View
221
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
1/65
Photograph: Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk
Moving onSupporting UNISONmembers facing redundancy
DOWNLOAD
http://issuu.com/action/downloadhttp://issuu.com/action/download8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
2/65
OVERVIEWWhen an organisation undertakes a redundancy
programme, UNISON learning reps can run this
course, or pick and choose activities from it, to help
members put themselves in the best position to
find new work that will meet their needs.
In addition, these exercises and activities are
also designed to help members develop the skills
to enable them to take on new roles in their
organisations after the kind of restructuring
process which might be negotiated as an
alternative to compulsory redundancies.
ULRs can also set up, run and support informal
learning activities that will equip members with the
lobbying and campaigning skills to take part in the
unions Million Voices campaign, which is making
the case at a national, regional and local
community level for properly-funded, publicly-
provided local services.
Whos the target audience? Anyone who is in the
process of change, be that through redundancy,
retirement or a change of career.
Who can run the course? Anyone who has
experience presentation skills and is used to
speaking to a group of people eg, ULRs, union
reps, lay tutors.
What materials do you need? Paper and pens,
flipchart and pens, photocopied job advertisements
from newspapers/websites as indicated, sample
forms as indicated.
What sort of venue do you need? Any decent sized
room set out in horseshoe style with tutor at the
front alongside flipchart.
This online publication is based on a pack
produced by Ricky Hopkins for UNISON:
rickyhopkins@sky.com.
Supporting UNISON membersfacing redundancy
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
3/65
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Exercise 1.1: Looking for a jobAim: focus and motivate the participants by
raising awareness of the wide range of sources of
information on job vacancies and their various
advantages and disadvantages.
Timing: approx. 60 minutes
1 Before participants arrive, draw up a three-column
grid on a flipchart with the headings Where to
look, Advantages and Disadvantages.
2 When the participants have all arrived, spend five
minutes introducing the exercise. Point out that the
employment market may have changed
considerably since they last looked for work and
mention (without going into specifics) that there is
a wide range of places where people can find out
information on job opportunities. Explain that the
object of the exercise is to develop a comprehensive
list of places to go for information on job
opportunities with their pluses and minuses.
3 Divide the room into pairs or groups of up to
four people. Make sure everyone has some
paper and a pen.4 Explain that they have 20 minutes to think of all
the different places they could look for
information on job opportunities.
5 At the end of 20 minutes, bring everyone back
together and invite each pair or small group to
contribute an idea to the list you will be compiling
on the flipchart.
6 When the list is complete, invite each pair or
group to suggest one advantage and one
disadvantage for every item on the list (there
may be more than one). You should aim to end
up with something like table 1 on the next page.
7 Finish the exercise by asking what participants
have learned from the activity.
Exercise 1.2: understanding job advertsAim: show participants the difference between a
job description and a person specification and
help them identify which elements of a person
specification are essential and which desirable.
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 This activity is best done in pairs, but can be done
in small groups if the class is a large one and the
facilitator is good at drawing out peoples skills.
2 Circulate photocopies of job adverts taken from
recent newspapers/websites.
3 Explain the difference between a job description,which sets out the duties involved in a particular
job, and a person specification, which sets out
what qualifications and experience an employer
needs someone to have to do the job. Explain the
difference between what is essential (things you
must have) and what is desirable (extra things
they would like that would give someone an
advantage over others who dont have them).
4 Ensure that all pairs/groups have flipchart pensor pens and blank A4 paper.
5 Allow about 20 minutes for them to develop the
list and give encouragement by moving around
the groups supporting them with positive
comments.
6 Ask each pair/group to share what they wrote for
3 (a)-(d).
7 Write the responses on the flipchart visible to the
whole group.
Module 1: Next steps looking for work
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
4/65
Where to look Advantages Disadvantages
National newspapers Wide coverage Not local
Requires basic literacy skills
Cost of purchase
Local newspapers Relevant to local area May not have wide variety of jobs
Easy to find Requires basic literacy skills
Specialist journals Specific jobs Not always available
Wide coverage
Internet Lots of information Too much information
Job search functions Requires basic literacy/IT skills
Shop windows Local information Infrequently updated
Jobcentre Plus Staff expertise Some ICT skills needed
Benefits advice Impersonal
Agencies Wide range of jobs Low pay
Shift work
No guarantees
May cost to register
Word of mouth Reliable information People must know youre looking for work
Massive source of jobs
Exercise 1.1: Table 1
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
5/65
Exercise 2.1: identifying your skillsAim: help participants identify all the skills they
have acquired from all parts of their life work,
home, voluntary work and hobbies.
Timing: approx. 15 minutes
1 This is a quick activity to get the participants to
analyse what skills they have and how they are
transferable from one part of their life (eg, home)
to another (eg, work).
Exercise 2.2: positive speaking 1Aim: show participants that how they say
something is just as important as what they say.
Timing: approx. 15 minutes
1 Ask the participants to briefly read and analyse
the two statements and report back what they
think are the key differences between them.
2You are looking for positive and negative
differences and additionally gender as 70 per cent
of people consider the person in the description is
female (because of the reference to childcare).
Exercise 2.3: positive speaking 2Aim: show participants how they can translate
negative statements about work into positive
statements.
Timing: approx. 15 minutes
1 Explain that it is important to write about yourself
in a positive manner when applying for jobs and
how by using certain words you can do this easily.
2 Suggested answers:
(a) Given responsibility for some staff induction.
(b) Organised stock control and purchase.
(c) Versatile and experienced in all areas within
the company.
(d) Created the companys filing system and
organised staff training for its use.
(e) Controlled and kept audited records of
Playgroup accounts, including petty cash. I feel
this experience directly relates to the tasks in
your job description.
(f) I was encouraged to take on the responsibility
of my work unsupervised.
Exercise 2.4: preparing to fill in
application formsAim: show the participants how they can gather all
the information they need before they start filling in
an application form.
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Explain how its essential to get together all the
information youll need before filling in an
application form. Explain that the object of the
exercise is to complete two key forms onelisting education and qualifications and the other
listing work experience so that participants will
have all the key information they need before
they put pen to paper.
2 Hand out the form headed Education and
qualifications. Give participants about 15
minutes to complete it.
3 Hand out the form headed Employment history.
Give participants about 15 minutes to complete it.
Module 2: Application forms
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
6/65
Exercise 2.5: filling in application formsAim: show participants some of the key elements
involved in effectively completing application forms
Timing: approx. 60 minutes
1 Hand out the sample form headed Application
form along with the exercise handout.
2 Work through the four points on the handout first.
Emphasise how important it is for participants to
show they can follow instructions by looking out for
any instructions in the form. If you use green or red
ink and write in normal handwriting when it says use
black ink and write in block capitals, you are likely to
be rejected straight away because an employer will
think you cant follow instructions. More than one
major employer has given this as the main reason
for rejecting candidates at the short-listing stage.
3 Point out that participants can use the forms they
completed in Exercise 6 to help them fill in the
sections on education and employment.
4You could (if you have time) invite participants to
suggest some negative reasons for leaving a job
to write on the flipchart and then ask for
suggestions about positive alternatives.
5 Point out that while the sample form includes asection headed Additional information other
forms might have similar sections with more
specific questions such as, Please tell us about
any experience you feel is relevant to the post/job
or, Please tell us what you see as the main
challenges of the job. Whichever it is, make sure
that they answer what they have been asked.
6 Give participants about 30 minutes to complete
their form.
