CV help please!

[stinkypoo]

I have been with my current employer for 20 years, had masses of internal promotions with that time, and uni/qualifications that have been supported by employer.
I am now in a position where something that has been suggested and used as an enticement to encourage loyalty & commitment for the last 10 years has not been awarded to me.
I couldn't be more loyal & committed- don't want to go into details, but realistically I am not prepared to put my life second to this company have apparently not appreciated my input so far.
So basically, I'm thinking about my potential next step in my career, which may include freelancing, but my cv is massively out of date & I don't know how to start writing it.
I hate to read cvs written in the 3rd person, but have also seen advice not to use I, we, myself etc.

What field are you in?

There's no single right way to write a CV. Personally, I would always use first person as I agree with you that third person sounds weird.

I keep the work section factual and use the personal statement (or the key skills section, if you have one) to "sell" the individual's strengths. In the work section, quantities are good e.g. managed a team of 10 people, rather than just managed a team, or responsible for a budget of £X etc.

In the personal statement, try to avoid starting every sentence with I and just listing skills (e.g. "I am very organised and self- motivated. I am a good communicator. I work well in a team." Etc.) Instead, try to back up a skill with evidence from your work e.g. "Managing a team of 10 people at XYZ Industries has enabled me to develop excellent leadership skills." Note the key skills required in the job advert and make sure you cover them. E.g. If they want someone with experience in something, show you have it. If they want someone with good organisation skills, tell them where you demonstrate this in your current job.

Finally, get someone else's opinion on it. Most people really struggle to sell themselves but can big up others!