Writing a CV

Getting Work Ready

For people who have been out of work for a long time or never had a job, taking the first step back into work can feel hard. But if we’re behind on bills and already claiming all the benefits we’re entitled to, a job might be the only way to improve our situation. Of course, some people can’t work, but if it’s just a lack of confidence holding us back, now might be the time to make a move. Every step forward will motivate us to keep going.

Since 2006, the Quids In! team has helped people who are unemployed find jobs. We’ve worked with many who thought they’d never find work. Now, we’ve created a simple quiz to help people explore their options, including training, internships, and apprenticeships, which are open to all ages.

A new way to write a CV

We’re different from other job support services. Many tell you to focus on your CV first, but we believe that the key is thinking about what skills and experiences you already have. 

A CV should stand for ‘Clear Vision’ and it should tell an employer our own story 

Clear vision: It’s only worth writing a CV once we’ve pinned down what makes us different to the next candidate

  1. When I work with jobseekers, I ask them about their proudest achievement. There’s usually a group of us, so everyone lists all the things this says about them. We end up with 20-odd words: Committed, reliable, likes working outdoors, attention to detail, and so on. On our own, we can write it down and imagine what we’d think of someone else doing it or ask a friend what they think. Create a list of skills and qualities.
  2. Now think about the thing we enjoy doing most. Examples include playing football, looking after kids or driving. Write down what’s enjoyable about it.
  3. Think of a job that involves something from No 2. and edit the list of skills to six that would be most useful for it. I call this goal the One Big Thing – something to work towards.
  4. Think of different times we’ve put these skills to use. Even if the best example is looking after kids or fixing up a bike, use it.
  5. Then it’s time to find a vacancy that takes us towards our One Big Thing. If the goal is to become a chef, it’s perfectly okay if step one is flipping burgers.
  6. Draft a 50-word statement of intent. Something like “I’m looking for (describe the job on offer), where I can put my (list three skills) to use, working towards my end goal of (One Big Thing).
  7. Lastly, draft a CV. Contact details at the top. Then the statement of intent. Then a list of six skills and qualities, backed up with a line about when we’ve used them. Summarise work history, schooling and interests below that. Try to keep it to a page – and definitely no more than two.

Use a free CV template by clicking here.

Want more help? Check out our free employment training, ‘7 Signs’

​7 Signs is our programme helping jobseekers explore a different way to find work. It was designed for people facing bigger barriers or gaps in their work history. But people of all backgrounds have found it helps motivate them, boost their confidence and set inspiring goals.

The programme takes place across two full days or four half days. There are no teachers, we encourage discussion between the real experts: jobseekers themselves. Attendees explore how much they have to offer and consider what sort of work they might be best suited for. People home in on their ideal job and ways to overcome any obstacles that might be in their way.

For more information and to see upcoming trainings, click here.

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