Thursday 15 October 2009
Wednesday 14 October 2009
How to Write a CV
Writing a CV yourself can be difficult, more difficult than you would initially think. It is not always easy to write about yourself, your skills and your history objectively.
Your CV is your marketing tool and you should think about how to best promote yourself to a potential employer using your key skills and achievements to make yourself stand out from the competition.
Below you will find some helpful hints and guidance on how to write a CV and how it should be structured.
Contact Details
It is essential that the HR department or recruiter can get hold of you, you should include:
Your CV is your marketing tool and you should think about how to best promote yourself to a potential employer using your key skills and achievements to make yourself stand out from the competition.
Below you will find some helpful hints and guidance on how to write a CV and how it should be structured.
Contact Details
It is essential that the HR department or recruiter can get hold of you, you should include:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone Numbers (landline/mobile)
- Email Address
You do not need to include:
- Age or date of birth
- Nationality
- Marital Status or Dependants
The contact details should be at the top of the CV so they can be easily located. You do not want to miss out on an interview because the recruiter can’t contact you!
TIP: Make sure your email address sounds professional or at least normal, not something silly such as fluffybunny@Xmail.com and remove the hyperlink. (Right click link, select remove hyperlink)
Your Profile
- Note down five to six of your key attributes and what you can offer the employer.
- Write a sharp, punchy profile that will capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to read on. Three to four sentences of relevance should suffice, do not waffle.
- Be confident and positive in your abilities and orientate the sentences around the type of position you are looking for.
- You could also include a short, concise statement which advises the recruiter of the type of job you are currently seeking.
TIP: If you have seen a particular job advertised, scrutinise the wording used in the advert or you could request the job specification. This will help you to identify the key attributes the company is looking for. Providing your skills and experience match those criteria, why not utilise those words!
Key Skills and Achievements
- Identify four or five of your best assets and list your key skills with a brief description of how you fulfil that skill in the workplace.
- Try to list three of four key achievements throughout your career. Make the statements impactual and impressive and try to include facts, figures or another quantifiable in each sentence.
- The key skills and achievements section should reinforce the claims made in your personal profile where possible and demonstrate you are able to deliver.
Professional Experience (Work Experience)
This is where you should document your career history to date. Start with your current or most recent job first and work backwards. The last ten years should be listed, with more focus placed on the last five years in particular.
You should include:
- Job Title
- Name of Company and its Location (full address or website is not necessary)
- Dates of employment (years should suffice)
For each position, think about the work you undertook and how this could benefit the potential employer
You should include:
- Succinct bullet point statements, which are easier to read and demonstrate you can organise your thoughts cohesively.
- Facts and figures to reinforce your statements. Think about numbers of people, amount of sales, locations, values, types of business, speed of handling, budgets, turnover, etc
Things to avoid:
- Repetition of the same words.
- Try to avoid using ‘responsible’, be creative and use other action words. (see below for an example)
- Do not use ‘I’ or ‘my’.
TIP: Action word examples are: Utilised, Managed, Constructed, Administered, Formulated, Negotiated, Reduced, Organised, Obtained, Documented, Distributed, Co-ordinated, Corrected, etc
e.g. Effectively managed a busy department handling up to 2,000 complaints a week. Ensured each team responded to a minimum of 10 complaints per day to comply with company policy and procedure.
Education
Under this section, you should include any formal education, courses or job relevant internal training programmes.
Start with your most recent or highly awarded qualification first and work backwards.
You should include:
- Name of course
- Place of Education
- Date of Award
- Grade or Score
Languages and computer competence can also be listed.
Hobbies/Personal Interests
If you are at a lower stage in your career or have outside interests which could relate to your job, then it can be useful to include a short statement to demonstrate these and skills, such as: team building, volunteer work, ongoing commitment.
However, if you are more establised in your career, the space would be better used to sell your work skills and we would recommend this is ommitted.
References
You do not need to include reference details but can state: 'references are available on request'.
