[Vast_Girth]

I tthink that's looking pretty good now Although your interests paragraph makes no sense. How about something like...


I'm a keen computer user and very comfortable using office applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. I particularly enjoy using Excel and am well practiced using it's more advanced features to create advanced spreadsheets. I also have an interest in writing letters, novels and blog posts. I also enjoy sports and am a former member of a *whatever the sport was* club.

[Impinger]

Interviewer: "how many novels have you wrote?"

OP: "erm.. "

[TheEricPollard]

I can't tell if this is real or not but good luck.

[Aaron.Bishop]

Originally Posted by TheEricPollard

I can't tell if this is real or not but good luck.

This is 110% real by all measures. I have had moments before when I felt a bit let down by my CV from looking at it and wished I had done something about it sooner or later then I would have gotten a job by now. Thank you!

Originally Posted by Impinger

Interviewer: "how many novels have you wrote?"

OP: "erm.. "

Originally Posted by Vast_Girth

I tthink that's looking pretty good now Although your interests paragraph makes no sense. How about something like...


I'm a keen computer user and very comfortable using office applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. I particularly enjoy using Excel and am well practiced using it's more advanced features to create advanced spreadsheets. I also have an interest in writing letters, novels and blog posts. I also enjoy sports and am a former member of a *whatever the sport was* club.

Updated.

I'd just like to take this moment to thank all of the user's who took their time in giving me such criticism which I don't mind of course and very comfortable advice; this has made me feel alot better about my CV and I could be on my way to sending it out to top businesses etc, and also one step closer to finding a job. Although you may think I might of blanked out everyone's advice in this thread today, I haven't! I hope that didn't sound too patronising.

[Thine Wonk]

At least the spelling and grammar is good, which makes a change. Good luck and I hope you find a job you like.

[chrisbartley]

My g/f has told me (as a teacher) that this (using the bus pass) is one of the assessment criteria on Skills for Working Life or some other unit that is delivered in schools.

If so, isn't that a rather sad reflection of the level of expectation of our 'education' system
Will they be assessing the ability to walk and talk at the same time next ?

[skp20040]

Originally Posted by bostin_austin

As a small business owner and employer, I really don't think your CV is too bad. I have a lot of enquiries from people who need employment, but the two things that people do that annoy me most is bad spelling and people enquiring using email.
I wish you all the best in finding work.

I wish more people would use email, with all the job clubs now we receive so much post enquiring about jobs I just dont have the time or to be honest the inclination to pay postage to reply to each one saying "sorry but" ( as we dont have any vacancies now). Email would be easier, and easier to send a quick response which I personally do like to do just to be polite.

[chrisbartley]

with reference to the CV in post #74

"have an fantastic attitude" - to what ?

"excellent eye to detail " - is it "to" or "for" ?

"Having to raise any open flower beds whilst getting stuck into some gardening" - odd statement ?
Surely start that para with "I was working with one of the employees ....."

" as this was casual employment to earn extra cash whilst studying" - lose the "as this was"

"Duties include processing instructions with children when written, quickly and effectively," - does that make sense ? - not sure it does to me

The "Interests" section has already been addressed by others

[skp20040]

Originally Posted by Otherguy

It's very poorly written and is riddled with grammatical errors. You need to scrap it and start again.

It may not be the best I have seen , but a lot of the basic info is there for what is needed in the final version once it is tweaked a bit and the fact that the OP has asked for opinions and help shows they actually do care.

Maybe instead of "scrap it and start again" you could have offered some tips ?

[Skyclad]

I'm probably too late but thought I would offer my advice as an employer:

You're obviously very young as is evidenced by your lack of experience - don't be frightened by this and certainly don't try to big yourself up. The CVs that stand out to me are the ones that are honest and short - your lack of experience means you are half way there already.

My biggest piece of advice, and it probably goes against what you have been told, is to tailor your CV to each job you apply for - rather than have a one size fits all CV.

You mentioned working for KFC - so think about what an employer would class as an excellent candidate for that role. Presumably someone who is good with people, is good with money (both trustworthy and good mental arithmetic) and has excellent communication skills. Now think about how you can impress upon the employer that you fit the bill. Remember, they are not looking for rocket scientists or someone with 50 years experience in the industry. Quite the opposite - your lack of experience means you are cheap - and that's a big selling point.

Experience: I wouldn't even list the dates you 'worked'. Just say what the role was, volountary or unpaid if that was the case and then try to think what you did in that time that reflects your ability in the areas above. So your Betterware experience might highlight your ability with money management, your gardening with your organisation and practical skills. Your daycare experience shows you are good with the public and possibly your communication skills.

Qualifications: What qualifications are important to the job? You may be proud of your History A grade but it's probably not of interest to an employer looking for someone to take food orders. List the grades for the exams that are relevant and sum up the rest.