7 Finish off the exercise by inviting participants to
share their thoughts and feelings about filling in
the form.
Exercise 2.6: Good and bad application formsAim: help participants sharpen their application
form-filling by examining good and bad forms from
the viewpoint of prospective employers
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Divide the participants into pairs and issue them
with the completed application forms for this
exercise.
2 Ask them to highlight what they think is good and
what they think is bad and make a note of their
reasons.
3 Introduce the shortlist form and show them how
to fill it in.
4 Invite the pairs to discuss who should get the job
and make a joint decision.5 Back in the whole group, divide a flipchart page
into two columns headed Good and Bad and
ask participants to contribute to the lists from the
evaluation of the completed forms.
6 Invite the group to offer examples of what they
have learnt from evaluating the forms from the
viewpoint of a prospective employer.
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
7/65
Exercise 3.1: Top tips for writing your CVAim: share eight key points about CV writing with
participants
Timing: 15 minutes
1 This is a whole group exercise.
2 Take participants through points 1-8.
Exercise 3.2: Choosing your CV formatAim: introduce participants to the major CV formats
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Divide the group into pairs and introduce the
object of the exercise: choosing your CV format.
2 Introduce the three main different approaches to
writing CVs:
chronological
functional
targeted.
3 Take participants through the definition of a
chronological CVon the handout. Explain how it
works well if:
you want to emphasise your employment;
you want a general information based CV which
can be used for any application; you have never worked but have excellent
qualifications, which can be listed in detail.
4 Move on to the functional CVwhich is useful if:
you have had a variety of unconnected jobs
from which you have gained different kinds of
experience, all of which are selling points to
potential employers;
you have limited paid work experience, but have
done voluntary work or worked in the home,
which would be difficult to express in a
chronological CV;
you have very general skill areas.
5 Move on to the targeted CV which is for anyone
who is applying for a particular job and wishes to
emphasise specific skills that relate directly to
that job. A targeted CV can be altered to relate to
each job you apply for and will give an employer
only the relevant information required for that
particular job. This is useful if:
you have a great deal of experience in one
particular field with a number of different
employers;
you want to emphasise particular aspects of
your work experience and qualifications, which
relate to a particular job.
6 Issue participants with the sample CVs and ask
them to read them all through to decide whichformat they fit.
7 Discuss their assessments and check that
everyone has decided which approach they are
going to follow on their individual CV.
Module 3: CVs and letters of application
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
8/65
Exercise 3.3: Writing your own personalprofile
Aim: Show participants how to construct a personal
profile
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Explain that a profile can be a useful way of
flagging an interest and skills for a particular
career on your CV, particularly if you have no
relevant degree or work experience to give your
CV focus. A profile is only part of a CV.
Show this sample profile: A motivated,
adaptable and responsible graduate seeking an
entry-level position in public relations which will
utilise the organisational and communication skills
developed through my involvement with Kent Rag
and promotional work during vacations. During my
degree I successfully combined my studies with
work and other commitments showing myself to be
self-motivated, organised and capable of working
under pressure. I have a clear, logical mind with a
practical approach to problem solving and a drive
to see things through to completion. I enjoy
working on my own initiative or in a team. In short,
I am reliable, trustworthy, hardworking and eagerto learn and have a genuine interest in PR.
2 Invite participants to make a list of words which
best describes them at work (eg, flexible, quick to
learn).
3 Invite participants to make a list of specifics
about their skills and experience.
4 Show them how to fit them together into a short
paragraph which gives a pen picture of
themselves.
Exercise 3.4: Selling your skills (targetedand functional CVs)
Aim: generate a comprehensive list of your skills
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 If participants have already generated a list of
their skills by doing Exercise 3, ask them to refer
to the list and invite them to consider whether or
not they now think its comprehensive. If they
havent done Exercise 3, simply start this exercise
at step 2.
2 Using the flipchart, show participants how to
divide a sheet of paper into two columns headed
Tasks and Skills.
3 Give participants 15 minutes to list the major
tasks involved in their most recent job and then
translate each task into a particular skill. If
participants have already done Exercise 5,
translating negative statements about work into
positive statements, point out that youre asking
them to do something similar: this time
translating neutral phrases about work tasks into
positive statements about work skills.
4 Once theyve finished, invite participants to ask
for help from the whole group with any tasksthey found difficult to translate into skills.
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
9/65
Exercise 3.5: Completing your CVAim: use the material generated in previous
exercises to complete a CV
Timing: approx. 45 minutes
1 Hand out the sample CVs and take a few minutes to
go through the notes accompanying each section
2 Make sure participants have to hand the profile
they composed in Exercise 10, the list of skills
generated in Exercise 11 and the education and
qualifications and employment history forms
they completed in Exercise 6.
3 Give them around 20 minutes to use all this
material to complete their own CV.
4 Give participants another 10 minutes to compete
the Hobbies and interests and Additional
information sections.
Exercise 3.6: Letters to sell your skillsAim: show participants how to write a good letter to
sell their skills
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Letters to sell your skills accompany application
forms which dont provide additional information
or to go with your CV. A good covering letter will
cover any problem areas and complex issues and
explain them thus making the CV more likely to
be read.
2 Explain how they tell the reader why you want the
job, why they should interview you, and that you
are available. A good covering letter will make the
impression that your CV is a good one, and that
you are therefore an excellent candidate. It allows
you the room to explain anything that isn't
obvious or needs clarification.
3 Suggest that if the CV is a sales pitch for yourself,
the covering letter is a sales pitch for the CV. The CV
is a tool to get you an interview, and the covering
letter a tool to get the CV noticed for the right
reasons. Preparing a good, personalised covering
letter takes time, but it is a worthwhile investment.
4 Hand out the sample letter from L. Matthews.5 Invite participants to identify five key strengths in
the letter.
6 Give participants 15 minutes to write a letter of
their own to sell their skills
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
10/65
Exercise 3.7: Speculative lettersAim: show participants how to write a good
speculative letter
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Explain how you can make speculative
applications to employers in your field: it can be
frustrating, with a relatively low response rate, but
if you do find an employer with a vacancy, there
will usually be less competition. The employer
may also keep your CV on file until an appropriate
job comes up.
2 It is important with speculative letters to give the
impression that you are only writing to one
particular company: this makes an employer think
that you have singled them out as the one you
want to work for. So do not address the letter to
the Personnel Manager or Human Resources
Manager; find out the name of the person and
their correct job title by searching online or
ringing the company directly.
3 Try to keep it to the point by only including the
skills that the employer would be looking for.
Remember you are also sending your CV, so the
employer can find all the other information aboutyou from that.
4 Give some really positive reasons why you would
like to work for the company or employer.
Remember that you are trying to show that you
are worth being considered for a job.
5 Distribute copies of the covering letter from Jane
Wilson.
6 Invite participants to identify five key strengths of
the approach.
7 Give participants 15 minutes to write a
speculative letter of their own.
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
11/65
Exercise 4.1: Be preparedAim: help participants prepare before an interview
Timing: approx. 15 minutes
1 Use the example of going on a holiday to refer to
how we always make sure we have the essential
items, money, luggage, passport, and tickets
because planning is an essential part of enjoying
an holiday: we should apply the same thinking
when preparing for an interview.
2 Go through each of the three major questions and
ask each pair or group to make a list up of what
could go wrong in each case.
3 Invite each pair to develop an action plan for
making sure that what could go wrong doesnt
happen.4 Make sure participants consider these points
under the heading How will I get there?