Length
Your CV should be no more than two pages long. It will demonstrate your ability to organise your thoughts and also demonstrate you are able to prioritise.
Need more help writing a CV or letter or completing an application form?
For more CV and cover letter writing help, visit: http://www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk/
For Do's and Dont's when writing CVs, visit: http://www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk/cv_help_40.html
For help writing a Cover Letter, visit: http://angliacvsolutions.co.uk/cover_letter_template_46.html
For help completing an application form, visit: http://angliacvsolutions.co.uk/application_form_36.html
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Summer time at Anglia Virtual Business Solutions
Hello again!
Hope you had a great August! We were keeping busy, despite it being a quieter time of year and were thrilled to bring in some new contracts and revive an older one, which has been an absolute delight.
Apart from the usual stuff we do, we have noticed quite an increase in media content requirements and have been beavering away on blogs and articles for clients to help bring fresh new SEO optimised content to their sites on a daily or weekly basis. So, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to keep your site ever changing, why not visit our website for more information? http://www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk/
Our virtual assistant services are ever popular and if you find you need a bit of extra help on a flexible or ad-hoc basis, then why not consider the services of a virtual assistant? You are charged by the hour so you only pay for the hours we work on your project and given we are not employed, you have no worries about paying any NI or Tax for us. Furthermore, we work remotely from a fully functioning office so we can be left to fulfil your contract requirements without supervision, allowing you to undertake other tasks in your business.
If you still have some staff holidays to be taken or have a back log of work to contend with, our virtual assistants can help you!
This summer we have also given our website http://www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk/ a bit of a makeover so why not pop along and take a look and let us know what you think?
Must dash and do some work now before the day ends, don't forget to pop along and say hello to us on Twitter, our Twitter ID is @AngliaSolutions. Just type @AngliaSolutions and a message and we'll soon find you and start sharing Tweets.
Hope you had a great August! We were keeping busy, despite it being a quieter time of year and were thrilled to bring in some new contracts and revive an older one, which has been an absolute delight.
Apart from the usual stuff we do, we have noticed quite an increase in media content requirements and have been beavering away on blogs and articles for clients to help bring fresh new SEO optimised content to their sites on a daily or weekly basis. So, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to keep your site ever changing, why not visit our website for more information? http://www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk/
Our virtual assistant services are ever popular and if you find you need a bit of extra help on a flexible or ad-hoc basis, then why not consider the services of a virtual assistant? You are charged by the hour so you only pay for the hours we work on your project and given we are not employed, you have no worries about paying any NI or Tax for us. Furthermore, we work remotely from a fully functioning office so we can be left to fulfil your contract requirements without supervision, allowing you to undertake other tasks in your business.
If you still have some staff holidays to be taken or have a back log of work to contend with, our virtual assistants can help you!
This summer we have also given our website http://www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk/ a bit of a makeover so why not pop along and take a look and let us know what you think?
Must dash and do some work now before the day ends, don't forget to pop along and say hello to us on Twitter, our Twitter ID is @AngliaSolutions. Just type @AngliaSolutions and a message and we'll soon find you and start sharing Tweets.
Summer Catchup @ Anglia CV Solutions
Hopefully you have all managed to get away and seek some sunshine since I last posted I would like to say that I have too but I haven't.
Instead, I have been working away on the websites, adding pages to give our visitors more and more information to help them in their search for work. The site is growing week by week and coming soon are our all new CV templates and an updated job interview advice, hits, tips and questions section. This will be for both candidates and recruiters and will offer lots of guidance on how to interview and be interviewed.
We have had some great orders over the past few weeks and look forward to receiving some more and our cover letter templates are taking off too, which is great news! This has led me to re-think our CV templates and I'm currently in the process of improving those and adding more helpful advice in the packs so you'll get even more value for money.
