To ask for help with how to write a CV

[SteveArnottsWaistcoat]

I know this isn’t really me BU, but I’m trying to write a CV for the first time in almost 20 years and I absolutely have no idea what to do. I only had a few years between graduating from university and falling pregnant with DS1 and I haven’t worked since. I just don’t know what you add in these days. There are so many different templates around and Google is frying my brain.

I’m using a template from my laptop because I don’t want to pay for anything. I’ve gone for something quite simple, which I always believed to be the best thing.

I need to write a profile. Is this like a personal statement? Saying what I’m good at doing? Blowing my own trumpet (I really hate doing that kind of thing because I’m pretty shit at most things 🙄)

Do I need to put references in? I know I can get one decent professional one from doing recent volunteer work. But do I need a second? I do have someone I could ask but I’m not sure how keen they’d be as they are really busy and it might be too much of a a personal ask.

I really thought this would be an easy task but I don’t know where to begin. All my experience and qualifications are from so long ago. Feels a bit depressing really! I know I can just shape it a bit and add to it as I go but I’m keen to have something ready to get on the job hunt ASAP.

AIBU to ask you what are the most important things for me to put in?

Such a bit scary step in life!

Hi,
I write CVs for a living. Be wary using a template with boxes/borders etc as lots of formatting cannot be read by automatic CV reading software - keep it simple
Name, email, mobile and location at top, not address.
Then a brief (4-6 lines) statement setting out your experience strengths eg 'An enthusiastic customer service professional with experience in the retail industry. Collaborative and enjoys helping customers to receive the best service possible.'
Then career history - written in reverse chronological order so most recent job first. Don't bother putting details for v old roles. Don't put references on, they'll ask for them after interview if they want them. Focus on strengths and achievements - loads of good advice online

Thanks for that Bubbilicious. I’ve had a look online already but it varies quite a bit. Quite confusing coming back into it after all this time!

I disagree with the other poster. Personal statements are outdated. We’re in 2021 - no employer cares about them now. Anyone can write a paragraph talking themselves up - it doesn’t mean anything and has no substance. You need to prove everything you would write in your personal statement via your work experience section instead.

Don’t add a section for references. If they want references, they’ll ask. You don’t have infinite amounts of space on your CV to wow them, so don’t waste space on reference details.

What industry are you applying for?

If it’s something like minimum wage retail/admin I would just keep your CV to one page of A4 as you don’t have much work experience. But you have to go all out in your bullet points for past jobs to wow them.

If it’s a field related to your degree, and you have relevant work experience, then maybe use 1.5 pages of A4 but don’t go over 2 pages as again you don’t have much experience so might run the risk of repeating yourself and boring whoever reads it

Another CV writer here. Focus on achievements and make sure they are measurable. You need to tailor for each job. If they want references they will ask.

I haven’t yet got as far as applying for jobs. I wanted a CV done first that I can attach and adapt for each role and then start going for it.

I’ve experience in a fair few fields, but I’m pretty sure that I’m only really much use for minimum wage stuff at the moment due to a huge gap, but that’s not a problem. I’ll also not be able to stride straight into full time work due to various commitments & DC.

Early 40s and I’m looking to establish myself in the next few years for a more independent future as I need to create my own security.

I really appreciate all the advice I can get as I’m incredibly out of touch.

Succinct. Achievements skills time money saved.
No age.
Each job read and tailor.
Only put relevant qualifications not every single course.