Make sure you know where you have to be and
how you will travel there.
If you can, do a trial run to see how long it will
take.
Arrive in plenty of time.
5 Make sure participants consider these points
under the heading What will I wear? Decide what you will wear well in advance. You
need to look and feel good. Even if you know
that every-one wears jeans to work there, dont
do it for the interview put on something
smarter.
Choose something suitable but comfortable.
Make sure your outfit is clean and it fits you.
Avoid very high heels if possible.
Have you got the shoe polish you need?
6 Make sure participants consider these points
under the heading Do I know all I need to know
about the job?
Find out all you can about the employer
Are they involved in any special projects?
What will the job involve?
Telephone the employer contact if you need
more information.
Prepare for possible questions.
Dont forget your person specification
information.
Exercise 4.2: Making sure you always havesomething to say
Aim: help participants think about what they might
be asked in advanceTiming: approx 30 minutes
1 Invite participants to make a list of five questions
they might well be asked at an interview for a job
they might be interested in applying for.
2 Give them five minutes each to write a one or
two-sentence answer to each question.
Module 4:Job interviews
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
12/65
Exercise 4.3: Listen carefullyAim: show participants how to structure their
answer to a key question
Timing: approx. 20 minutes
1 Divide the group into pairs: explain they will each
get to role play the interviewer and the
interviewee.
2 Explain that the aim of the exercise is to have an
answer prepared to the standard interview
question: Give me an example of when you
solved a problem which had a successful
outcome.
3 Explain how the answer should be broken into
three parts:
(a) setting the scene
(b) describing the problem
(c) describing the successful outcome
4 Explain that the interviewer should allocated one
to five points to each part of the answer.
5 When the pairs have swapped and completed the
exercise you could offer this 15-point example:
I was working on the tills in B&Q in December
2010 when a customer came in asking for an item
that was out of stock.
I asked him specifically what he wanted theitem for and sourced an alternative for him that
was at a lower price than the original item.
I was thanked by him and he left a satisfied
customer more likely to return in the future.
You should also point out obvious pitfalls eg,
when the question asks when you solved a
problem, you score no points if you answer with
We asked him what he wanted
Exercise 4.4: Preparing your answersAim: help participants ensure their mind doesnt go
blank in an interview
Timing: approx. 30 minutes
1 Divide the group into pairs and distribute copies
of the exercise handout. Point out where the list
of questions corresponds with any questions
participants prepared for in Exercise 17.
2 Invite participants to alternate the roles of
interviewer and interviewee and work their way
through the list of questions, using the notes to
guide their responses.
Exercise 4.5: Ten top tips for interviews
Aim: convey how participants should conductthemselves in a job interview
Timing: approx 15 minutes
1 Take participants through the ten tips.
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
13/65
Where to look for information about job vacancies
1 Working in pairs (or a small group), make a list of all the waysyou can think of to find out about job vacancies.
2 For each item in your list, make a note of its advantages anddisadvantages. For example, national newspaper advertisingcovers a large area (advantage) but requires basic literacy skillsto access (disadvantage).
3 Working with the facilitator, compile a comprehensive list ofemployment opportunities information on a flipchart. Includethe advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Exercise 1.1
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
14/65
Understanding job adverts
1 Look at one of the job adverts in the handouts.
2 Make a list of what duties and responsibilities you think wouldbe included in the job description.
3 Draw up an outline possible person specification using thefollowing four headings:(a) qualifications (certificates a successful applicant would
be expected to have);(b) experience (experience of the particular type of work);(c) skills (including skills people may have developed
outside work)(d) personal qualities.
4 Divide the entries into two lists: essential and desirable.
Exercise 1.2
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
15/65
Identifying your skills
1 Divide a sheet of paper into five columns headed: at home
at work voluntary work hobbies and interests any others.
2 Think about all the skills you have in the different areas of yourlife, and list them under the heading which fits best.
3 What job skills did you identify that you did not develop at work?
Exercise 2.1
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
16/65
Positive speaking 1
1 Look at these two statements:(a) Spent 10 years at home with the children and now I want
a change.(b) Decided to take a 10 year-break from paid employment to
support my children in their early years. Now they areindependent the time is right for a new challenge.
2 How do you think the two writers feel about what they have donefor the past 10 years?
3 Why do you think this?
Exercise 2.2
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
17/65
Positive speaking 2
1 Look at this list of positive words:
2 Using words from the list, rewrite these statements in positiveversions:(a) Was asked to show new staff how to do the work.(b) Had to keep an eye on what stock was needed and place
new orders when we were running low.(c) The boss always asked me to fill in for people from other
departments when they were short.
(d) I had to sort out the filing system and then show othershow to use it.(e) Used to do the books for the local playgroup. What you
want is probably similar.(f) The boss would often leave me to work by myself all day.
3 What do you feel about the differences between the original
statements and the rewritten versions?
achieved
assessedcapablecompetentcommunicatedconsistentcontrolledco-ordinated
created
designeddevelopeddirectedeconomicaleffectiveefficientestablished
expanded
guidedimplementedimprovedinitiatedknowledgemanagedmonitored
organised
participatedpositiveproductiveresourcefulresponsiblespecialisedsuccessful
supervised
trainedvariedversatile
Exercise 2.3
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
18/65
Preparing to fill in an application form
1 Fill in the form headed Education and qualifications.
2 Highlight any details you need to identify later.
3 Fill in the form headed Employment history.
4 Highlight any details you need to identify later.
Exercise 2.4
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
19/65
Sample form
Exercise 2.4
Education and qualifications
Date Place Address Qualification Grade
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
20/65
Exercise 2.4
Employment history
Dates Employer Address Job title Duties
Sample form
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
21/65
Completing a sample application form
1 Read through the whole of the sample application form. Make amental note of any instructions. Does it ask for any or all sections
to be completed in a particular colour? In block capitals? Does itwant your employment history in chronological order (mostrecent last) or reverse chronological order (most recent first)?
2 Apart from the information in your Education and qualificationsand Employment history forms you completed in Exercise 6, doyou need to have any more information to hand before you startcompleting the form? Do you know your National Insurancenumber?
3 When you draft your reasons for leaving, remember to bepositive, not negative. No employer is likely to want tointerview someone who writes: Didnt get on with my boss.
Say something more positive, such as: Wanted to gain widerexperience.
4 Dont leave additional information blank: this space is a chanceto sell yourself, so make sure you include all the experience andskills you have that relate to the job, including any gained fromhobbies and voluntary work as well as previous work experience.
Exercise 2.5
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
22/65
Exercise 2.5
Application for employment (1)Please type or write your answers in BLACK ink and continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Sample form
Post applied for
Surname
First names
Home telephone Business telephone
Address
Postcode
Dates (month/year) School, College or University Examinations taken Results
Reference number
Dr, Mrs, Mr, Miss, Ms
Date of birth
Nationality
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
PERSONAL INFORMATION
SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
23/65
Application for employment (2)
Dates (month/year) School, Institute or Employer Subjects Qualifications (if applicable)
TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING
Dates (month/year) Name and address of employer Position held Final salary and reasonfor leaving
EMPLOYMENT HISTORYin reverse chronological order, please
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
24/65
Application for employment (3)
Describe briefly the nature of your present position as well asany held previously that you consider relevant to this application.
