Our CV is more than a list of past jobs—it’s a way to show employers our Clear Vision for the job we want

Looking for a job can feel tough, especially if we haven’t done it in a while. But our CV is more than a list of past jobs—it’s a way to show employers our Clear Vision for the job we want. This method is about being clear, confident, and linking our skills to the job we’re aiming for.

Step 1: Know Our Skills

The first step is to understand our skills. Garry, a Quids In! Coach who leads employment and money workshops, says everyone has skills; they just need to see them. Whether we’ve been managing a household, volunteering, or working part-time, we’ve gained valuable skills.

For example, if we’ve been a stay-at-home parent, we’ve learned how to handle budgets, stay organised, and manage time. These are skills employers need. We can make our skills stand out by asking, “So what?” This helps us connect our skills to real job tasks.

Next, we should think about what we enjoy most. Do we love cooking, helping kids, or driving? This helps us find a job that combines what we’re good at with what we love—our One Big Thing, as Garry calls it.

Step 2: Build a Clear Vision CV

With our skills in mind, it’s time to create a CV. Our CV should be clear and to the point. Focus on what we want and show our skills in bullet points. Here’s an example:

Kitchen Assistant (Volunteering)

• Prepared and cleaned food areas each day.
• Worked quickly during busy shifts to serve customers.
• Supported other kitchen staff to keep things running smoothly.

Each point should say what we did and how it helped. Use action words like “prepared,” “supported,” and “served.”

Step 3: Add a Strong Introduction

Start our CV with a short paragraph at the top that shows our main skills and how they fit the job. Garry suggests asking “So what?” to connect our skills to the job we want.

For example, if we’re good with people and applying for a secretary job, we could say:

“I have strong communication and organization skills, which help me manage office tasks and build good relationships with clients and team members.”

This opening shows employers why our skills matter for the job.

Step 4: Keep It Simple and Tidy

Our CV should be easy to read. Include our contact details at the top, use a simple font, and avoid extra graphics or designs that may distract. Aim for one page and focus on the important points.

Step 5: Link Our Experience with Purpose

As we refine our CV, we can make sure every part shows our Clear Vision for the job we want. Here’s how:

• Know Our Skills: Think about what we’ve learned from volunteering, managing a household, or part-time work.
• Tailor Our CV: Make small changes to fit each job, showing the skills they need.
• Give Clear Examples: Show what we did and what we achieved.
• Have a Strong Opening: Share our Clear Vision with a short summary that fits the job.

This Clear Vision approach is about showing our skills with purpose and making them count. By linking our experience to our goals, we feel more confident and ready to share our story.

Image: Aleksandr Rybalko / Shutterstock