CVs The good, the bad and the ugly

1. CVs The good, the bad and the ugly

2. Working in pairs • Discuss what make a CV good, bad or ugly. • Then in groups of eight pool your ideas and decide the subject headings/subtitles of your ideal CV and place them in the order they would appear. Then share them with everyone.

3. Additional CV tips • Use good quality A4 paper (white or pale background). • Keep it concise, be completely truthful and keep it clear and specific – simple language works best. Use positive active language. • Highlight your selling points clearly. • Career history and education - usually most recent first. • Consider a small picture of yourself • Include a personal profile stating strengths and personal qualities. Include hobbies and interests and describe how you use these skills in your work. • Explain any gaps in employment history. Remember, time out for parenting adds to your CV e.g. life experience, multitasking - make it positive. • Always type or word process your CV and get it checked for spelling, grammar and ease of understanding. • Do not include names and addresses of referees in the body of the document -add these on a separate sheet. • Amend your CV each time to make it appropriate for the job that you are applying for • Include a covering letter.

4. Producing a CV which is easy to photocopy or scan • The original should be printed in letter quality. • Use a standard typeface in a font size of 10 to 14 points. • Use standard spacing; letters should not touch. • Avoid using italics, underlining, lines, graphics, two-column format, or boxes.  • Emphasize using bold or full capitalization. • Your name should be at the top of the first page, followed by your address beneath it.  • Each phone number should be on a separate line.  • Successive pages should have your name in the header text. • Footer of each page should include page number and total number of pages • Do not fold or staple. Post in A4 envelope

5. Working in pairs • Write a covering letter • Then in groups of eight share pool the letters and produce the gold standard which can be shared with everyone.

6. The covering letter • Take as much care over the covering letter as over the CV itself • Use good quality plain white paper and type it so it can be easily read • Where you have a named contact, address the letter to that person • Include your postcode, telephone number and date • Use a strong opening statement • Keep it brief and to the point - no more than one page • Don't repeat what is in the CV • Keep it clear and concise - use short, direct sentences. • Make the content reflect you so the reader can get a flavour of how you approach things • Include what you would bring to the organisation • Finish on a positive note • Print your name under the signature • Check spelling, grammar and ease of understanding – also use someone else • Check it thoroughly before posting and use a quality envelope • Don’t forget to include your CV! • Consider sending it by registered post

7. References • Choose your referees carefully. Make sure they are clear why you chose them and the particular areas you expect them to cover. Choose your referees to show your strengths. • Referees should be from recent jobs that are relevant to the job you are applying for. • Ensure your referees know they have been asked. You may need to remind them.

8. CV maker and other downloads • http://www.pennine-gp-training.co.uk/Example-CV-template.doc • Don’t forget the spokesperson for each group needs to e-mail me their version of the covering letter and the contents of the ideal CV

9. Coffee time!