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CV

CVs

  

Apart from completing an application form, a CV is the other most common way of presenting information about you to send to potential employers.

 

Your CV is your chance to sell yourself and make sure you’re the one chosen for an interview – it’s what gets you through the door.

 

Therefore it’s important that you get it right and make sure it does what it’s supposed to.

 CV dos and don’ts

 

  • DO keep it short – employers are busy and don’t want to have to sift through page after page. Keep it to a maximum of 2 sides.
  • DO type it up – hand-written CVs look untidy and are difficult to read. If you don’t have a computer at home, you can use one at Connexions Bolton.
  • DO separate the information out neatly using headings.
  • DO use good quality paper to print out your CV – it creates a good impression and shows you mean business.
  • DO save a copy – so that you can print more copies whenever you need them.
  • DO keep it up-to-date – as you gain more experience and learn new skills, make sure you add them to your CV.
  • DO get permission from referees – listing two is usual practice.
  • DO use email – a lot of people email their CV to employers nowadays, unless it’s clear that they don’t want this.  
  • DON’T make things up – you will soon be found out if you have made things up to impress an employer.

 

If you’re not sure how to go about creating your CV, speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser.

 

Covering letters

 

When you send your CV to potential employers it is important to include a covering letter with it.

 

This should include:

 

  • Your name and address
  • The date
  • An opening paragraph explaining what you are sending and the job it is for
  • A paragraph about why you really want the job and why you would be good at it
  • A closing sentence that includes ‘I look forward to hearing from you’

Think of the letter as your chance to introduce yourself and then write out what you would say if you were speaking to them in person. Speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser for further help to get you started.