C.V advice

ciara1052

I'm 19 (just finished first year in college) and have a few CV related quetions

The only official exam results I have are from my Leaving Cert. I've got good grades (All A2s and B1s) - so should I just put down my total number of points or a breakdown of the points?

Should I try use a personal profile? I've been reading up online about how to improve my CV and it's said to be quite important. I'm not sure where I should put it or anything, after personal information?

I coudn't get work last christmas or during previous summers and figure my CV is where I'm going wrong. (I got one interview at christmas and it didn't go very well...) Although I couldn't get a job I did do volunteer work with a few charities and started babysitting/cleaning for people in my area. I know that doesn't look very official and probably doesn't help that I have no proper experience but should I leave it on?

Final question regarding hobbies - saying that you're interested in 'reading' or some sport always seems really general. (I just have music down - I play quite a bit) Should I leave in on my CV, or is it just taking up space?

Thanks

Any advice?

ciara1052

Anyone?

starlit

ciara1052 wrote: »

I'm 19 (just finished first year in college) and have a few CV related quetions

The only official exam results I have are from my Leaving Cert. I've got good grades (All A2s and B1s) - so should I just put down my total number of points or a breakdown of the points?

Should I try use a personal profile? I've been reading up online about how to improve my CV and it's said to be quite important. I'm not sure where I should put it or anything, after personal information?

I coudn't get work last christmas or during previous summers and figure my CV is where I'm going wrong. (I got one interview at christmas and it didn't go very well...) Although I couldn't get a job I did do volunteer work with a few charities and started babysitting/cleaning for people in my area. I know that doesn't look very official and probably doesn't help that I have no proper experience but should I leave it on?

Final question regarding hobbies - saying that you're interested in 'reading' or some sport always seems really general. (I just have music down - I play quite a bit) Should I leave in on my CV, or is it just taking up space?

Thanks

Any advice?

Usually for a first year college student that be what be expected I'd imagine when you don't have your first year results yet though I would put down 'Name of course, Level of course and expected overall grade say like 2:1'.

I don't know if I recommend putting your points in unless its necessary and that you have room to put it in your CV. I be more focused on the year you completed your leaving and the grades in each subject you did. Employers be more concerned about the grades than the points depending on what summer jobs you are applying for that they might request points.

In this recession a profile on a CV would be the norm whether you are an undergrad or graduate, entry level, experienced or professional. It gives a bit of information about yourself and more depth into who you are rather than a generated CV. A profile can make someone stand-out over someone else. So a profile is quiet important regardless of what job you apply for.

Put in what is relevant to the jobs you are applying for, if its too generic best to tailor your CV for each job you are applying for. Stick with relevant projects in college, relevant work experience but no matter what work experience or voluntary work or project work or extra curricular activities you have done you can empathise transferable skills and what you have learnt and done in those areas mentioned if you have had work experience and so on. Any bit of work experience will stand to you. You are only in 1st year in college unless you have had part time work before like mention it.

Add in all you have mentioned, they are still work experience no matter how much you think they aren't they are. Shows credibility especially the fact you have done voluntary work will put you in a good position.

Usually the 'STAR' approach is handy if you select a major project and explain a few lines about it. 'Situation', 'Task', 'Action', 'Result'. It show in more detail what you have learnt from it and done in it. If in an interview you be expected to have a couple of examples to explain that you have a certain skill what ever it is whether transferable, a quality or a skill you have developed from your college course.

Though don't think you be expected to have that much detail when doing interviews after 1st year, but by the time you get to 3rd/4th year if you have to do a work placement and after you graduate you be expected to get to that detail. There's a bit of strategic planning really when creating a CV and trying to sell yourself as the best candidate for a job. It be handy to keep track of your projects and be able to discuss them for future interviews.

Add in your hobbies and interests if you have room at the end. Just a line or two is enough no major detail unless you got awards or something but you could put in achievements separately if you wish. I definitely put in the music if you have a strong interest in it and have it as a hobby.

If you have a hobby or interest that is relevant to a job you are applying for add it in! I say keep it general but also add in something that you have a keen interest in and as a major hobby too focus on that a bit with a little bit of detail not too much. Like for example if you into sport mention the name of the sport/club you into if you play. Books mention what type of books that interest might be of interest to you but if you haven't room on your CV I just keep it general, one or two lines for that section of the CV.

Layout and how its presented are factors that could be affecting your CV not being noticed by employers. Be clear, concise and consistent. Try not to waffle, be direct and definite with what you are trying to portray. It takes 30 seconds for an employer to take note of whether they want to hire or not from the impression they get from a CV.

I think its a case of meeting employers face to face, hand out CV's to them face to face. Look out for summer work being advertised. Apply to as many as you can. You kind of have to stand out from the crowd you know.

A CV is a document that is meant to sell yourself, so market yourself to the best of your abilities. Have a couple definite unique selling points.

Best of luck with the job hunt!

ciara1052

I got a job
It's only for 2 months but I'm delighted!

Thanks a lot for your advice. It was really helpful. I've been trying to update and edit my CV since I posted and I took everything you said on board and it worked in the end

Thanks again!

starlit

That's brilliant congrats! Best of luck with the job, the experience be great to have and to build up on in your CV! Good luck!