​Creating an Effective CV

Creating an effective CV is your first step toward securing the job you want. Whether you're applying for your first job or advancing in your career, your CV should tell a compelling story of who you are, what experience you have, and the skills you can offer a potential new employer.

Understanding the Purpose of a CV:

A CV isn't just a list of your work history. It’s a marketing document designed to: showcase your skills and accomplishments, demonstrate your suitability for a specific role and get you to the next stage: the interview.

Formatting your CV:

At the top of your CV, include:

·       Full name

·       Town you live in (so employers can see if you live within a commutable area to the job you are applying for)

·       Professional title (optional)

·       Phone number

·       Email address (use a professional one)

When writing your CV follow these formatting ‘rules’:

·       Stick to 1–2 pages

·       Use professional fonts (like Arial or Calibri)

·       Keep formatting consistent

Top Tip: Proof read everything, avoid spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure you are using professional language throughout.

Writing a Personal Statement:

Summarise in a few sentences who you are, what skills you posses and what type of role you are looking for. This is a brief overview which can help an employer quickly identify if you would be a suitable match for their role.

Example:

‘Compassionate and dedicated support worker with experience supporting vulnerable individuals in both residential and community settings. Skilled in providing person-centred care, promoting independence, and building trusting relationships to help clients lead safe, fulfilling lives.’

Highlight Your Work Experience:

List your job history in chronological order. For each role, include:

·       Job title

·       Company name and location

·       Dates of employment

·       Key responsibilities and achievements (use bullet points)

For your most recent job you may also wish to include the reason you are seeking alternative employment, but try to present this in a positive way so as not to discourage potential employers.

Example:

‘I’m looking for a role with more opportunities for career progression’

Avoid:

‘I don’t like my manager so I’m looking for a new job’

If you cannot honestly write this in a positive way it’s best not to write anything.

Provide Information about your Education:

Include:

·       Degree(s)

·       Institution(s)

·       Graduation year(s)

·       Any honours, relevant coursework, or extracurricular achievements

Showcase Your Skills and Attributes:

Add a section for hard and soft skills relevant to the job you're applying for. Where possible, tailor this section to each specific role based on the information about the skills required within the job advert.

Example:

Support Worker: Health & Social Care NVQ Level 3, experience with personal care, excellent communication skills

Counsellor: Case-management systems, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) membership, Counselling Degree (Bachelors)

Add Optional Sections (if relevant)

Depending on your experience, you might also include:

·       Certifications or courses

·       Projects you’ve worked on

·       Volunteer work

·       Workplace awards

Final Thoughts:

A good CV is your personal advertisement. Take the time to craft a clear, honest, and focused document that reflects your strengths and showcases what you can bring the table.