CV’s

1. CV’s Skills Based vs Chronological

2. Skills-based CVs • A skills-based CV emphasises your personal qualities rather than your employment history, and is a very popular format with mature graduates.

3. When to use a skills-based CV • A skills-based CV is ideal if you have gaps in your employment history, because they are not as prominent as they would be in a chronological CV. • However, employers are still likely to ask you about your career progression, so be prepared to explain any gaps at interview. • If you have varied work experience, this type of CV provides the opportunity to show employers how skills gained in other types of employment might be relevant for the post.

4. You should include • your contact details (name, address, telephone number, mobile  - and email address if you check it regularly) • your education and qualifications, degree subject, class (attained or expected), modules studied, A levels - always with dates and grades, summarised GCSE/O levels or CSEs • a description of your key or transferable skills - identify the key skills required for the job and use these headings in your CV • a summary of your work experience • your referees (can be named or 'on request') - if named ensure you ask their permission first

5. You don’t need to include • nationality, unless you will need a UK work permit • marital status • details and ages of children • your health status • school and university address • examining boards • minor qualifications unrelated to the post applied for.

6. Read Skills Based CV1 and identify its strengths and weaknesses

7. Analysis of Example CV • Provides evidence of working with children in varied situations: at a hospital, in a children’s home and with the Everett Project. It demonstrates a commitment to children over a period of time. • Now that the applicant has successfully completed her degree she is ready to take on a more responsible post, and is using the skills she gained while studying to emphasise her suitability for the job. By using a skills-based CV she is able to put more emphasis on her full range of skills. • By identifying her skills and their relevance to her application she has improved her chances of an interview

8. Read Skills Based CV2 and identify its strengths and weaknesses

9. Analysis of example 2 • Analysis of achievements provides a comprehensive picture of her experience • Responsibilities next to each job role illustrate increases in responsibility • Has provided brief details of OU study - not all readers would know that OU study involves contact with other students and provides the opportunity to develop team skills • Sandra mentions that she took time out to have a family. This sort of information is optional, but you will probably be asked to account for any gaps at interview.

10. Chronological CV • A chronological CV is the most usual format of CV. It lists your details, under appropriate headings, in reverse chronological order.

11. When to use a chronological CV • Chronological CVs are best when you have had continuous employment with no gaps. If you do have gaps, then mention them and give an appropriate reason for them, such as bringing up a family. • However it can end up as just a list of what you've done, leaving the employer with very little idea about what you are like as a person.

12. You should include • your contact details • education and qualifications, degree subject, class (attained or expected), modules studied, A levels, always with dates and grades, summarised GCSE/O levels or CSEs • all paid or unpaid work experience, even if unrelated to the job applied for • responsibilities, achievements and skills developed in these posts • activities and interests, current rather than from times past • achievements and additional skills, such as languages, IT. • You might like to include a short paragraph about your key skills or career aims after your personal details.

13. You don’t need to include • your nationality, unless you will need a UK work permit • your marital status • details and ages of your children • your health status • school and university addresses • examining boards • minor qualifications unrelated to the post applied for.

14. Analysis of Chronological CV example • Although only the most recent paid job is relevant, all the voluntary work is directly so, and demonstrates commitment to conservation over a long period of time. • There are a number of posts of responsibility, which include handling money and supervision of staff, but there are also relevant skills listed that would be appropriate for the post of nature reserve warden, like IT and DIY. • In this example Mohammed’s degree is linked to the job, but even if yours is not it is often possible to show that you have acquired relevant skills while studying for it, like time management, meeting deadlines and forward planning - all skills that mature students develop while distance learning. • Mohammed has identified the requirements outlined in the job specification and reflected them as closely as possible in the CV by providing the evidence outlined below.

15. Read Chronological CV1 and identify its strengths and weaknesses

16. Analysis of Chronological CV 2 • Very concise style of writing that recruiters often appreciate • Profile gives a useful summary of career aim • Provides a summary of each position, with more details for his most recent position which contains his most impressive achievements. Describing the number of staff he is responsible for and the specific amount by which he has reduced staff costs helps to put his experiences into context • Illustrates the content of OU study by providing examples of relevant projects undertaken and mentioning skills developed as a result of this study • IT skills - is able to demonstrate the extent of his competence by using examples and giving frequency of use • Additional interests have been shown in terms of the skills developed

17. Read Chronological CV1 and identify its strengths and weaknesses

18. Ten ways to improve your CV • Tailor your CV to each job you apply for by emphasising your skills and experience that are relevant to that job. • Describe your transferable skills, such as team working, problem solving and planning, even if they appear unrelated to the post you’re applying for. • Sound positive and dynamic by using active verbs. Present information in reverse chronological order. This applies to both your qualifications and your work experience. An employer is most interested in what you have done recently and expects you to devote more space on the CV to these activities. • Considering the visual impact. Are the headings logically ordered? Are there big blocks of text unbroken by bullet points or subheadings? Would you want to read it? • Be consistent in how you present information and in the layout. For example, have headings in the same style, present your employment history in the same format for each entry. • Check spelling and grammar, don’t just rely on a spell checker. • Be concise, your CV should be no more than one or two pages. If you have two pages make sure they are on separate sheets and stapled in the top left corner. • Review and update your CV regularly.