Employer will be reading hundreds of them, so if something’s not necessary, don’t include it.