EXPERIENCE
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
25/65
Application for employment (4)
Please use this space to give any information you feel is relevant but is not covered elsewhere.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Name and address
REFEREES
Postcode
Name and address
Postcode
Signed Date
Are we able to approach your referees without contacting you first? Yes / No
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
26/65
Good and bad application forms
1 Read through the four completed application forms and mark theareas that you think are good and bad with your reasons.
2 Use the shortlist form to make your formal evaluation.
3 Based on your evaluation of the forms, discuss with yourworkshop partner who should get the job and make a jointdecision.
4 Based on evaluating the forms and making your decision,discuss what you have learnt that you could use the next timeyou fill in an application form of your own.
Exercise 2.6
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
27/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1a)
1
CountyBoroughCouncil
ShortlistFormJobTitle:Administra
tionAssistant Requisition
Number:E/03244/CDP
CriteriaScoringGuide (scorescanbeused)
Doesnotmeetcriteria 0 1
23 Excellent
Applicant Hayley
Hawkes
John
Jenkins
JayneJones MarieMorgan
Practical
knowledgeof
ITsystems
Experienceof
officeenvironment
andabilityto
workina
team
Familiarity
withadmin
processes
andsystems
Good
organisational
skills
Abilityto
communicate
clearlyand
effectively
1a
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
28/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1b)
2
CONFIDENTIAL
Pleasecompleteallsectionsandwriteclea
rly
APPLICATIONFOREMPLOYMENTAS:
ADMINASSISTANT
PERSONALDETAILS
Surname: Morgan
(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)FirstName(s): M
arie
HomeAddress: Postcode:
TelephoneNos: Home:
Work:
EmailAddress:
NationalInsuranceNo:
NextofKin:Relationship:
Address:
EDUCATIONANDTRAINING
School/College/University
Dates Qualifications
Obtained(inc.
grades)
CardiffComprehensiveSchool
1981 OLevelArtC
CSEMathematics-1
DomesticScience3
English3
History-3
Geography3
MembershipofProfessionalInstitutes,
Associationsetc:
Training&Developmentactivityinlast
2years:
BridgendCollege2010-ECDL
1b
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
29/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1c)
3
PRESENTEMPLOYMENT
Postheld/Jobtitle:
Namesandaddressofemployer:
Datecommenced:Periodofnotice:
Currentannualbasicsalary:
Otherbenefitsandapprox
imatevalue(egcar,feesetc)
EMPLOYMENTHISTORY
From/To NameofEmployer
PostHeld ReasonforLeaving
2005-2009 DudleyEngineering
AccountsAssistantRedundant
2002-2005 WirralConstructionLtd
Admin/AccountsAsst Movedhouse
1991-2000ShoefayreLTd
SalesAssistantDisagreementwith
newmanager
1981-1986
FineFareLtdCashier/Tillwork
Pregnancy
1c
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
30/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1d)
4
SKILLSANDEXPERIENCE
Youareinvitedtodescribeyourskillsand
abilities,andyourworkexperiencetodate,
andtoexplainhowtheymatch
therequirementsofthepostyouareapplyin
gfor. Pleasestatethereason(s)foryoura
pplication.
Keen,enthusiastic,hardworkingandreliable
,withgoodtimekeepingandgoodattendan
cerecord
ofemployment.Workswellinavarietyo
fenvironmentsandisverykeentodevelop
newskills.
Workswellwithinateamaswellasonown
initiative,takesonresponsibilityasneeded.An
excellentcommunicatorandtimemanager.
Iamanon-smoker,marriedandhavetwoc
hildren. CurrentlyattendinganI.T.coursea
tBridgend
Collage. HavequalificationsinBookKeepi
ngandAccounts.
1d
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
31/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1e)
5
OUTSIDEINTERESTS
REFERENCES
Pleasegivedetailsoftwopeoplewecould
approachforreferences(oneofthesesho
uldincludeyourpresent
employer)
Name:
Name:
Designation:Designation:
Address:Address:
Telephone:Telephone:
Email:
Email:
Note: Unlessyoustateheretothecontra
ry,itwillbeassumedthatyouhavenoobje
ctiontotheCounciltakingup
referencesimmediately. Onereferencesh
ouldbefromyourpresentemployer,orlas
temployerif
unemployed)
ABILITYTODRIVE
Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence? Y
ES/NODoyouownorhavea
ccesstoavehicleYES/NO
LANGUAGES
PleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesotherthanEnglish Degreeoffluency
LanguageWritten
Spoken
CRIMINALOFFENCES
Becauseofthenatureoftheworkinvolved,
thepostyouareapplyingforiscoveredby
theRehabilitationofOffenders
Act1974(Exceptions)Order1975and(Ex
ceptions)AmendmentOrder1986.Thism
eansthatyouareNOTentitled
towithholdinformationaboutconvictions,c
autionsorbindoverorderswhichmightoth
erwisebetreatedasspent.
Haveyoueverreceivedaconviction,c
autionorbindoverinrespectofacrim
inaloffence?YES/NO
IfyouhaveansweredYES,pleaseprovide
fulldetailsinacoveringletter.
Note:Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,you
willberequiredtoapplyforaDisclosurefro
mtheCriminalRecords
Bureau. Havingacriminalrecordwillnotn
ecessarilybeabartoemployment.
RELATIONSHIPS
AreyourelatedtoaCouncillororemployee
oftheCouncil?YES/NO
IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounci
llor/employee:
.
WHEREDIDYOUSEETHISPO
STADVERTISED?
Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledgeth
einformationinthisapplicationiscorrect.
Ihavenotcanvassed,either
directlyorindirectlyaMemberorofficerof
theCouncil inconnectionwiththisapplicati
on. Iunderstandthat
withholdingrelevantinformationorprovidin
gfalseormisleadinginformationrendersm
eliabletodismissal,if
employed. Iherebygivemyconsentforthe
informationcontainedinthisapplicationto
beprocessedbytheCouncil,
asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprinciple
softheDataProtectionAct1998.
Signed:
Date:
1e
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
32/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (2a)
7
CONFIDENTIAL
Pleasecompleteallsectionsandwriteclea
rly
APPLICATIONFOREMPLOYMENTAS:
AdminAssistant
PERSONALDETAILS
Surname: Jenkins
(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)
FirstName(s): John
HomeAddress: Postcode:
TelephoneNos: Home:
Work:
EmailAddress:
NationalInsuranceNo:
NextofKin:Relationship:
Address:
EDUCATIONANDTRAINING
School/College/University
Dates Qualifications
Obtained(inc.
grades)
Porthcawl Comprehensive
1990 MATHS-C
GCSE ENGLISHE
COMPUTERSC
P.E.D
HISTORYD
CHEMISTRYF
MUSICF
GEOGRAPHY-E
MembershipofProfessionalInstitutes,
Associationsetc:
Training&Developmentactivityinlast
2years:
2a
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
33/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (2b)
8
PRESENTEMPLOYMENT
Postheld/Jobtitle:UNEMPLOYED
Namesandaddressofemployer:
Datecommenced:Periodofnotice:
Currentannualbasicsalary:
Otherbenefitsandapproximatevalue(egc
ar,feesetc)
EMPLOYMENTHISTORY
From/To NameofEmployer
PostHeld ReasonforLeaving
2008-10 SELF-EMPLOYED
2007-08NEWDEAL
2005-07UNEMPLOYED
2000-05 CWMOGWYRPETROLSTATION
STATION
ATTENDANT/
CASHIER
MADEREDUNDANT
1995-2000 G.H.HARRIES&SON
PAINTER&
DECORATOR
NOTENOUGHWORK
AVAILABLE
2b
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
34/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (2c)
9
SKILLSANDEXPERIENCE
Youareinvitedtodescribeyourskillsanda
bilities,andyourworkexperiencetodate,a
ndtoexplainhowtheymatch
therequirementsofthepostyouareapply
ingfor. Pleasestatethereason(s)foryour
application.
