Top 10 Things To Put On Your CV

Your CV should give an employer a brief overview of what you have to offer, so that they can decide if they want to find out more. Keep it to 1 or 2 sides of A4 in a clear font and tailor it for every employer, to ensure that it matches what they are looking for.

1. Name: Write your given name with the name you are known by in brackets if necessary
2. Address: If you are living away from home, you could use your term time address
3. Email Address: Use a sensible business type email address, NOT madgirl20@gmail.com
4. Contact Number: You may want to give a mobile and landline if you have both
5. Personal Profile: 1 and 4 lines stating who you are, the value you bring and what you are looking for. Tailor it for each application to show that you have what they are looking for
6. Key Skills: Bullet point list of skills mentioned in the job description with an example e.g. Communication – gained through serving customers in a retail setting
7. Employment History/Work Experience Placements: Most recent first. Write the company name, location, dates, job title and responsibilities. Use the past tense, except for current jobs and match terms used in the job description
8. Education and Qualifications: Most recent first. Add the name of the institution, location, dates, qualification e.g. GCSE, subject(s), grade(s) if they are good and, if you have space and it is relevant, some information on the course content
9. Hobbies, Interests and Achievements: A short paragraph. Avoid mentioning computer gaming and socialising. Instead mention relevant pastimes, sports, arts and NCS or DofE
10. References: You can just write ‘available upon request’, but do have a think about who you would ask if they were requested e.g. tutor and line manager.

Once you have your master CV, you can tailor it for every opportunity and either send it in reply to a job advertisement or send it to an employer that you would like to work for, along with a cover letter saying why you would be an ideal candidate. If you are a Loughborough College learner and would like me to review your CV, please email it to: careers@loucoll.ac.uk.

Despite the Coronavirus, careers information, advice and guidance is still available at Loughborough College, just via email, rather than face to face.  You can contact Careers on: careers@loucoll.ac.uk and ask for assistance with choosing a career; choosing a course for next year at college, university or another training provider; writing a CV or personal statement; applying for a job or apprenticeship; planning a gap year; or anything else related to your future study or employment.  We are here to help you to progress.

Sue Mason

Loughborough College Careers Officer.