Why not take a look at the site, let me know what you think!
http://www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk/
All the best
Claire
Instead, I have been working away on the websites, adding pages to give our visitors more and more information to help them in their search for work. The site is growing week by week and coming soon are our all new CV templates and an updated job interview advice, hits, tips and questions section. This will be for both candidates and recruiters and will offer lots of guidance on how to interview and be interviewed.
We have had some great orders over the past few weeks and look forward to receiving some more and our cover letter templates are taking off too, which is great news! This has led me to re-think our CV templates and I'm currently in the process of improving those and adding more helpful advice in the packs so you'll get even more value for money.
Why not take a look at the site, let me know what you think!
http://www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk/
All the best
Claire
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Hot CV offers in August!
To celebrate summer, Anglia CV Solutions are launching a special offer to get a a cover letter professionally written by one of our consultants.
When you place your CV order, recommend us to a friend and when that person places their order (within 14 days, during August) you will get a free cover letter to accompany your CV.
We will also be running an even hotter 24hr promotion in August but for now we are keeping tight lipped on that one so be sure to follow us on twitter http:twitter.com/angliasolutions or keep checking our website daily at http://www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk to take advantage of the great offer coming up.
A professionally written CV is worth its weight in gold and something you should give consideration to. Alternatively, why not buy one of our CV Templates?
Get you CV right with Anglia CV Solutions.
When you place your CV order, recommend us to a friend and when that person places their order (within 14 days, during August) you will get a free cover letter to accompany your CV.
We will also be running an even hotter 24hr promotion in August but for now we are keeping tight lipped on that one so be sure to follow us on twitter http:twitter.com/angliasolutions or keep checking our website daily at http://www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk to take advantage of the great offer coming up.
A professionally written CV is worth its weight in gold and something you should give consideration to. Alternatively, why not buy one of our CV Templates?
Get you CV right with Anglia CV Solutions.
Friday 17 July 2009
APPLICATION FORM HELP HAS ARRIVED
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anglia CV Solutions
Anglia House, PO Box 262, Cambridgeshire, PE19 9DF
Email: enquiries@angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Web: www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Date: 17th July 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATION FORM HELP HAS ARRIVED
Anglia CV Solutions has launched a brand new service to clients and now offers comprehensive application form help and advice.
Anglia CV Solutions has been receiving more and more calls and emails recently from frustrated job seekers who are struggling to complete lengthy and often complex application forms; particularly if it is for a public sector recruiter.
Whilst we have offered telephone and email support in the past, we have now launched a brand new application assistance service.
Our experienced consultants will now be available on an hourly rate basis to help candidates structure answers in a succinct, accurate fashion which will answer the question asked, providing evidence, where required to back up the skills and experience.
Our consultants will liase with the candidate and use their rough notes and the job specification to tailor a full and appropriate answer, focusing on using key words and demonstrating their ability to undertake the roles required.
Fees are competitive at just £15 an hour and our service will prove invaluable for those who have a mountain of forms to complete or find the process too daunting.
The site also boasts some handy hints and advice on the Do's and Don'ts, which are definitely worth taking a look at.
Why not visit the website? www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
END
Contact: Claire Green – 0774 968 4396
Anglia CV Solutions
Anglia House, PO Box 262, Cambridgeshire, PE19 9DF
Email: enquiries@angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Web: www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Date: 17th July 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATION FORM HELP HAS ARRIVED
Anglia CV Solutions has launched a brand new service to clients and now offers comprehensive application form help and advice.
Anglia CV Solutions has been receiving more and more calls and emails recently from frustrated job seekers who are struggling to complete lengthy and often complex application forms; particularly if it is for a public sector recruiter.
Whilst we have offered telephone and email support in the past, we have now launched a brand new application assistance service.
Our experienced consultants will now be available on an hourly rate basis to help candidates structure answers in a succinct, accurate fashion which will answer the question asked, providing evidence, where required to back up the skills and experience.
Our consultants will liase with the candidate and use their rough notes and the job specification to tailor a full and appropriate answer, focusing on using key words and demonstrating their ability to undertake the roles required.
