CV writing tips for the 40+
Advice on how to write a good CV for the British job market
How to write an effective CV

Your CV needs to work
The purpose of a CV is to get you through the door to the interview. All you are is a piece of paper at this stage. Recruiters will only take about 30 seconds to read your CV. There job is to deselect the majority of applicants and find the few that are worth asking for an interview. You want to be one of those few but you do not have much time to impress. Do not waffle, lie or use negative examples in your CV. Always submit a typed CV never a handwritten CV even if your hand writing is legible and tidy.

CV formats
CVs should be designed to be targeted to meet the requirements of an advertised vacancy and to impress the employer. There are two main styles of CVs. If you are applying for a job in the same line of work as your previous job then you should complete a ‘chronological CV’. If you have decided it is time for a change in profession then you should type a ‘skills based CV’. Do not use first person terminology like ‘I did this’, ‘I am’, or ‘I have’.

The chronological CV
This past career development format requires you to outline your experiences in reverse chronological order; start with your last job and work backwards. It demonstrates how you've progressed over time and your experience. It may not be as suitable if you've changed jobs quite regularly.

The skills-based CV
This format is used to focus on your skills and qualities. It is called a Functional CV. Skill headings are listed under which you present your evidence. Occupation and education details are kept brief. This type of CV is harder to organise but it can show you've considered the requirements of the job if you focus on the right set of skills.

Sample chronological CV (used to apply for a similar job as your present occupation.)

Full Name
Address
Town
County and Post Code

Tel: 020 8542 1234
Mobile 07771234567
email@gmail.com (do not use an embarrassing e-mail address)

Profile
One paragraph that summarises your skills and strengths that are relevant to the job you are applying to. Remember this may be the only part of your CV that is read by the employer.

Experience

Name of Company 2002 - Present

Position held in that company

• Skill

• Skill

• Skill

• Skill

Name of Company 1999 - 2002

Position held in that company

• Skill

• Skill

• Skill

• Skill

Name of Company 1995 - 1999

Position held in that company

• Skill

• Skill

• Skill

• Skill

Qualification and Training

• Qualification

• Qualification

• Qualification

• Qualification

Hobbies and Interests

• Relevant Hobby/interest

• Relevant Hobby/interest

• Relevant Hobby/interest

• Relevant Hobby/interest

Sample Functional CV (Skill based CV used when applying from a different job to your last one)

Full Name
Address
Town
County and Post Code

Tel: 020 8542 1234
Mobile 07771234567
email@gmail.com (do not use an embarrassing e-mail address)

Profile
One paragraph that summarises your skills and strengths that are relevant to the job you are applying to. Remember this may be the only part of your CV that is read by the employer. Record relevant but key transferable skills. If you put your past job down that is not relevant there is a danger of de-selection e.g. If you were a HGV Driver and now applying for an office job.

Key Competencies

Project manager

• Evidence

• Evidence

• Evidence

• Evidence

Problem solving

• Evidence

• Evidence

• Evidence

• Evidence

Planning

• Evidence

• Evidence

• Evidence

• Evidence

Qualification and Training

• Qualification

• Qualification

• Qualification

• Qualification

Hobbies and Interests

• Relevant Hobby/interest

• Relevant Hobby/interest

• Relevant Hobby/interest

• Relevant Hobby/interest

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