What is a CV and why is it so important?
A CV or Curriculum Vitae is a document that is sent to a potential employer that gives them information about you, your experience, your qualifications and, most importantly, your suitability for the post you are interested in. As your career progresses, you’ll need to adapt your core CV information to make it suitable for different job applications.
The employer receiving your CV will make assumptions about you and your attitude to work – so it’s very important document. If you’re interested in an apprenticeship in the lift and escalator industry then you will need to create your CV. It needs to be well-presented, in accurate English and be an honest representation of who you are, covering off:
- How well you fit the role you’re applying for
- What you have achieved so far in education, experience and personal development
- Any other interests that demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment
A daunting prospect?
Don’t be overwhelmed. And don’t think you need to write an advert that stretches the truth. Be honest, be positive, be yourself. No one is expecting you to have conquered the world. They simply want to get a picture of why you are applying for an apprenticeship and how suitable you are as a candidate.
SHOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE
Everything you write will need to demonstrate you pay very careful attention to the way you present yourself. Write in short sentences or lists. Spell everything correctly, using the right punctuation, capital letters where required and get someone else to read it through too – so they can give you their thoughts. Remember that additional thoughts are not criticisms, just people supporting you with their points of view and experience. Be adaptable and you will go far.
Avoid common spelling and punctuation errors
Such as your/you’re, its/it’s, there/their/they’re, affect/effect, learned/learnt, im/i’m and to/too for example. As these words are all spelt correctly, you can’t rely on a simple spell check to pick them all up! It needs a sense check too.
Top Tip: Try reading your CV aloud, this often helps errors jump out at you.
Keep it snappy
A CV is not an essay. Your CV should fit on one A4 sheet – two sides maximum. The people on the receiving end of your CV have a few to get through and the succinct ones that include the best, well thought through information will stand out.
Keep it readable
A well-considered, clean layout, with not too much colour and a clear font (no fancy script or 3D typefaces) is the best approach. Give it space by using clear section headers. Bullet point lists can help with this too.
Top Tip: Search online for lots of CV templates and layout suggestions
Check it, check it and check it again!
Read what you have written multiple times until you are satisfied with your CV. If you or others can read it easily, then the recipient will too. Receiving an inaccurate, misspelt, vague CV speaks volumes about the applicant. Be passionate about your CV and your sincerity will shine through.
Top Tip: Read our additional blog on what to include in your CV here
Find employers
There’s a brilliantly diverse range of employers in our industry. Lifts and Escalators are essential to keep everything moving, so we’re constantly growing. If you want to level up your career, you’ll find your perfect employer here.
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