1. IAMALOCALPARISHCOUNCILLOR.
2.TREASUREROFPORTHCAWLCHR
ISTMASEVENTSCOMMITTEE.
3. SECRETARYOFBRIDGENDLIGHTO
PERATICSOCIETY.
4. EXCELLENTORGANISATIONALSKILL
SASSHOWNABOVE.
5.ATEAMPLAYER
6. PROVENADMINSKILLSASSHOWN
ABOVE
7. RELIABLEANDRESPONSIBLE
8. EXCELLENTTIME-KEEPER
9.IHAVEAFLEXIBLEANDMETH
ODICALAPPROACHTOWORK.
10. IUNDERSTANDTHEIMPORTANCE
OFTRAININGANDDEVELOPMENT.
11. IHAVEAGOODWORKINGKNOWLE
DGEOFMICROSOFTOFFICEANDTHE
INTERNET
12. IENJOYWORKINGWITHOTHERSA
NDAMGOODWITHOTHERPEOPLE.
13. SMARTAPPEARANCE
14. EXCELLENTCOMMUNICATIONSKIL
LS.
2c
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
35/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (2d)
10
OUTSIDEINTERESTS
PLAYINGGUITAR,SINGING,COMMITTE
EMEMBER
REFERENCES
Pleasegivedetailsoftwopeoplewecould
approachforreferences(oneofthesesho
uldincludeyourpresent
employer)
Name:
Name:
Designation:Designation:
Address:Address:
Telephone:Telephone:
Email:
Email:
Note: Unlessyoustateheretothecontra
ry,itwillbeassumedthatyouhavenoobje
ctiontotheCounciltakingup
referencesimmediately. Onereferencesho
uldbefromyourpresentemployer,orlast
employerif
unemployed)
ABILITYTODRIVE
Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence? YE
S/NODoyouownorhavea
ccesstoavehicleYES/NO
LANGUAGES
PleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesotherthanEnglish Degreeoffluency
LanguageWritten
Spoken
CRIMINALOFFENCES
Becauseofthenatureoftheworkinvolved,
thepostyouareapplyingforiscoveredby
theRehabilitationofOffenders
Act1974(Exceptions)Order1975and(Ex
ceptions)AmendmentOrder1986.Thism
eansthatyouareNOTentitled
towithholdinformationaboutconvictions,c
autionsorbindoverorderswhichmightoth
erwisebetreatedasspent.
Haveyoueverreceivedaconviction,c
autionorbindoverinrespectofacrim
inaloffence?YES/NO
IfyouhaveansweredYES,pleaseprovide
fulldetailsinacoveringletter.
Note:Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,you
willberequiredtoapplyforaDisclosurefro
mtheCriminalRecords
Bureau. Havingacriminalrecordwillnotn
ecessarilybeabartoemployment.
RELATIONSHIPS
AreyourelatedtoaCouncillororemployee
oftheCouncil?YES/NO
IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounc
illor/employee:
.
WHEREDIDYOUSEETHISPO
STADVERTISED?
Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledge
theinformationinthisapplicationiscorrect
. Ihavenotcanvassed,either
directlyorindirectlyaMemberorofficerof
theCouncilinconnectionwiththisapplicat
ion. Iunderstandthat
withholdingrelevantinformationorprovidin
gfalseormisleadinginformationrendersm
eliabletodismissal,if
employed. Iherebygivemyconsentforth
einformationcontainedinthisapplicationto
beprocessedbytheCouncil,
asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprincipl
esoftheDataProtectionAct1998.
Signed:
Date:
2d
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
36/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (3a)
12
CONFIDENTIAL
Pleasecompleteallsectionsandwriteclea
rly
APPLICATIONFOREMPLOYMENTAS:
AdminAssistant
PERSONALDETAILS
Surname: Hawkes
(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)FirstName(s): H
ayley
HomeAddress: Postcode:
TelephoneNos: Home:
Work:
EmailAddress:
NationalInsuranceNo:
NextofKin:Relationship:
Address:
EDUCATIONANDTRAINING
School/College/University
Dates QualificationsObtained(inc
.
grades)
GCSE
PortTalbotComprehensiveSchool
1997 EnglishLanguage-C
1997 EnglishLiteratureD
1997 GermanC
1997ArtB
1997 DoubleScienceCD
1997WelshD
1997HistoryE
1997 InformationTechnology-D
SwanseaFECollege 2
000 NVQBusinessAdmin
2003OCRRSATextProce
ssingIII
2004OCRRSAWordProc
essingII
MembershipofProfessionalInstitutes,
Associationsetc:
Training&Developmentactivityinlast
2years:
FirstAidatWork2008; CustomerServic
e2008; ECDL-2010
3a
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
37/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (3b)
13
PRESENTEMPLOYMENT
Postheld/Jobtitle:TRAININGADMINO
FFICER
Namesandaddressofemployer:
CardiffTrainingAgency, LlanwernRoad,
Cardiff
Datecommenced:2005-present Periodofnotice: 4
weeks
Currentannualbasicsalary:15
,500
Otherbenefitsandapproximatevalue(egcar,feesetc)
EMPLOYMENTHISTORY
From/To NameofEmployer
PostHeld ReasonforLeaving
2003-05 CrossHandsSurgery
AdminOfficer/
Receptionist
Offerofamore
challengingrolewith
greaterresponsibility
2001-2003 NewportHealthCentre
Administration
Assistant
Offeredamore
responsiblerole
2000-2001
HenryJamesEstate
Agents
AdminAssistant/
Trainee
Offeredabetterjob
withwidervarietyof
experiences
3b
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
38/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (3c)
14
SKILLSANDEXPERIENCE
Youareinvitedtodescribeyourskillsanda
bilities,andyourworkexperiencetodate,a
ndtoexplainhowtheymatch
therequirementsofthepostyouareapplyin
gfor. Pleasestatethereason(s)foryoura
pplication.
HavingreadthroughthejobdescriptionIha
vedecidedtoapplyforthispositionasIam
confident
thatIcanfulfileverythingrequiredinthespe
cificationtoahighstandard.Icanseethat
this
positionwillallowmetoutilisemyskillsand
experienceandwillbenefitthecounciland
thepeople
involved.
Icurrentlyworkinasimilarrole,workingfor
atrainingorganisation.Althoughmypositionisasa
manager,Ihavehadtoworkuptheladder
andlearneverythinginvolvedinthejob,n
otjusthow
tobeamanager.DuringmyyearsasAdmi
nistrationOfficerIcreateddelegatepacks,
collated
coursematerial,registereddelegatebookin
gs,sentjoininginstructionsandtrackedatte
ndanceon
completionofcoursesonadailybasis.
Thesedaysmydutiesmainlyconsistof:
Staffmanagement:
o Taskdelegation/HRissues,i.e.Conduc
tingstaffappraisalsandinterviewing
prospectiveemployees/anyotherissuestha
tmayarise
QualityAssurance
Attendingclientmeetings,minutetaking
andproducingreports
AssistingtheDirector
satcompanyexhibitions
ProducemonthlyKPIs(KeyPerformanceIndicators)usingMicrosoftE
xcel
ClientFileManagement
CoursematerialformattingusingMicro
softWord,ExcelandPowerpoint
TutorManagement:
o Coursematerial/DiariesManagement/A
ccommodation/Traveli.e.flights,trains,etc
via
internetandphone.
