Name
Address
Email
Phone and mobile

 _____________________________________________________

PERSONAL PROFILE

A personal profile should be around 3-4 sentences long. It needs to show that you understand the job description and can do the job.  Your profile should show that you have read the advertisement, understand what kind of person they are looking for, and that you have and experience needed to do the job. Your profile will need to be changed for each application!

Avoid using the phrases “hard working”, ‘’enthusiastic’’, ‘’team player’’ as everybody writes it and it doesn’t mean anything.

A personal profile example (for a Customer Service role)

Having worked in Customer Service for over five years, I am comfortable with dealing with customers both face to face and over the phone. I am confident with all Microsoft applications and I am a quick learner of office computer programmes. I am seeking a job at this company because I love the challenges that a customer service job has on a day to day basis.

As you can see, the above example doesn’t waste time with listing how great you are, but that you naturally fit into the job well. The advert asked for people with experience in varied roles in customer service, IT skills and good communication skills so this profile simply shows it.

KEY SKILLS

Key skills are your own skills that match up to the job that is advertised. You should avoid writing lists but instead say WHY you have these skills by giving some examples.

Example

  • Good communication skills gained from teaching children and dealing with parents tactfully and diplomatically.
  • First-rate IT Skills: proficient user of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent sales skills, achieved over £1.5m in sales for previous company, never missed a target and helped sales team achieve over 15% of target within the financial year.

If they are advertising for people with good IT skills, experience or anything specific, you need to add it.  If the advert doesn’t say much about the skills research the job profile on: http://www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk.

Make sure you include any cards and licences.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

This part shows that you have the necessary experience to do the job. Put most current jobs (including voluntary work) first and work backwards. No need to describe more than your 5 previous jobs or 10 years work experience unless you really have to. They don’t want to know about your paper round 20 years ago.

Use bullet points to describe your previous job roles. Look at the job advertisement and see what sort of experience they are looking for and add what you have done in your previous job that will match that experience. Keep it relevant. Use ACTION WORDS as they create a strong impression of achievement, ability, activity & clearly communicate your contribution

to the job. Examples:  sold, delivered, developed, improved, negotiated. Rather than write I was a member of our course committee, you could write I was elected to course committee and represented student views to senior staff.

Example

Moonbucks  LTD                          Administrative Assistant                                                 2010 – 2012

Duties included:

•     Provided general secretarial and administrative support to all departments

•    Organised internal and external meetings, travel itineraries, professional lunches and events

•     Responded to customers email and telephone inquiries

EDUCATION

If you have a degree or equivalent qualifications put them here.
Put your A’levels or GCSEs in grade order. Or list those you passed. Don’t add primary school

If you did not complete education or you do not want to add your education, you don’t need to. Instead the next section will be more useful for you as you will be able to add all your relevant skills which in many cases are more important than formal education.

Additional Skills & Training

Many people attend workshops or short courses that are directly related to your job, for example health and safety courses. If relevant, add it to your CV. Even that half day seminar you attended and almost fell asleep in can be useful on your CV, but only if it is relevant.

INTERESTS

Many people get worried about what to put as “interests”. Don’t be concerned as this isn’t as important as you may think. Some employers see interests as proof of a good work/life balance. But overall this will not get you a job or interview. If you wish to add them, add appropriate interests to your CV. Include interests that are an evidence of creativity, personality and enthusiasm. The example could be volunteering or taking part in charity sports events.

REFERENCES

Usually put “Available on request” and don’t list the names and contact details. Be ready to supply the references and make sure you contact people who agreed to give you references before you give their details to a potential employer. That way you make sure they are happy to get a call, and they are expecting it rather it being a shock.

But if there is a job that you have got through a contact or your networks and you are emailing direct. Then put them in.