C.V. Example Text
Some people can talk about themselves all-day-lonnnnnnng
But if you’re not that type of person, we have a few easy steps you can take so help you understand just how amazing you are and what it is you should say on your C.V. Maybe you think that you don’t have any positive traits or useful skills? We’re going to show you otherwise!
Step 1: What is your employer be looking for?
Whether you are applying for an advertised role or contacting a company you would like to work for directly, it’s best to spend some time thinking about what personal qualities and skills they may be looking for.
You can do this by taking a look at their social media and website, or, if they’re advertising a role, by taking out keywords and sentences form their advertisement that mirrors your own personality and experience.
In this instance, if you worked in a retail outlet the ‘Cleaning and clearing the and managing in-store stock levels’ is the same as ‘Cleaning and clearing site and moving materials’ – these are called ‘Transferable Skills’ – skills from one career that can be used in another.
Try your best to list as many words as you can from the advert into your C.V!
Step 2: Let’s see which personal qualities and skills you might have…
Do you play a team sport?
– If you turn up to training and matches – you are reliable, committed and a team player!
Do you take part in a sport as an individual – such as cycling?
– To practice alone – you are focused, self-motivated, driven and happy to work alone.
Do you enjoy walking or running?
– To walk or run – you are active / physically fit and may enjoy being outdoors in all weathers.
Do you never quit?
– This means that – you’re determined, adaptable and strong-minded.
Do you like to see a job done well?
– This means that – you are determined, conscientious, trustworthy and methodical.
Do you enjoy spending time with friends or family?
– To mix well with others – you are friendly, caring, considerate and a people person.
Do some people describe you as ‘quiet’?
– Then – you may be polite, calm, considerate and patient.
Do you see solutions and opportunities where others see problems?
– This means that – you are positive, enthusiastic and enterprising.
Do you love trying new things?
– To be open to new things – you are adaptable, imaginative and an agile thinker.
Do you love talking to people?
– As a good communicator you are a good listener, confident and accepting.
Are you passionate about video games?
– To compete in games – you are highly focused, a quick learner and a problem solver!
Do you look after a pet, friend or family member?
– To care for that pet or person – you are responsible, caring and patient.
Do you enjoy DIY?
– To engage in that hobby – you are practical, hard-working, good with your hands and confident with power-tools.
Are you always on time or early when meeting people?
– If this sounds like you then – you are well organised, respectful, dependable and punctual.
Now, let’s try picking two of the above sentences that best describe you and putting them together…
‘Practical, good with my hands and confident with power tools, I’m physically fit and enjoy being outdoors in all weathers’.
Sounds good right?!
Step 3: Career goals and what you have to offer.
It’s time to sell yourself to the employer. In the second paragraph of your introduction, tell them what you want to do, why and what they will get in return.
TOP TIP: Don’t forget to mix and match to find a statement that best describes you!
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I’m looking to find an apprenticeship to form as a starting point in my construction career, in return I can offer (Company name) a committed individual with a strong work ethic who is keen to deliver great results for both your company and clients alike.
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I am currently seeking full or part-time labouring work to gain more experience in your industry and in return, I would prove to be a keen, hard-working and dependable employee who would be grateful for a ’foot in the door’ with regard to a construction career.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Keen to start a career in (the roofing) industry, I am seeking full or part-time labouring work so that I may gain (roofing) related experience and skills. In return I would commit to (company name), providing you with a dependable, hard-working employee who is keen to support your company objectives.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Knowing deeply that I wish to forge a career in construction, I am seeking to gain experience through a part or full-time labouring position with a company such as yours. In return, I would provide (Paragon Roofing) with a reliable, hard-working individual who is passionate about learning new skills and who is grateful for the opportunity to support your company in delivering first-class (roofing) projects.
TOP TIP: Be yourself, everyone else is taken!
It’s always a difficult task to describe yourself honestly. Many over-sell themselves, which can be disappointing to the employer when they meet. However, many undersell themselves too!
If you lack a little confidence it’s ok, ask for help; a friend or relative might see many qualities in you that you don’t!
Step 4: Let’s see which ‘transferable skills’ you may have..
These skills can be listed in the Work Experience section of your C.V. beneath the names of your previous employers or work-experience providers.
We made them into bullet points so that you can copy and paste them into your C.V., though please do leave out the words in (brackets) as these are there to highlight which skills you have demonstrated!
Have you worked in a retail shop?
– Ensured site remained clean, tidy and free of trip and slip hazards. (Health and safety)
– Worked as apart of a team to ensure stock levels remained constant. (Team player, materials handling)
– Communicated with management, team members and customers. (Good communicator)
– Operated tills and managed cash deposits. (Trustworthy)
Have you worked in a supermarket?
– Worked fast and efficiently to ensure restocking targets reached. (Good time management, efficient)
– Engaged with customers to offer advice and answer questions. (Good communicator, customer-focused, problem solver)
– Monitored store for slip and fall hazards. (Health and safety)
– Supported stock control team by estimating and managing stock levels (Materials handling and planning)