Stationarystockmanagement
o Checkingstocksupplies/budgetarycon
trol
Websiteupdatesandamendments
InmycurrentandpastrolesIhavebeenas
kedtofulfildifferenttasksotherthanmyno
rmal duties
andhaveenthusiasticallyundertakenthese
challenges.Ienjoybeinganeffectiveparto
fa
successfulteamandunderstandthatteam
membersneedtobeflexibleinorderforth
eteamto
meetitsgoalsconsistently.
Iamconfidentusingcomputersandamcurrentlyworking
towardsNVQIIIinITApplications.Iam
alreadyfindingtheknowledgeIhavelearnt
tobeveryusefulinaworkingenvironment.SectionsI
havecompletedsofarareMicrosoftWord&
Excelexpert,MicrosoftOutlookandEffectiv
e
BusinessCommunication.
3c
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
39/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (3d)
15
Communicationisandhasalwaysbeena
keypartofmyjobsandIhavetobeable
toconverse
andcommunicateprofessionallywithawid
evarietypeopleandstaffuptoandinclud
ingDirector
levelonadailybasis.Iamabletocommu
nicateeffectivelywithmembersofmyteam
,ensuring
thatIamunderstoodandthattheyareabl
etoaccuratelycarryouttasksthatIhave
delegatedto
them.Iamconfidentatdealingwithdifficu
ltcustomersandhavetheabilitytokeepd
ifficult
situationscalmbybeingpolite,understand
ingandprofessionalatalltimes.
Maintainingconfidentialityiscurrentlyani
mportantpartofmyrole.Iambroadlyawa
reofthe
FreedomofInformationandDataProtectionActsandembraceEq
ualOpportunitiesandanti-
discriminationpractice.
Iamfamiliarwithworkingtopoliciesandp
rocedureseffectivelyandaccurately,asm
ycurrentand
previousroleshaverequiredthis.Ialsoap
preciatetheimportanceoffollowingproce
duresto
ensurethattasksareundertakencorrectly
andtostandardiseworkingpractice.
Iamamethodical,calmandclear-thinking
individualwhodoesntpanicunderpressu
re.
Ihaveevidenceofgooddriveandcommitm
entfrommyprogressfromanofficejunior
tocurrently
beingamanagerandhavedonethisthrou
ghimprovingmyrelevantskillsbyapplyin
gmyself
academicallyanddevelopingmypractical
skillsviatheexperienceofwork.
Iamanhonestandtrustworthypersonwh
ohasgoodrelationships,bothinsideando
utsideofthe
workingenvironment.Iamaconfidentandoptim
isticpersonwhoencouragesothers.
OUTSIDEINTERESTS
Ienjoygoingtothegym,running,walking
,readingandsocialising
REFERENCES
Pleasegivedetailsoftwopeoplewecoul
dapproachforreferences(oneofthesesh
ouldincludeyourpresent
employer)
Name:
Name:
Designation:Designation:
Address:Address:
Telephone:Telephone:
Email:
Email:
Note: Unlessyoustateheretothecon
trary,itwillbeassumedthatyouhaveno
objectiontotheCounciltakingup
referencesimmediately. Onereferences
houldbefromyourpresentemployer,orl
astemployerif
unemployed)
ABILITYTODRIVE
Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence?
YES/NODoyouownorhave
accesstoavehicleYES/NO
3d
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
40/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (3e)
16
LANGUAGES
Pleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesot
herthanEnglishDegreeoffluency
LanguageWritten
Spoken
CRIMINALOFFENCES
Becauseofthenatureoftheworkinvolved,thepostyouareapplyingforiscov
eredbytheRehabilitationofOffenders
Act1974(Exceptions)Order1975and(Ex
ceptions)AmendmentOrder1986.ThismeansthatyouareN
OTentitled
towithholdinformationaboutconvictions,c
autionsorbindoverorderswhichmightoth
erwisebetreatedasspent.
Haveyoueverreceivedaconviction,c
autionorbindoverinrespectofacrim
inaloffence?YES/NO
IfyouhaveansweredYES,pleaseprovide
fulldetailsinacoveringletter.
Note:Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,you
willberequiredtoapplyforaDisclosurefro
mtheCriminalRecords
Bureau. Havingacriminalrecordwillnotne
cessarilybeabartoemployment.
RELATIONSHIPS
AreyourelatedtoaCouncillororemployee
oftheCouncil?YES/NO
IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounc
illor/employee:
.
WHEREDIDYOUSEETHISPO
STADVERTISED?
Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledgetheinformationinthisapplicationiscor
rect. Ihavenotcanvassed,either
directlyorindirectlyaMemberorofficerof
theCouncilinconnectionwiththisapplication. Iunderstandthat
withholdingrelevantinformationorproviding
falseormisleadinginformationrendersme
liabletodismissal,if
employed. Iherebygivemyconsentforthe
informationcontainedinthisapplicationto
beprocessedbytheCouncil,
asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprincipl
esoftheDataProtectionAct1998.
Signed:
Date:
3e
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
41/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (4a)
17
CONFIDENTIAL
Pleasecompleteallsectionsandwriteclea
rly
APPLICATIONFOREMPLOYMENTAS:
AdministrationAssistant
PERSONALDETAILS
Surname: Jones
(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)
FirstName(s): Jayne
HomeAddress: Postcode:
TelephoneNos: Home:
Work:
EmailAddress:
NationalInsuranceNo:
NextofKin:Relationship:
Address:
EDUCATIONANDTRAINING
School/College/University
Dates Qualification
sObtained(inc.
grades)
GCSE
NeathComprehensiveSchool
1987 EnglishLanguage-C
1987 EnglishLiteratureC
1987 TextilesB
1987 ArtB
1987 BiologyD
1987 MathsD
1987 InformationTechnology-D
NeathCollege2000
ECDL
2001 NVQIIBusinessAdmin
2005 NVQIIIBusinessAdmin
MembershipofProfessionalInstitutes,
Associationsetc:
Training&Developmentactivityinlast
2years:
Health&SafetyatWork2008;TakingM
inutesatMeetings2008;ConfidenceatW
ork-2009
4a
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
42/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (4b)
18
PRESENTEMPLOYMENT
Postheld/Jobtitle:OfficeManagerDe
partmentofArt&Design
Namesandaddressofemployer:
NeathCollege,Neath
Datecommenced:2003-present Periodofnotice: 4
weeks
Currentannualbasicsalary:16
,000
Otherbenefitsandapproximatevalue(egcar,feesetc)
EMPLOYMENTHISTORY
From/To NameofEmployer
PostHeld ReasonforLeaving
1990-2003NeathCollege
AdminAssistant
Promotiontomore
responsibilitywiththe
sameemployer.