Fees are competitive at just £15 an hour and our service will prove invaluable for those who have a mountain of forms to complete or find the process too daunting.
The site also boasts some handy hints and advice on the Do's and Don'ts, which are definitely worth taking a look at.
Why not visit the website? www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
END
Contact: Claire Green – 0774 968 4396
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Phew, its warm!
Hi
The advertising banner has arrived and looks great, just need to get it up now. I think that will be a task best left for the weekend. Too much to do this week, which is great! Plus, its too hot.
Weather here is absolutely fab, first time this year we have had to have the fans on in the office to stop us from melting! The only downside with fans is the need to weight loose papers down or things could soon become a muddle!
Dont forget to pop along and visit our website:
www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk
Our rates have been discounted for the summer to help you all service your customers without breaking the bank!
The advertising banner has arrived and looks great, just need to get it up now. I think that will be a task best left for the weekend. Too much to do this week, which is great! Plus, its too hot.
Weather here is absolutely fab, first time this year we have had to have the fans on in the office to stop us from melting! The only downside with fans is the need to weight loose papers down or things could soon become a muddle!
Dont forget to pop along and visit our website:
www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk
Our rates have been discounted for the summer to help you all service your customers without breaking the bank!
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Had a spend up!
Yesterday I have to admit I did a bit of shopping! I have bought a big banner to display outside and now im wondering if it will be too big. Would hate to get complaints about it, oh well, can't be undone now so will see what it looks like when it arrives.
Also, ordered up some more business cards. Is it just me or do you have loads and then all of a sudden, they are almost gone?
Now I need to look into some outside posters and flyers and get myself along to some local events to hand out leaflets, etc and make the most of the sunshine!
We are always looking for new clients so if you have something you need help with, don't hesitate to visit our website www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk or contact us on Skype @angliasolutions.
We are really liking Twitter at the moment and have made some great contacts! Why not follow us @angliasolutions
Back soon!.......
Also, ordered up some more business cards. Is it just me or do you have loads and then all of a sudden, they are almost gone?
Now I need to look into some outside posters and flyers and get myself along to some local events to hand out leaflets, etc and make the most of the sunshine!
We are always looking for new clients so if you have something you need help with, don't hesitate to visit our website www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk or contact us on Skype @angliasolutions.
We are really liking Twitter at the moment and have made some great contacts! Why not follow us @angliasolutions
Back soon!.......
Friday 19 June 2009
*Summer Madness* CV promotion
We have decided to launch our summer madness campaign a little early, secretly hoping the sun will come out in addition to attracting lots of interest in our CVs. We have discounted all our CV prices and are still running our free cover letter offer until the end of the month so you could grab yourself a really good deal!
With more and more people looking for work, it is surprising how many have really bad CVs and then wonder why they are not getting the interviews they seek. Using a professionally written CV can really make a big difference in attaining interviews and reducing the amount of time spent searching for work.
You see, we write each CV specifically for the person and don't use templates. We use power verbs and assertive, quantifiable statements to produce a highly compelling and influential CV.
We want the recruiter to be instantly attracted to the CV and its content and encourage them to read further. With a full-on personal profile, key skills and achievements, it is our aim to present the candidate in the best possible light to encourage the recruiter to want to meet them in person.
If you are not sure how good your CV is, why not send it in for a free CV review?
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
We will do all we can to help you get noticed!
With more and more people looking for work, it is surprising how many have really bad CVs and then wonder why they are not getting the interviews they seek. Using a professionally written CV can really make a big difference in attaining interviews and reducing the amount of time spent searching for work.
You see, we write each CV specifically for the person and don't use templates. We use power verbs and assertive, quantifiable statements to produce a highly compelling and influential CV.
We want the recruiter to be instantly attracted to the CV and its content and encourage them to read further. With a full-on personal profile, key skills and achievements, it is our aim to present the candidate in the best possible light to encourage the recruiter to want to meet them in person.
