Over the past couple of months we have been very busy regsistering New Candidates. One thing that has become apparent is that some Candidates would really benefit from some guidance on how to write a good CV.
Writing a CV can take some time however when it is done well it puts you in good stead. We see so many CVs that give us no idea where you are based, have incorrect dates, spelling mistakes, jobs in the wrong order and that are too extensive.
Potential employers and Agencies focus on the first page therefore this is where you need to grab our attention.
You don't want to be overlooked because of silly mistakes.
To increase your chances of being hired you should lay out your cv well.
Below is an example of how to
Full Name
Address
Telephone number & Email
Personal statement
Tell prospective employers about yourself and what you have to offer to their family.
What are your career goals?
How much experience do you have?
Are you qualified? Ofsted registered?
What are your characteristics? Caring, Enthusiastic, Organised.......
What do you enjoy about your job?
Specialised experience? SEN, potty training, weaning.....
Why you are looking for a new role?
Key Skills
Include what is relavant to the Role
Childcare qualifications with dates
Enhance DBS
Paediatric First Aid
Ofsted Regsitration
Clean Driving Licence
Languages spoken
Office based courses and training are not relevant these should be included later in your CV.
Employment History
Make sure it is in write in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent jobs coming first. This is one the most common errors made!!
Include the ages of the children at the start of the role. Be clear and concise in what your duties were and any achievements within the role. Eg weaning, fussy eating
Example
Sole Charge Nanny, Ascot January 2018 - December 2019
Hours of role (full/part time)
Children Ages at start of the role
Duties (summary of main duties)
Any achievements within the role
Reason for leaving : (redundancy, change in family circumstances, relocation)
Nursery Nurse. Rainbow Day Nursery, Chertsey April 2017 - March 2020
Room you worked in eg baby room
Children aged 6 months -2 years
Duties (summary of day to day duties)
Achievements within role (qualifications gained)
Reason for leaving : (redundancy, moving to a new setting)
Education
Again, this should be in reverse-chronological order
You should include from GCSE (or equivalent) level onwards
Example
Strodes College, Egham Sept 2000 - July 2002
A-levels:
• Maths – B
• English – A
• Biology – C
Windsor Girls School Sept 1995 - July 2000
10 GCSEs, grade A-C, including Maths and English
Hobbies & Interests
Things you enjoy doing in your spare time
References are available upon request
A Few Tips
Make sure your cv is ideally no more than 2 pages. A potential Employer will loose interest after a couple of pages!!
Use a plain and easy to read font ideally 10 - 12px.
Keep the Format the same throughout - Headings all the same size
Most Employers and Agencies will focus on the top half of the first page so make it good!
If there is a gap in your CV let people know why - maternity leave, went travelling, job seeking