Interests: To be honest I only skim these - and even then I am only looking to see if I can hire someone with the same interests as me - so we have something common to chat about if I do employ them. In a bigger organisation that's probably less relevant. If you do include them then don't bother with the obvious ones - everyone likes reading, watching TV and socialising.

If you do something outside of work, which is like work - fixing peoples computers for example - then definitely include this. It's that kind of thing that demonstrates to me that you don't just sit around doing nothing or getting drunk.

References: I'm not interested - I won't even read this section. If you are offered the job you will be asked to provide them - and I WILL check them.

If you can fit your CV onto a single page I will probably give you an interview regardless of the content.

And most importantly - Grammar and Spelling! I can't do either, but that doesn't mean I will tolerate a lack in others.

[Aaron.Bishop]

Hi, I'm back from my 1 hour and 30 minutes meeting with my advisor at the local Connexions office. She was really kind and helpful whatever I told her what I wanted on my CV, she had added qualifications for me because I found it to difficult on how to layout the qualifications in some shape or form. The good news is that my CV is completed and will be sending those out to top High Street stores, Superstores etc. I was directed also by the advisor that I should go on the Directgov website and find a summer job, and found one which is a Shop Assistant I applied for so I have sent my CV to the employers email and now awaiting a reply. I'm pleased with myself so far so good!

[skp20040]

Originally Posted by Aaron.Bishop

Hi, I'm back from my 1 hour and 30 minutes meeting with my advisor at the local Connexions office. She was really kind and helpful whatever I told her I wanted on my CV, she had added qualifications for me because I found it to difficult on how to layout the qualifications in some shape or form. The good news is that my CV is completed and will be sending those out to top High Street stores, Superstores etc. I was directed also by the advisor that I should go on the Directgov website and find a summer job, and found one which is a Shop Assistant I applied for so I have sent my CV to the employers email and now awaiting a reply. I'm pleased with myself so far so good!

Well done and good luck

[Xela M]

This has got to be a wind-up..

[Aaron.Bishop]

Originally Posted by Xela M

This has got to be a wind-up..

No?!

[Kiko H Fan]

Originally Posted by Aaron.Bishop

Personal statement
I am a confident, hard working person who enjoys communicating with others and helping whenever possible. I can work equally as effective alone or within a team. I am very reliable and very willing to learn. I am a conscientious person who approaches my work with enthusiasm, have an excellent eye for detail. I also work well under pressure to meet deadlines with a calm logical approach and enjoy meeting new challenges.

Let's deal with the bold bits.

Work smarter, not harder.

Everyone says this, so remove it immediately.

They'll flog you for no extra money. If you have to work under pressure to meet deadlines, then there's too much work, so the management should hire more staff.

[Lizzy11268]

Originally Posted by Aaron.Bishop

Hi, I'm back from my 1 hour and 30 minutes meeting with my advisor at the local Connexions office. She was really kind and helpful whatever I told her what I wanted on my CV, she had added qualifications for me because I found it to difficult on how to layout the qualifications in some shape or form. The good news is that my CV is completed and will be sending those out to top High Street stores, Superstores etc. I was directed also by the advisor that I should go on the Directgov website and find a summer job, and found one which is a Shop Assistant I applied for so I have sent my CV to the employers email and now awaiting a reply. I'm pleased with myself so far so good!

Ooh Good Luck Aaron

[Xela M]

Originally Posted by Skyclad

I'm probably too late but thought I would offer my advice as an employer:

You're obviously very young as is evidenced by your lack of experience - don't be frightened by this and certainly don't try to big yourself up. The CVs that stand out to me are the ones that are honest and short - your lack of experience means you are half way there already.

My biggest piece of advice, and it probably goes against what you have been told, is to tailor your CV to each job you apply for - rather than have a one size fits all CV.

You mentioned working for KFC - so think about what an employer would class as an excellent candidate for that role. Presumably someone who is good with people, is good with money (both trustworthy and good mental arithmetic) and has excellent communication skills. Now think about how you can impress upon the employer that you fit the bill. Remember, they are not looking for rocket scientists or someone with 50 years experience in the industry. Quite the opposite - your lack of experience means you are cheap - and that's a big selling point.

Experience: I wouldn't even list the dates you 'worked'. Just say what the role was, volountary or unpaid if that was the case and then try to think what you did in that time that reflects your ability in the areas above. So your Betterware experience might highlight your ability with money management, your gardening with your organisation and practical skills. Your daycare experience shows you are good with the public and possibly your communication skills.

Qualifications: What qualifications are important to the job? You may be proud of your History A grade but it's probably not of interest to an employer looking for someone to take food orders. List the grades for the exams that are relevant and sum up the rest.