If you are not sure how good your CV is, why not send it in for a free CV review?
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
We will do all we can to help you get noticed!
Tuesday 16 June 2009
We are now on Bloglines too!
Our first bloglines post!
Welcome to day 1 of our posting on Bloglines. Slowly but surely we are mastering all these wonderful new social networking services and meeting heaps of great people in the process and hopefully picking up some new clients along the way.
So, let me tell you a little about me and my company. I own Anglia Business Solutions and its sister site, Anglia CV Solutions, my name is Claire and you can contact me directly on Skype @angliasolutions.
We were established back in 2006 when we felt we had a range of services to offer from years and years experience in several fields, excelling in each of them. Tired of working salaried for someone else, we took the plunge and started working directly with other companies and individuals on a freelance or contractual basis and here we are now, in 2009 looking to continue the expansion.
As a company we are highly commited to ensuring we deliver the very best standards of workmanship, on time and in accordance with your brief. It is our intention to undertake any business task in such a way that we integrate into your business as smoothly as possible so your clients do not realise you have outsourced.
Our consultants are all very qualified and vastly experienced in a range of specialisms, which enables us to assist you with just about any business need. From basic typing services, to specialist reports and documents to full blown health and safety policies.
We can't list everything we do here so why not pop along to our websites to see what we do in more detail, and what we can do for you!
www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Welcome to day 1 of our posting on Bloglines. Slowly but surely we are mastering all these wonderful new social networking services and meeting heaps of great people in the process and hopefully picking up some new clients along the way.
So, let me tell you a little about me and my company. I own Anglia Business Solutions and its sister site, Anglia CV Solutions, my name is Claire and you can contact me directly on Skype @angliasolutions.
We were established back in 2006 when we felt we had a range of services to offer from years and years experience in several fields, excelling in each of them. Tired of working salaried for someone else, we took the plunge and started working directly with other companies and individuals on a freelance or contractual basis and here we are now, in 2009 looking to continue the expansion.
As a company we are highly commited to ensuring we deliver the very best standards of workmanship, on time and in accordance with your brief. It is our intention to undertake any business task in such a way that we integrate into your business as smoothly as possible so your clients do not realise you have outsourced.
Our consultants are all very qualified and vastly experienced in a range of specialisms, which enables us to assist you with just about any business need. From basic typing services, to specialist reports and documents to full blown health and safety policies.
We can't list everything we do here so why not pop along to our websites to see what we do in more detail, and what we can do for you!
www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Thursday 21 May 2009
Another Week.............
Here I am again, ready to waffle on - only kidding!
A productive week, one article written and submitted and secured three more for next week so I am pleased with that. Looks like I will have rather a busy week next week with it being a Bank Holiday.
On a personal note, Im really looking forward the extra day off and am hoping the weather will be nice for a BBQ. My husband does a mean BBQ - nothing better after a long day in the garden!
Got to finish off a CV first though and think I have been recommended a graphic designer. Just waiting on them to make contact now! Would be great to get some promotional material out next month. I think I will enjoy being out of the office if the weather is warm!
Had a bit of a nightmare with Twitter, the only blog I find should come with a manual! The others im fine with. Practise makes perfect and I now know I sent messages the wrong way! opps, but I dont think I offended too many people by replying to them in error.
Truely hoping our new special offer will tempt a few more customers - a FREE cover letter with every CV order - saving £25!
Why not pass on our website details to people you know?
www.angliabusinesssolutons.co.uk
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
A productive week, one article written and submitted and secured three more for next week so I am pleased with that. Looks like I will have rather a busy week next week with it being a Bank Holiday.
On a personal note, Im really looking forward the extra day off and am hoping the weather will be nice for a BBQ. My husband does a mean BBQ - nothing better after a long day in the garden!
Got to finish off a CV first though and think I have been recommended a graphic designer. Just waiting on them to make contact now! Would be great to get some promotional material out next month. I think I will enjoy being out of the office if the weather is warm!
