I have a terrible c.v help!

hagoonabear

Hello as above says in the title I actually do have a terrible c.v its just that I have no experience and had worked previous in jobs for at most 3 months . I am unemployed and while job hunting I have been well kinda upskilling myself I got qualifed in office administration level 5 fetac and I have been learning about basic html,recruitment consultancy and also sales (sales strategies and closing) at home through various books, as I am a quick learner and enjoy reading about anything .

Its just I dont know how to word what I have learned into my c.v and my previous roles in jobs were cashier , fast food assistant so Im not an attractive candidate , and they were so long ago that I doubt my previous references even remember me.

I know I could get work in the fast food sector but the hours are irregular and I have a 9 month old daughter and want to get a normal 9-5 job but its doubtful.

Can anyone help on how to help with my c.v thanks

starlit

Hi, the thing with the C.V a lot has to do with how its presented and how its worded as well. The simple things as poor formatting could turn off an employer from reading it. You need to sell yourself and get their attention to get into the 'yes' pile. If it was just to get the interview and get the experience of that can be a help!

Include the necessary information not get page too cluttered with text, max 2 pages. Still add in the jobs you have had you still have a bit of work experience such as start with most recent and work it down given details of the main duties. I've not had more than 3-6 months at time in previous jobs though would have little bit more experience or as much experience as a grad would have. Even its been a while and you have had no other job in between still mention them and fill in the gaps where you can.

If its a case of not being able to word your job duties write them down on paper and get someone to check it for you or go to a recruitment agency they might help you? A professional job coach/career advisor might help too I prefer them over the Solas/Fás crowd when it comes to career advice. It might be no harm going to the local jobs club or resource centre to get help with the C.V. You could ask someone to look over your CV a friend or family member. Irishjobs.ie you can pay to get it checked and they advise you on what areas to improve on. Look up examples online too but don't plagiarise, employers know if the CV isn't genuinely done by someone else though, its possible to have similar CV's to other candidates but be sure to use your own words and how you phrase things but in a professional manner you would present on CV. Makes sure the person reading it gets your point across. Its all about selling yourself!

Best of luck with it!

Referees have a few of them from work and academics one or two of each if possible.

Have you tried applying to the CE schemes? There be the odd admin jobs advertised for them on the Solas website formally Fás. Jobbridge is another option but finding it harder myself to get interviews and pass interviews for them.

Maybe join a club, volunteer centre or something or something of interest as well to show off your teamwork skills. Its a particular thing they ask in interviews about working in a team. Nearly every interview i've attended has asked the question regarding teamwork.

When doing interviews I suggest the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when giving examples of something that they ask in a interview if its a bit harder to show on a CV could be anything whether work related or when in your studies or outside curricular activities. You need to convince them you have these skills and quaities in particular transferable skills and competency type skills for the job not just being the best candidate for the job.

Good luck with it!