CV advice | JobShop | UPSU.net - Portsmouth Students' Union online

Writing your CV

A CV is a record of your personal details, education and work experience - a track record of your achievements. But a CV is also more than that and shouldn't just be a list of facts and dates. It's your chance to sell/market yourself to show that you are the right person for the job.

CV Tips

Keep to a maximum of two sides of A4 make sure it's clearly laid out with a good use of white space.
Make your CV simple and concise, use short sharp sentences and avoid using jargon.
Tailor your CV to the position you are applying for.
Don't forget to include any languages spoken for or read, general computer/keyboard skills, driving - length of experience and that you have a 'clean' licence.
Finally, ask someone to check the information and spellings for you.

There are no rights and wrongs when it comes to writing and presenting a CV, and each document will be as individual as the jobseeker it belongs to. However, by following some basic principles you will be able to present the information in a clear, concise and persuasive way.

Content of CV

An employer will expect to find information covering the following areas:

Personal details - include your name, address, phone numbers and email address. You may wish to add details of your nationality, birth date and driving licence, but this is not obligatory.
Education - list brief details of qualifications - GCSEs, A-levels, degree - along with grades attained. Applicants looking for their first job since school college or university can include their education information before work experience.
Skills - include specific skills such as IT skills or languages.
Work experience - list the most recent experience first, as it brings to the fore the most recent and, often relevant and responsible work. Describe your work experience in short sentences using straightforward, positive language. As well as describing the job, point out any general qualities that arose from the work such as ability to manage staff or work to tight deadlines.
Hobbies - including details of your interests away from the workplace is optional. By adding details of specific hobbies, you are giving an employer a more rounded picture of your personal qualities, don’t overdo it. Do not use a long list of hobbies to cover up a lack of work experience.
References - it is usual to provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of which should be your most recent employer. Students with limited work experience can nominate University lecturers, teachers or managers during work experience. Be sure to tell your referees in advance, so they will be prepared.

Interview tips

Have clear instructions on how to find the businesss, leave plenty of time. Public transport may be useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable it won't affect the fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Always remember - you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Aim to be early - you can always find a nearby cafe/shop/pub to wait in. And if worst comes to worst and you are going to be late, then definitely ring in and let them know.
Look at the employers' website and learn something about the company before you attend your interview. Feed them the opportunity to talk proudly about something positive you have found.
Prepare ahead of time - Writing them down and practicing them with someone will make it easier to remember when you get to the interview. Use the third person (possibly a career advisor) when talking about the job. Avoid sounding as though you assume the job is yours.
What are your weaknesses? Try to find an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking. An interviewer will appreciate your candour - as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
As a rule dress smartly, but the more informal the interview and workplace the more flexible you can be. And don't forget that firm handshake and to maintain eye contact - without glaring!
Check your CV for possible gaps!
Make sure you know how you are going to explain time gaps on your CV.
Talk about specific achievements - Interviewers like to know how you felt about about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you've done that you're particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.
Don't talk too much - Communication is a two-way thing so give them a chance.
Be enthusiastic and positive - Don't criticise previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.
Prepare questions to ask employers - At the end of the interview you will usually be asked if you have any questions - try to think of some before your interview.
Relax and Smile at interview - At the interview try to relax and smile, remember that prospective employers are often as nervous as the candidates themselves. Try to appear polite and friendly and avoid yes/no answers.
Make sure you know what will happen next, when can they contact you.

And finally, Don't give up!

If you get the job - Congratulations! Don't forget to inform your Job Shop of your success.
If you are unsuccessful call the employer to get some feedback - feedback from interviews where you have been turned down can be invaluable for improving future results. Ask politely if they can give you any feedback for the future - there's a job out there for you somewhere.