4b
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
43/65
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
44/65
Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (4d)
20
REFERENCES
Pleasegivedetailsoftwopeoplewecould
approachforreferences(oneofthesesho
uldincludeyourpresent
employer)
Name:
Name:
Designation:Designation:
Address:Address:
Telephone:Telephone:
Email:
Email:
Note: Unlessyoustateheretothecontra
ry,itwillbeassumedthatyouhavenoobje
ctiontotheCounciltakingup
referencesimmediately. Onereferencesho
uldbefromyourpresentemployer,orlast
employerif
unemployed)
ABILITYTODRIVE
Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence? YE
S/NODoyouownorhavea
ccesstoavehicleYES/NO
LANGUAGES
Pleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesoth
erthanEnglishDegreeoffluency
LanguageWritten
Spoken
CRIMINALOFFENCES
Becauseofthenatureoftheworkinvolved,
thepostyouareapplyingforiscoveredby
theRehabilitationofOffenders
Act1974(Exceptions)Order1975and(Ex
ceptions)AmendmentOrder1986.Thism
eansthatyouareNOTentitled
towithholdinformationaboutconvictions,c
autionsorbindoverorderswhichmightoth
erwisebetreatedasspent.
Haveyoueverreceivedaconviction,c
autionorbindoverinrespectofacrim
inaloffence?YES/NO
IfyouhaveansweredYES,pleaseprovide
fulldetailsinacoveringletter.
Note:Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,you
willberequiredtoapplyforaDisclosurefr
omtheCriminalRecords
Bureau. Havingacriminalrecordwillnotn
ecessarilybeabartoemployment.
RELATIONSHIPS
AreyourelatedtoaCouncillororemployee
oftheCouncil?YES/NO
IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounci
llor/employee:
.
WHEREDIDYOUSEETHISPOS
TADVERTISED?
Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledget
heinformationinthisapplicationiscorrect
. Ihavenotcanvassed,either
directlyorindirectlyaMemberorofficerof
theCouncilinconnectionwiththisapplicati
on. Iunderstandthat
withholdingrelevantinformationorprovidin
gfalseormisleadinginformationrendersm
eliabletodismissal,if
employed. Iherebygivemyconsentforthe
informationcontainedinthisapplicationto
beprocessedbytheCouncil,
asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprinciple
softheDataProtectionAct1998.
Signed:
Date:
4d
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
45/65
Top tips for writing your CV
1Your CV is an essential marketing tool to promote yourself to prospective employers.
Its a brief document that tells an employer about you, your experience, skills and
qualifications. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which literally means the course ofones life in Latin.
2 Keep it to two sides of typed A4 size paper if you can. (But dont miss off important
information to do this. If you have to use a third page then do so, but try to avoid any
more than that. An employer doesnt have time to wade through a novel to find out
about you.)
3 The layout should be clear and easy to follow, using headings to separate the different
sections of information.
4 It should be typed. You could do this yourself or ask a friend. If this is not possible, then
there are agencies that will produce one for you. If you type it yourself, make sure there
are no typing mistakes in it.
5 Make sure you dont miss out important skills and experience and be as positive as you
can, but dont lie: you will only be found out, if not at the interview, then once you have
started your new job, and you then risk being fired and you don't want that on your
next CV. You don't need to lie to make yourself look as good as possible.
6 Keep your CV up-to-date and dont leave any gaps of time. Sending one that is out of
date means that you will have missed off skills gained since you last wrote it, and
leaving time gaps will mean an employer doesnt have a full picture of what you havebeen doing.
7You should have a general CV, but you can change it around to suit a particular job. For
example, if you have had lots of different types of jobs, you may want to include more
details about those that were most relevant to the job you are applying for, and cut out
bits where a job was not similar.
8 Remember to keep one copy yourself as a master. Make photocopies to send to
employers. After all, you dont want to have to re-write it every time you apply for a job.
Exercise 3.1
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
46/65
Choosing your CV format
Use a chronological CV a list of your experience and education when:
you want to emphasise your employment;
you want a general information-based CV that can be used for any application; you have never worked but have excellent qualifications, which can be listed in detail.
Use a functional CVto list your various skills and experience when:
you have had a variety of unconnected jobs from which you have gained different kinds
of experience, all of which are selling points to potential employers;
you have limited paid work experience, but have done voluntary work or worked in the
home, which would be difficult to express in a chronological CV;
you have very general skill areas.
Use a targeted CVto emphasise specific skills that directly relate to a job youre applying
for. A targeted CV can be altered to relate to each job you apply for and will give an
employer only the relevant information required for that particular job. This is useful if:
you have a great deal of experience in one particular field with a number of different
employers;
you want to emphasise particular aspects of your work experience and qualifications,
which relate to a particular job.
1 Read through each of the sample CVs.
2 Decide which is chronological, which is functional and which is targeted, and make a
note of your reasons.
3 Decide which format would best suit you and your employment circumstances.
Exercise 3.2
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
47/65
Exercise 3.2
Top tips for writing your CV
JamesJoyce
CURRICULUMVITAE
74MarloweRoad,OxtonMoorshireOX21PA
Tel:01298385776
Mobile:07707123456
Generalskills
Abletocommunicateeffectivelywiththepu
blicandworkcolleagues
Capableofworkingunderpressureinabu
syenvironment
Computer-literate
Provenabilitytoworkindependentlyando
nowninitiative
Diplomacy
Specificskills
EffectivesellingskillsComprehensiveprod
uctknowledgeofdomesticfurnituretrade
Experiencedinretailstock-controlsystem
s
Efficientatcashhandlingandprocessingc
redit/debitcards
Achievements
EuropeanComputerDrivingLicense(ach
ieved2005)
EmployeeoftheMonthAwardforoutstan
dingsalesonthreeoccasionswithpresent
employer
Redesignedlayoutofshopfloorin2003,w
hichhashelpedtocreateasustained
increaseinsales
Employment
1999topresent: Salesassistant,Williams&Co,furnitureretai
lers,Oxton
19941999: Salesassistant,Parkers
FurnitureStoreLtd,Chalford
19881994: Deliverydriver,SparksE
lectronicsLtd,Chalford
19831988: Generalassistant,Hillyer
sBuildingSupplies,Chalford
Education
19761982 ChalfordGrammarSchoo
l,3Olevels
19821983 ChalfordCollege,ONCbu
sinessstudies(part-completed)
Personal
Iamareliableandconscientiousemployee
,withtenyearsexperienceworking
successfullyinafront-linesalesrole.Iamf
lexibleandwillingtotrain.
Iamamemberofalocalquizteam,anden
joytravellingandwatersports.
Iholdacleandrivinglicence.
Referencescanbesuppliedonreques
t.
Sample CV
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
48/65
Exercise 3.2
Top tips for writing your CV
CURRICULUMVITAE
FRANCESLANE
165COVENTRYROAD,HINCKLEY, LEIC
ESTERSHIRELE100JS
Tel:01455 635791 Mobile:07747043430
Email:frannylane@hotmail.com
EXPERIENCE
DavenportKnitwear plc1997 2010
Multi-skilledOperative
Competentinnumerous operations inmak
e-up department.
Keeping accuratedocumentation ofprod
uction figures.
Workingtotight schedule.
Abilityto prioritise.
Maintainaclean andtidy workarea.
Checkqualityandreportfaults toQCsupe
rvisor.
EarlyWorksExperience
Retail assistant.
Bar/Cateringassistant.
Cashier
Officejunior.
Housewife/Mother
SKILLS Goodorganisation
al skillsgainedthrougharrangingfund raising
projectsandChristmasfunctions.
PC literateincludingInternet ande-mail.
HavehomePC.
Pastexperienceofreceptionwork.
Customerservice skillsbothface-to-facea
ndbytelephone.
Preciseattentionto details,proceduresan
d records.
Abilitytohandlelarge volumes
ofworkandmeetdeadlines.
Punctualandmotivatedworkerwilling tolearnnewskills.
