First Job App in 20 Years! Any CV tips?

[20YearsOuttaPractice]

As the title says!

Applying for my first job in 20 years. Been caring for a disabled DC as well as my own poor health but I feel ready to take a leap of faith and try a PT job.

I need to write a CV and I'm a bit overwhelmed! Anyone have any tips?

I've seen some templates on Microsoft but does anyone know if they're any good?

I feel fairly confident I meet the job spec thanks to multiple volunteering jobs and it's just the CV I'm stumped on.

Please be gentle... This is a huge step for me!

Thanks

Look at websites instead of Microsoft, there's lots of examples. Like this
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/youth-employment-hub/careers-advice/cv-templates

Just Google CV and your circumstances. Good luck!

Thank you! I did Google and it was overwhelming. Literally just hopped on to start it and the MS ones aren't great but I'll try your link.

Thank you

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work/returner-toolkit-helping-you-back-to-work

Try this too.

put it into ChatGPT with the job description you want to apply for. Ask it for cv tips and to write you a cover letter. It’s incredible.

Thank you so much! I thought something like this must exist but do you think I could find it?!

Will take a look. 😊

Bullet point with responsibilities and successes.

So (for example as I don’t know you, what you do or the job). If you say you were a carer list all
of the things that entails and maybe some successes like small steps and milestones you achieved.

Use wording from the job description in your cv if you can.

Good luck.

I would have rejected this idea until I tried it recently. Its amazing!

To be fair the first draft was a bit too enthusiastic and dynamic, so I replied to that effect and it said “that’s really useful self awareness not wanting to overpromise, shall we tweak it a bit?” And it gave me a more informal version that sounded more like me.

And then obviously I went through it all and changed a few words that I felt better represented me.

It then offered a cover letter, email template, how to follow up if you don’t get a reply, interview tips etc!

I know people say you can tell an AI document, but its exactly what I would have written if I had spent several hours on it. Instead it was instantly created, and I spent maybe 20 mins tweaking and sorting the layout.

Its a game changer.

Thanks for the chat GPT tip guys! I considered it but haven't used it before and I was cautious about them being able to tell. But I will try it and can always use it as a base.

I really do appreciate your help 😊

I found this on reddit which gives the prompts. I didn’t include the conversation bit obvs but it worked.

Gahh too much support! 😂😂

Sat here doing the app and CV now and there's so much I want to say and I can write for England!

Will use the tools you've all given me and smash this!

Just make sure in interviews you don’t downplay your experience, don’t say “I was just a carer” Explain your clinical skills (if physical disabilities involved), resilience, dedication, determination, loyalty, acceptance of difference, there’s loads of skills and abilities you have, be confident in yourself, and MAKE SURE THEY KNOW IT!

Thank you!! Didn't see that post as I just came on to let you all know I HAVE AN INTERVIEW!

Apparently they loved my app an dperodbal statement.

Normally an interview would scare the shit out of me but I have vast experience in a similar role in a volunteer position so for once I'm not crapping myself and actually feel confident!

Will come back and update when I know how it went. Interview is middle of May so not too long 🎉🎉🎉

I'm so pleased for you, @20YearsOuttaPractice
Let us know how you get on. We'll send you good vibes on the day!

Yay 🙌 good luck

Thanks all!

I'm really excited!

Also buoyed up by finding the perfect interview dress in the charity shop for a fiver!

Just came out of the interview.... I had fun! No idea if I'll get the job or not but either way met some lovely people and smiled so I'm happy 😊

Just an update to say that I GOT THE JOB!

Thanks for all the support guys. Was deeply appreciated

Amazing! I hope you feel rightly proud of yourself, you clearly blew the interviewing panel/person away.

Enjoy it - you deserve this.

Thanks Pop!

Apparently I did blow them away. By a country mile.

I'm so excited. Can't wait to feel challenged again 😊😊

Woo hoo!! Great news 👏

Just a little update in case any of you lovelies see this

I started this week! Hard going back to work but going to be so good 😊