Beacon Recruitment & Placement Services Ltd
M: 07854 983191
T: 01274 436120
E: beaconrecruitment@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
CV Advice
Cover Letters & CV Writing Tips
Your CV gives an initial snapshot of your working history. It provides the opportunity to sell yourself and show what you can bring to the role. A strong CV will secure an interview, creating a good impression prior to the first meeting.
Your CV gives an initial snapshot of your working history. It provides the opportunity to sell yourself and show what you can bring to the role. A strong CV will secure an interview, creating a good impression prior to the first meeting.
- The cover letter should be treated as your personal marketing literature; it introduces you, your CV and is your first chance to make a good impression.
- If you're replying to a job advert, include the job title, reference number and if possible the publication you noticed it in.
- The content should be brief, structured and should avoid repetition of information covered in your CV. Outline your current situation, why you're seeking a new challenge and also state why you're interested in working for the company. Highlight your transferable skills, achievements and versatility.
- Write down all the facts about yourself, your career and training experience.
- Decide how this will relate to the job you're applying for.
- Clearly state the dates you were employed for and write a short, bullet point description of the duties for each.
Format
- Personal details: full name and contact details, including address, telephone number and email.
- Profile – This is your opportunity to really capture your audience and sell yourself. Ideally a one-paragraph profile that sums up your professional and personal attributes, such as: key roles to date, your experience in a specific sector or industry, your ‘unique selling points,” e.g. problem-solver, team player etc.
- Employment record: career history should be presented in reverse date order, with a short overview of the main responsibilities and career progression. If you are embarking on your first position, emphasise your training, skills and relevant work experience.
- Educational history and professional qualifications: names of institutions and dates attended (most recent first) grades and passes attained, training, development and computer skills.
- Hobbies and interests: listed last and kept to a minimum.
- References: you can either list up to two, or simply state 'available on request'.
- Use white paper and a plain font.
- Do not include WordArt, ClipArt, graphics or photographs, as this can make the document look cluttered.
- Keep to two pages if possible.
- Always check your spelling and grammar.
