Shahzad Sadiq 12 th August 2011

1. Shahzad Sadiq12th August 2011 Prepare a successful CVAnd get the job you need Supporting People into Employment

2. Challenges • Worst recession since the 1930’s • Further Job Cuts are Imminent • More People, less Jobs • How do you stand out from the crowd? • What if you have no formal experience?

3. Why is your CV so Important? • Creates the first impression • Limited window of opportunity • Summarises your skills, achievements and ambitions • Opens doors for you to get an interview

4. Different Types of CV • Chronological CV - focuses on presenting the candidate's experience on an employer by employer basis, with the posts being listed in reverse chronological order. • Personal details (i.e. name and contact details) • Personal profile or career objectives. This should not exceed 5 lines. • Employment in reverse chronological order. Under each employer, you should set out a number of bullet points which describe your key achievements. In order to be fully effective, you should ensure that you use power words. • Key qualifications • Professional memberships • Hobbies and personal interests • Advantages • Particularly useful if applying within the same industry as it will demonstrate your career progression. • It is the favourite format for most employers, who simply want to get a feel for your career to date. • Disadvantages • If you have gaps in your employment which you would rather not discuss, a chronological CV will make them more obvious.

5. Different Types of CV • Functional CV - Unlike a chronological CV, a functional CV places the emphasis on your skills and expertise rather than the chronology of you employment to date. • Start with a personal profile - highlight the achievements, skills &personal qualities that you possess. • This is then followed by a succession of sections, each relating to a different skill or ability, e.g. Teamwork, Communication, Interpersonal Skills etc. These should be ordered in decreasing order of importance. • Since you are not focussing on any particular past employment, this means you can include any skills or experience gained in voluntary or unpaid work. • To conclude the CV, you should then a list of employers and employment dates, as well as a section on your qualification. The last section should focus on your personal details and hobbies/interests. • Advantages • a functional CV will help place the emphasis on what you have to offer as a whole rather than on the chronology. • If you are changing industry, a functional CV will help the recruiter focus on your transferable skills. • Disadvantages • If you do not have much work experience, you may struggle to highlight achievements in a separate section. • A functional CV will not enable you to highlight consistent career progression. If you wish to convey career progression, you should adopt a chronological format.

6. CV Top Tips • Look is almost as important as content - Use White Space • Use and stick to 1-2 fonts • Use Bold and Italics Sparingly - Avoid Underlining • Use Bullet Points to Emphasize Skills and Accomplishments • Emphasis should be on “I” and not “We” • Qualify your accomplishments – time, cost, efficiency • Keep your CV to 2-3 pages maximum • Ensure your CV is proof read by someone – Do not rush • Tailor your CV – One size does not fit all • Be Honest, Be Consistent, Be Realistic - Have the end in mind! • Supplement your CV with a covering letter – Research the employer • Summary - Your CV represents you; it reflects your work and should be perfect. You have to stand out for the right reasons. Good luck!

7. If you have any further questions or would like help with your CV, please email info@hmct.org.uk Shahzad Sadiq Nasir Hafezi 07866 716 919 07796 942 096 Project Manager Solicitor