Using a CV (Curriculum Vitae) to apply for work

A CV is a summary of your skills and experiences and employment history and your opportunity to market yourself to a potential employer. The aim of a CV is to get the employer to think you are worth interviewing for a job. It must highlight your strengths and be a true and accurate reflection of your abilities. Your CV should be changed to highlight different skills depending on the type of work you are looking for. For one to one support any of Our Organisations can help you produce a CV, please contact one of our centres for help and advice with your CVs.

You can also get advice online click here to view some ideas. 

Online Applications

Many companies now only allow you to apply for their vacancies using their online application forms. These can be tricky to fill out and some systems allow you to save your document as you go along so you can go back to it over a period of time. However other systems wont have this facility and you may be required to complete the whole form in one sitting, so, you need to be prepared before you start!

Gather as much information to hand before starting to fill out the form, such as dates, previous employer details etc. Also have a think about how you will answer the personal statement section on how you fill the requirements for the job. If necessary take some notes beforehand.

It will then be much the same as filling in any other application...but remember to submit your application once you are happy that you have completed all sections. 

Application forms

This is your chance to let the employer know that you are the right person for the job! An application is the doorway to getting an interview, get this right and your almost there!

Only send a CV with an application if this is what the company has asked for, there is a reason they haven't asked for one and if you don't do as asked now they may just throw your application away without even looking at it. If you can't do as they ask now, then what will you be like if they employ you?? (that's what they will be thinking)

Presentation

An employer will make a decision as to whether you are worth employing at a first glance of you application, even before they have read what you have written...especially if there are alot of mistakes and crossing out or tea/coffee staines on the form! Try and keep the form neat and tidy and free from dirty marks. One way to do this is by photocopying the form before you fill it out and use the photocopy to write it in rough. Then when you are happy with your answers carefully fill out the real form. Buy yourself a small file/folder to keep your documents in, that way they are less likely to get dirty.

Answer ALL parts of the form don't leave any spaces blank, if the question is not revelant then put N/A (Not Applicable)

Make sure you follow the instructions carefully, ie: 'write in black ink' or 'please complete in capital letters'

Once completed, take a photocopy and keep this in your file, you may need to remember what you have written for future use or if you are offered an interview.

Remember:

These are just hints and tips to get you started. It is always best to seek help and advice to get the best results.

Please use the expertise of staff and facilities that are on offer in our organisations to help you.