This document provides guidance on creating an effective curriculum vitae (CV). It notes that while there is flexibility in CV format, it must be tailored for each job opportunity. Employers typically spend only 30 seconds reviewing a CV, so it is important to prioritize information and showcase skills and qualifications that match the job requirements. A skills-based CV that provides evidence of skills from various experiences is recommended over a chronological CV. Spelling errors and an unprofessional appearance can immediately disqualify applicants. The guidance emphasizes quantifying achievements, customizing the CV for each role, and focusing on skills employers seek like communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

1. www.derby.ac.uk/careers
CV’s
HND / HNC HRM

2. Quick Quiz
1. There are rules and regulations about producing a CV
False - There are conventions but it’s flexible
2. Once I have designed my CV, I can use the exact same one for every
opportunity I am chasing
False - This is unlikely to get you on a shortlist
3. An employer will typically spend around 30 seconds looking at a CV
True - They will look again if it creates an impact
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

3. 4. It is a good idea to use one of the CV builder computer packages that are on
the market to construct a CV
False – there is a danger of becoming identikit, but there is some good
advice around (unless its ours!)
5. The sections on the CV, such as Education, Personal Details, and Work
Experience etc should be presented in a particular order
False – Flexible, depends on strongest selling point.
6. I need to sell skills, knowledge and experience on my CV without supporting
evidence.
False – people want to see evidence
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

4. What should your CV do?
 A CV is a marketing tool to sell your skills
 Firstly, think about the job you are targeting.
 Look at the skills profile/job desc/person spec.
 Match your skills to the ones the company are looking for and give evidence
to back up each skill.
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

5. 30 seconds!!
 On average you have 30 seconds to either get in the “Yes I will continue
reading” pile or the “No!” pile.
 Give info quickly, without difficulty and prioritise
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

6. Your CV ….
 Needs to be professional looking
 Free from spelling mistakes
 Have clear headings and sections. The employer wants to access
information quickly
 Avoid having lots of white space
 2 sides of A4 maximum
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7. It should include….
 Personal Details – Name, Address, Tel No, e-mail
 Personal Profile
 Education Information
 Key Skills
 Work Experience
 Interests
 Reference available on request
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

8. What should it not include!!
 Date of Birth
 Nationality
 Marital Status
 Gender
 Pictures
 Too much formatting
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9. Personal Profile
 Opening to your CV
 4 – 5 lines
 Hook the reader
 Avoid generic terms
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

10. Skills based CV’s
 Excellent at highlighting transferrable skills
 Ideal for both ends of career ladder.
 Enables you to focus employer’s attention to most relevant evidence.
 Highlights you as a rounded individual.
 Avoids repetition.
 Easy to tailor to exact requirements.
 Saves space
Visit our website to see sample CV’s and get tips and advice on creating your
CV
www.derby.ac.uk/careers
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

11. Always provide evidence
 Employers want to see what you can do for them
 Use examples from all activities
 Education
 Work Experience – Paid & Unpaid
 Clubs and Society
 Use you PDP activities to support this
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

12. What are the top skills?
 Communication
 Time mgmt.
 Commercial Awareness
 Initiative
 Organisation
 Flexibility
 IT Skills
 Team working
 Financial Awareness
 Problem Solving
 Promoting / Influencing
 Supervising
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13. Look at your CV, does it…??
 Have your personal details on
 Contact details?
 Professional e-mail address?
 Include a personal profile?
 Can you identify the skills?
 Do you provide evidence?
www.derby.ac.uk/careers

14. CV sifts
 Look through the CV’s
 Discuss as a group
 Format
 Content
 Spelling
 Would you hire any of these candidates?
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15. Questions?
careers@derby.ac.uk
www.derby.ac.uk/careers
www.derby.ac.uk/careers