Interests: To be honest I only skim these - and even then I am only looking to see if I can hire someone with the same interests as me - so we have something common to chat about if I do employ them. In a bigger organisation that's probably less relevant. If you do include them then don't bother with the obvious ones - everyone likes reading, watching TV and socialising.

If you do something outside of work, which is like work - fixing peoples computers for example - then definitely include this. It's that kind of thing that demonstrates to me that you don't just sit around doing nothing or getting drunk.

References: I'm not interested - I won't even read this section. If you are offered the job you will be asked to provide them - and I WILL check them.

If you can fit your CV onto a single page I will probably give you an interview regardless of the content.

And most importantly - Grammar and Spelling! I can't do either, but that doesn't mean I will tolerate a lack in others.

If the OP is not a wind-up it's the worst CV I have ever seen (sorry ) but follow the above advice.

[Dan Fortesque]

Originally Posted by Aaron.Bishop

No?!

Try to ignore any unhelpful comments. You're doing just fine. Anyway, good luck.

[Aaron.Bishop]

Originally Posted by Dan Fortesque

Try to ignore any unhelpful comments. You're doing just fine. Anyway, good luck.

I will do my confidence isn't undermined by the level of unhelpful comments, thank you for that last part though on wishing me the best of luck.

Originally Posted by Xela M

If the OP is not a wind-up it's the worst CV I have ever seen (sorry ) but follow the above advice.

I am still following everyone's advice regarding this matter but still working on it. I think you greatly exaggerated the fact this is the worst CV you've ever seen but I am just going to ignore what you have said because it was complete nonsense. But yes, I have followed his advice which seems very helpful indeed and he sounds like a employer who does know what he's doing so thank you for that.

[Saigo]

Originally Posted by Kiko H Fan

If you have to work under pressure to meet deadlines, then there's too much work, so the management should hire more staff.

It goes without saying that is far from always the case.

For example - urgent or unexpected work, remedial work, value add work, change of deadline, unexpected absence, change of priority, unforeseen problems, JIT industries...

...to name just a few.

[frangipane]

I laughed when I read "Trowel Occupations: Bricklaying Level 1" - then I googled it. They really do call it that

But good luck, OP

[Xela M]

Originally Posted by Aaron.Bishop

I am still following everyone's advice regarding this matter but still working on it. I think you greatly exaggerated the fact this is the worst CV you've ever seen but I am just going to ignore what you have said because it was complete nonsense. But yes, I have followed his advice which seems very helpful indeed and he sounds like a employer who does know what he's doing so thank you for that.

I've only read the OP, so didn't look through the amended version of your CV, but it really read like a joke. I didn't even bother reading after the "achievement" section, but noticed that you also put "F grade and above" as your results. This just made it look like a wind-up.

[Aaron.Bishop]

Originally Posted by Xela M

I've only read the OP, so didn't look through the amended version of your CV, but it really read like a joke. I didn't even bother reading after the "achievement" section, but noticed that you also put "F grade and above" as your results. This just made it look like a wind-up.

My apologies then and I was going to say when you look through the rest of the thread there's an vast improvement.

[johnny_t]

I haven't read the full thread, but going back to your revised version at Post 40, you have the right sort of headings but are very low on content. You need to bulk it out to about one-and-a-half to two-pages, with two obivous areas being....

Experience
Supervisor, Clever Clogs Daycare (January 2011 – January 2011)
• My attendance had been very good with Clever Clogs. I was always punctual and turned up smartly dressed. I also had a friendly nature and during the experience I felt my confidence had grown, always polite and approachale and built up good relationships with both the staff and children.

You need to put in here what your duties and responsibilities were. 'Ensuring accurate attendance records were kept', 'Ensuring all children were adequately refreshed during the day', 'Ensuring handover of children to correct carer whilst observing any attempts to collect by non-approved people' - That sort of thing.... Turning up on time etc. is taken as a given.

I know you have slimmed this section down, but I'd add stuff back in. Any job that shows a level of responsibility and a duty to carry out is good.

Education
Abbey Hill School (September 2009 – June 2011)
• 19 GCSE passes (National Award In ICT: Level 1. I had to learn four different modules in ICT Skills for Business, Desktop Publishing, Spreadsheets and Web Design at D-G.)

Put you subjects and grades, every time. Why on earth wouldn't you ? Someone looking for a trainee Geographer (for example) isn't going to invite you to interview with a bunch of mystery qualifications and then find out you only have Technical Drawing.

Also, list your references now as well. Available on request sounds a bit knobby.

Remember, this CV is all that will distinguish you from the 'worth interviewing' pile and the bin, so make it as appetising as possible. Don't lie, but don't be afraid to make mundane jobs sound really exciting.


EDIT: D'Oh - Just seen the revised version at Post 74 which makes a lot of what I've said redundant....

[Ginger Nut]

19 GCSEs ????

That seems a lot.