Had a bit of a nightmare with Twitter, the only blog I find should come with a manual! The others im fine with. Practise makes perfect and I now know I sent messages the wrong way! opps, but I dont think I offended too many people by replying to them in error.
Truely hoping our new special offer will tempt a few more customers - a FREE cover letter with every CV order - saving £25!
Why not pass on our website details to people you know?
www.angliabusinesssolutons.co.uk
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Friday 15 May 2009
Whats happened this week?
Hi all, I am back again with this weeks installment!
Had several projects to do this week so have been pretty busy getting those done, looking forward to some new work next week. Do you have any freelance, outsource or Virtual Assistant works you need us to quote you on? If so, visit our website: http://www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk/ - our rates are really competitive at the moment, even if I do say so myself!!
Still slogging on with registering with directories and working on the SEO side of things in every spare minute I get and we are starting to show up on pages 1-4 on Google now for certain key words, which I think is great! Would be nice to get up on page 1 everytime, will have to see how it goes. I am thinking of using Adwords to get us noticed a bit more, although I do need to do a bit more research on how good it is.
On the CV side we have introduced a special offer as from today, which is to run until the end of June. A *FREE* specific cover letter with every CV order, which will save people £25! - now thats a deal!
I just need to find a decent local printer now to do me some posters and flyers - know anyone?
Oh, and one last thing - I have been invited to write an article this week for a local publication, which I am really excited about as it is for Baldock, which even now I still regard to be my home town! I am going to be pretty busy formulating that this weekend but I would like to try and get to the Baldock Medevial street fair on Saturday - see if i can see some familiar faces.
Have a great weekend and i'll be back next week im sure with a little update or two.
Had several projects to do this week so have been pretty busy getting those done, looking forward to some new work next week. Do you have any freelance, outsource or Virtual Assistant works you need us to quote you on? If so, visit our website: http://www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.uk/ - our rates are really competitive at the moment, even if I do say so myself!!
Still slogging on with registering with directories and working on the SEO side of things in every spare minute I get and we are starting to show up on pages 1-4 on Google now for certain key words, which I think is great! Would be nice to get up on page 1 everytime, will have to see how it goes. I am thinking of using Adwords to get us noticed a bit more, although I do need to do a bit more research on how good it is.
On the CV side we have introduced a special offer as from today, which is to run until the end of June. A *FREE* specific cover letter with every CV order, which will save people £25! - now thats a deal!
I just need to find a decent local printer now to do me some posters and flyers - know anyone?
Oh, and one last thing - I have been invited to write an article this week for a local publication, which I am really excited about as it is for Baldock, which even now I still regard to be my home town! I am going to be pretty busy formulating that this weekend but I would like to try and get to the Baldock Medevial street fair on Saturday - see if i can see some familiar faces.
Have a great weekend and i'll be back next week im sure with a little update or two.
Friday 8 May 2009
Friday again
Well, I cant believe it is Friday again already. It has been a busy week with it only being a four day week this week. Hence, I will be in the office tomorrow as I have two contracts to complete for Monday.
Dont forget to visit our websites and take a look around, your feedback is appreciated.
www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.ulk
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Oh! and watch out for our free CV competition which kicks off next month - you could be the lucky winner of a professionally written CV. Book mark our websites!
Dont forget to visit our websites and take a look around, your feedback is appreciated.
www.angliabusinesssolutions.co.ulk
www.angliacvsolutions.co.uk
Oh! and watch out for our free CV competition which kicks off next month - you could be the lucky winner of a professionally written CV. Book mark our websites!
Friday 1 May 2009
What have we been doing today?
Well, the time has come to start increasing our web presence, getting our heads round all the different advertising mediums online, the differing directories and the like. We think we have now cracked it and are in the midst of the repetitive task on registering just about everywhere. Hopefully, we should be popping up all over the place soon, watch this space!
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