How do I write a CV?
How do I write a CV?
The experience may seem a little daunting at first but if you follow my simple steps you will soon be on your path to find the perfect job.
Let’s take each point in turn.
Choose a resume / CV template. There are many templates on line to select from. However, If you follow my steps on how to write a CV you do not need a template. You need access to Microsoft word and then quiet time and thought to write the CV.
Include your personal contact details. This is very important as many people omit their telephone number and email address on the CV so there is no easy way of contacting you to discuss your application and arrange interview. Ensure you have your full address including postcode, mobile number and email address.
| CV Example of personal contact details |
|
Name Address and Postcode Mobile Number: Email Address: |
Match your skills to the job advert. Under your contact information you should have a sub-heading “Profile”. This is the most important part of the CV which in summary gives the reader a quick, clear and concise understanding of what your professional role is and your key skills which will set you apart from other job seekers. Here you should consider the requirements from the job specification and ensure that the main key skills are highlighted as well as technical ability.
| CV Example of Profile |
| A highly successful Operations Director with over 15 years of operational experience in a number of sectors to include manufacturing and service. Proven track record in leading businesses to achieve their aspired growth. A natural leader and manager with strengths in recruiting, training and developing employees. An expert in strategic growth, organisation and people development and employee relations. Skilled in launching new initiatives and delivering operational efficiency. |
Write your employment history. Your current or most recent job should be shown at the top of your employment history. Here we show year to year, name of Employer and your job title which is on your contract of employment. You then should add at least 12 bullet points of duties and responsibilities for each of the most recent 3 jobs you have had. If you have worked for more than 10 years, I would recommend you have a subheading at the bottom of your 10-year career history stating “Earlier career”. Here I would either lump the year to and from together i.e. from when you left education to your most relevant role or list a few of your jobs in lineage i.e. year to and from, job title and name of Employer. Whilst you are going through this process, ensure that the duties of the job you are applying for are in your CV as duties you have done or are doing in your current role. It will not be assumed you are carrying out certain tasks because of your job title.
| CV Example of Employment History |
| Year – Year |
| Name of Employer |
| Job Title i.e.Operation Director |
| · Responsible for all operations to include process, planning, control, performance improvement and operations strategy
· Analyse and improve organisational processes making recommendations for improvements on quality, productivity and efficiency · Providing a leadership support function to teams · Motivating staff to achieve production goals · Managing budgets and costs effectively in respect of the planning process |
Focus on your achievements. For each of the 3 jobs you are listing you should have a sub-heading of “Achievements”. Under this you should add at least 2 significant achievements in each role which could be a system or procedure you have introduced, a given percentage in terms of increase or decrease of a given subject, or a value in money in terms of savings or income generated. Each point should be no more than 2 lines, keeping it relevant and to the point.
| CV Example of Achievements |
| Achievements:
· Implemented a new ERP system and processes which improved efficiency and reduce project costs by £500k · Created and implemented a new strategic business plan to ensure profitable growth which to date is showing a year on year 6% increase in turnover |
Write your Education and Training. With the highest qualification first i.e. degree followed by College, School and then any technical or specialist courses
| CV Example of Education and Training |
| 2004 – 2009
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) BA (Hons) Business Management |
| 1999 – 2004
St Mary High School 10 GCSE’s including Maths and English Language |
| Courses:
NEBOSH IOSH First Aid |
Example of Final CV
Name
Address and Postcode
Mobile Number: Email Address:
Profile
A highly successful Operations Director with over 15 years of operational experience in a number of sectors to include manufacturing and service. Proven track record in leading businesses to achieve their aspired growth. A natural leader and manager with strengths in recruiting, training and developing employees. Expert in strategic growth, organisation and people development and employee relations. Skilled in launching new initiatives and delivering operational efficiency.
Employment History
Year – Year
Name of Employer
Operation Director
• Responsible for all operations to include process, planning, control, performance improvement and operations strategy
• Analyse and improve organisational processes making recommendation for improvements on quality, productivity and efficiency
• Providing a leadership support function to teams
• Motivating staff to achieve production goals
• Managing budgets and costs effectively in respect of the planning process
Achievements:
• Implemented a new ERP system and processes which improved efficiency and reduce project costs by £500k
• Created and implemented a new strategic business plan to ensure profitable growth which to date is showing a year on year 6% increase in turnover
Education and Training
2004 – 2009
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
BA (Hons) Business Management
1999 – 2004
St Mary High School
10 GCSE’s including Maths and English Language
Courses:
NEBOSH
IOSH
First Aid
