We’re getting there – you now have general writing tips to keep in mind when you are putting your CV together and more specific advice about what you should include in your CV, and this week we’ll look at what layout you should be using. And the first thing you need to keep in mind is that a formal layout is always best.
What do Employers Like?
In a recent experiment*, candidates CV’s were created in three different ways – a formal layout on white paper, the same formal layout but on pastel paper and a ‘creative’ version that was designed to stand out. The text remained the same in all three versions. The CVs were then assessed by a group of 45 Human Resources professionals. The results were quite dramatic, with the CV using the standard formal layout, on white paper, being the best performing. The worst performing was the ‘creative’ layout. In fact, the creative layout made the candidate twice as likely to receive a rejection than the formal layout! That’s quite a clear message.
So What is a Formal Layout?
It’s easy! Just follow the format given below and you’ll soon have a great layout for your CV:
Sally Smith
16 Example Lane, Example Town, EX15 6TY
Mobile: 07796 224546 SallySmithExample@hotmail.co.uk
Personal Statement/Profile – Here you need to put a bit about yourself – it’s like a brief, punchy introduction to who you are and how your skills match the position. So you could mention your latest qualifications and what kind of position you are looking for. However, if you are at all unsure of how to write this, leave it out and concentrate instead on your covering letter:
As a Business Administration graduate I have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to organise and manage a busy office. I also have the confidence and skills required to resolve complex financial problems. I am looking for a graduate trainee position that will allow me to put the skills I’ve learned into practice.
EDUCATION – pretty straightforward, you just need to detail what qualifications you’ve achieved:
2009 – 2012 University of Manchester – BA (Hons) Business Administration 2:1
Modules included:
• Strategy and planning
• Project Management
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Business Related Mathematics
• Advertising and Marketing
You can also include a little about the dissertations you completed or any projects you undertook. So, you could write something like this:
During my time at University I undertook several projects that included setting up a business – from the developmental stages, right through to presenting the finished business plan. This has given me a great deal of experience in project management as well as highlighting the challenges new businesses face in a competitive market.
2007 – 2009 Example Town Sixth Form College – A Levels
Business Studies A
Maths A
History B
2004 – 2007 Example Town Community School – GCSEs
Here it is acceptable to do the following:
Eight GCSEs at grade C and above including Maths grade B, English grade B and History
WORK EXPERIENCE – When writing about your past and present work experience, focus on the skills you‘ve gained that could be of use to you in the position you are applying for. So, for the first example highlight how you improved your people skills, worked under pressure and so on.
February 2009 – to date Marks and Spencer, Manchester Customer Service
This part-time position helping customers resolve problems with purchases required team work, patience, tenacity and the ability to work under pressure.
May 2006 – February 2009 Greggs The Baker, Manchester Sales Assistant
Team work and the ability to stay calm under pressure were key elements of this role.
INTERESTS – Try to highlight how your interests help you gain or improve skills that will be useful in the role you are applying for. So, focus on those interests that show dedication, motivation, leadership skills and so on.
Travelling: I love to travel independently, sometimes with friends, but often alone. I like the freedom that it gives me and like to be in a situation where I have to think on my feet. I also like travel that challenges my perceptions of life and society. My most recent excursions have been to Tibet and Indonesia.
Volunteering: This is a passion of mine and in the last three years I’ve volunteered in the summer months in schools in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Malawi. I put my organisational skills to good use, teaching the local children and my project management skills were tested with the building of a new classroom. Pitching in with the actual building work was a new experience for me and one that has taught me useful practical skills.
SKILLS – Here you’ll be highlighting anything else you think might be useful for the potential employer to know, such as what computer packages you can use, driving skills etc:
Languages: French to conversational level and Spanish at beginners level.
Computer Skills: Proficient in MS word, Excel and Outlook. Familiar with a range of databases.
Driving: Full clean driving licence.
REFERENCES – You are not expected to include references at this stage, so unless the job advertisement specifically requests them it’s your choice to include them or not. If you do choose to include them, one should be your current or last employer and the other should be an academic reference. And, if you don’ t include them state ‘References available upon request’.
Mr John Brown Prof. James Kale
Customer Service Manager Department of Business
Marks and Spencer University of Manchester
Deansgate Oxford Road
Manchester Manchester
M2 4JJ M17 R35
Tel: 0161 236 5897 Tel: 0161 798 4563
Email: john.brown@m&s.co.uk jameskale@umdepbus.co.uk
So there you have it. Now you know what to think about when putting your CV together, what you should include in it and how you should lay it out. Once you’ve completed your CV, you’ll have to write a covering letter to go with it. Next week, we’ll show you how to do that.
*www.bi.edu/Research/News/News-2010/Thumbs-down-for-creative-resumes/
