This document includes a comprehensive summary of CV writing. It is adapted from the Achieve Careers textbook and covers the necessary material for the Grade 11 IEB section of CV Writing. The document includes colours and images to assist with learning and understanding. This document can also be u...
CV = Curriculum Vitae
Stand out from a crowd and make employers notice our potential
Managing your personal brand
Today’s employer expect your CV to be just one part of a greater online presence that is
both professional and representative of a consistent personal brand
Your personal brand = way that ups have ‘packaged’ yourself to potential employers,
through not just your CV but also your online presence. It is your reputation and
credibility; what people say when you are not in the room
Two key rules for CV Writing:
1) Content
Needs to be unique in order to differentiate you from other applicants. Well-worded,
specific and factual and bullet point info where possible
2) Layout
Easy to read and spell-checked
Text should line up neatly and fonts should be consistent
Top Tips:
CV Writing templates are a good starting point but they tend to look generic… be
unique
Stick to 1-2 pages and make every word count… avoid long sentences
Put yourself in your potential employers shoes
Keep on trend
Creative CVs
Be led by the needs of your audience
In industries like graphic design, your CV should serve as a showcase for your design
ability
Either do an excellent job of a creative CV OR not at all
!A WORD OF CAUTION!
Many companies do not have the processing ability and Applicant Tracking Systems
(ATS) to accept infographic, website and video CV
, MeVies
Video CVs
Only consider this option if you have a strong LinkedIn profile, a Word CV, and you are
an excellent communicator who is comfortable in front of a camera and with editing
Terminology and Preparation
Avoiding common phrases
Recruiters have become immune to common phrases - ‘team player’ and ‘hard worker’
You need to back up these words with specific examples
Skill Categories
• Leadership
• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Organisational
• Business Understanding
• Teamwork
Challenges with Soft Skills
Soft skills = skills that are very hard to quantify and substantiate
Why are they challenging?
Employers are often tired of hearing them and they sound generic
Avoid this by substituting them by:
‣ Requesting a testimonial from a teacher or job shadow host that speaks to these soft
skills
‣ Specifically illustrating how you have developed your soft skills in the Skills
Development section of your CV
Differentiating features: Your USP
USP = Unique selling points
The following questions are designed to assist you in identifying your differentiating
features:
1. What are you proud of having achieved at school and outside of school?
2. What sport or extra-curricular have you been involved in? Identify any skills that
these activities have enabled you to develop
3. What community service initiatives have you been involved in? What was your
specific involvement?
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