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Effective CV Writing. Fashion. What is a CV?. Curriculum Vitae (Latin: the course of one’s life) An outline of a person’s educational and professional history. What is the purpose of a CV?. To inform the employer about your education, work experience, skills and interests
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Effective CV Writing Fashion
What is a CV? • Curriculum Vitae (Latin: the course of one’s life) • An outline of a person’s educational and professional history What is the purpose of a CV? • To inform the employer about your education, work experience, skills and interests • To ‘sell’ these qualities and to persuade the employer to invite you to interview
When should a CV be used? • When an employer asks for a CV • When an employer states ‘apply to…’ without specifying the format • When making speculative applications
Matching your CV with the job/company • It is not ‘one size fits all’, you need to tailor your CV to each position you apply for. • Research the company. Do they have a mission statement or core values? What will they be looking for in you? Check the job description/person specification.
Compiling a CV:What should a CV contain? • Personal details • Education from GCSE level –institutions, qualifications & dates (most recent first) • Relevant work experience • Work history • Other information (including your website if you have one) • References
Personal Details • Name (as a heading rather than ‘CV’) • Address • Telephone number • Email address • Make sure this is a professional email address, not ‘sexybeccy@hotmail.com’
Education and Qualifications • Start with the most recent • Don’t forget your current study • Mention relevant modules • You might like to mention top marks • You don’t have to put your grades on if you weren’t happy with them • Include the years of study • Primary school not needed
Education and Qualifications • 2011 – Present University of Kent • BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles (Predicted 2:1) • Modules include: Fashion and Printed Textile Design, Creative and Technical Skills, Creative Design and Business Practice • Dissertation: Should we applaud the influence of Zandra Rhodes on the fashion industry? • Highlights include: • Winner of the College Fashion Show • Portfolio grade of 75% • 2009 – 2011 Maidstone Grammar School • A-levels: Media Studies (A), Art (B), Information Technology (C) • 2005 – 2009 Wrotham School • GCSEs: 8 GCSEs grade A-C including English and Mathematics
Work Experience • Dates, name of company, position, location. • Don’t just list your duties – sell your skills and provide evidence. Which skills are relevant to the position/company you are applying to? • April 2010 – June 2011 Sales Assistant Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone • Delivered excellent customer service as demonstrated by my mystery shop result of 91% and by receiving ‘Sales Assistant of the Month’ award three times. • Achieved a sales result of 5% above my target illustrating my advanced selling skills, as well as my determination to succeed.
What examples can you give from your work experience? If you have no paid work experience, give examples from voluntary work or from your course
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Interests and Activities • Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate skills relevant to the job such as: • Team work • Organising • Commitment • Your intellectual abilities • Your personality • Your artistic ability
References • Ideally, one academic and previous/current employer. • Ask permission from your referee and let them know what position(s) you’ve applied for. • Use relevant references if possible. • You can say ‘references available on request’ rather than including contact details if you wish.
How not to do it • I have good writen skills • I loathe filling in application forms so much that I’ll give you the information at the interview • If called to interview, I would like to discuss the salary, pensions and sickness benefits
Presentation of your CV • The first visual impression of your CV is important • For standard CVs, use plain white A4 paper • Do not double side • Keep your CV to two sides of paper • Check your spelling • Use bullet points and bold font but in moderation
Presentation of your CV • Formatting – make sure it’s consistent • Size 10-12 font (depending on font style) • Clear font e.g. Arial, Calibri • 2:1, not Two One or 2,1 • Use short, concise sentences
Creative presentation • Be creative in design BUT ensure all relevant CV information is included • See http://www.careers-creative-living.co.uk/cv_gallery • See http://www.mikeclegg.co.uk/ • See the creative CV guide for ideas & suggestions • Include a weblink to your portfolio • In general, less is more!
Further information • www.kent.ac.uk/ces • http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/creative-careers.htm • www.prospects.ac.uk • medwaycareers@kent.ac.uk