QUALIFICATIONS
OCRCLAIT ComputerLiteracy& Info
rmation TechnologyusingWord, Access&Ex
cel
OCRIBTIIIntegratedBusinessTechnol
ogyusingWord, Access,Excel,Graphs&Int
egration
OCRLevel1 TextProcessing&Word
Processing
OCR Level 2TextProcessing,WordPr
ocessing& MailMerge
OCR Level 3ShortlytakingexamsinT
ext Processing&WordProcessing
CollegecourseI amcurrently takingalsoincl
udes audiotranscriptionplusmedicaland
legaldocumentpresentation.
PERSONALDETAILS
D.O.B.13August1950
Marital Status: Ma
rried
Car owner,holderoffull cleandrivinglicence
HOBBIESANDINTERESTS
Reading,theatre,gardening andattending mot
orcycle racing.
Sample CV
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
49/65
Exercise 3.2
Top tips for writing your CV
CURRICULUMVITAE
NAME: MarthaJames
ADDRESS: 22GreenockWay,Basford,
Nottingham,NG64BH
TELEPHONENO: 01159336699
DATEOFBIRTH: 22ndOctober1968
PROFILE
Ahighlymotivatedindividualwhopossessesexcel
lentinformationtechnologyand
clericalskillswhichsheiskeentoapplyinabusine
ssenvironment.Aneffective
communicatorwhoisabletorelatetoallpeoplew
hethermanagement,colleaguesor
membersofthepublic.Highlyadaptableandable
todealwithproblemsquicklyand
efficientlywhilstunderpressure.Willingtoundertakefurt
hertrainingwhereappropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
19951996 BasfordHallCollege,Nott
ingham
NVQIIIBusinessAdministration
RSA1TypingandWordProcessing
19801985 ErnestHolmesComprehen
sive,Nottingham
OLevel:EnglishLanguageB,EnglishLiteratu
reB,
MathsC,GeographyC
EMPLOYMENTHISTORY
1995Present OxfamVolunteer
Dutiesincludegeneraladministration,fundraisi
ng
19851987 Barrat&JamesSolicitors,
Nottingham
OfficeJunior
Dutiesincludedlearningallaspectsofofficead
ministration
inabusylegalenvironment,e.g.filing,dealingw
ith
correspondence,distributingpost,typing,recep
tiondutiesetc.
INTERESTS: Reading,gardening,walkin
g,andpubquizzes.
PERSONALDETAILSDriving: Full,
cleanlicencewithowntransport
References: Availableuponrequest
Sample CV
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
50/65
Writing your own personal profile
1Your personal profile should be the first thing an employerreads after your name and address. It gives you the chance to
instantly impress an employer and encourages them to read on.
2 Make a list of words which you think best describes you at work(eg, flexible, quick to learn).
3 Make a list of specifics about your skills and experience.
4 Fit them together into a short paragraph which gives a penpicture of yourself.
Exercise 3.3
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
51/65
Selling your skills (targeted and functional CVs)
1 Find the Employment History form you completed in Exercise 6.
2 Divide a blank piece of paper into two columns, and head thefirst Tasks and the second Skills.
3 Starting with your most recent employment first, make a list of allthe major tasks you regularly performed at work (eg, Sorted outthe filing system and showed people how to use it).
4 Take each major task and come up with a phrase that shows theskill it involved (eg, Created the companys filing system andorganised staff training for its use). Refer to the list of positivewords in Exercise 5: theyll come in handy here as well.
5 Repeat until you have covered all your employment history.
6You can repeat the exercise for voluntary work and home life.
Exercise 3.4
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
52/65
Completing your CV
1 Look through the sample CV and read all the notes attached toeach section.
2 Start by filling in your personal details.
3 Use the profile you developed in Exercise 10 to fill in the Profilesection.
4 Use the Skills list developed in Exercise 11 to complete the Skillsand experience section.
5 Use the Education and qualifications list from Exercise 6 tocomplete the Education and qualifications section.
6 Use the Employment history from Exercise 6 to complete the
Employment history section.
7 Make a list of any interests that show you have personal qualitiesan employer would be looking for (eg, including team sports youtake part in shows you are a team player).
8 Finally complete the additional information
you will be including in your CV.
Exercise 3.5
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
53/65
Exercise 3.5
Completing your CV
Name
Address
Telephone number
Profile
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
CURRICULUM VITAE
SKILLS
1REFER TO
NOTES
2REFER TO
NOTES
Sample CV
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
54/65
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Dates employed Employer Job title
Duties
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Dates attended School /College/University Qualification Subject Grade
EDUCATION
Dates employed Employer Job title
Duties
Dates employed Employer Job title
Duties
Dates employed Employer Job title
Duties
3REFER TO
NOTES
4REFER TO
NOTES
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
55/65
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Dates attended Where achieved Course Qualification
QUALIFICATIONS
INTERESTS
Date of birth
Driving license
Access to car
Marital status
References
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
4REFER TO
NOTES
5REFER TO
NOTES
6REFER TO
NOTES
7REFER TONOTES
9REFER TO
NOTES
8REFER TO
NOTES
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
56/65
Profile
Your personal profile should be the first thing an employer
reads after your name and address: it gives you the chance
to instantly impress an employer and encourages them to
read on.
Skills
If you are doing a functional or targeted CV, think back to any
job you have done or things which you may do in your spare
time or for which you do not get paid, and list the activities
which you perform. For example: Maintaining computerised
and manual record systems or Responsible for entertaining
and motivating young children
Employment history
Always list your employment history with the most recent first
Education and qualifications
Always list your education and qualifications with the most
recent first. You only need go back as far as secondary
school: an employer doesnt need to know your primaryschool or nursery education.
You should list the qualifications, which you have passed
the grades if they are good passes. If the grades are not
high, but are relevant to the job you are applying for, you can
either simply list the subjects you passed or put down the
grades if relevant.
If you left school several years ago and have gained a
great deal of work experience since then or other
qualifications, you may wish to omit your secondary
schooling. An employer will be less interested in what you
did at school 10 years ago than in your relevant experienceand qualifications for the job.
Any relevant qualifications gained since leaving school
should also be listed, as should short vocational courses
that relate to your chosen job.
Hobbies/interests
Listing your hobbies and interests will give an employer an
insight into your personality. For example, if you play football
you would be recognised as a team player or, if you enjoy
reading, you would be seen as a studious person who is
happy getting on with things alone. However, be careful
what you list: if you are a keen rock climber, prospective
employers could worry you will be away from work with a
broken leg for six months!
Date of Birth
This can go at the beginning of your CV or at the end.
Alternatively you dont need to put it on at all if you are
concerned that your age will be against you although an
employer may be able to work our your age from your
employment history anyway.
Mobility
If you have a full driving licence, please say so you may be
required to drive company transport as part of your job. If
you own a car or can get access to a car its useful to state
this as it shows you will be able to get to work even if your
employers are in a remote area. You can state that you have
a clean driving licence, but beware you may get stopped
for speeding and get three points on your licence, which
means you will have to amend your CV!
Marital status
An employer doesnt need to know this, although it can be
useful for some jobs. For example, if you are applying for ajob as a sales rep which entails travelling around the
country, an employer may prefer you to be single.
Alternatively stating that you are married with two children
will suggest to an employer that you will offer stability and
reliability to a job. But beware: putting your marital status
can be an equal opportunities issue an employer may
assume that a woman with children will be less reliable than
a single woman, simply because of her childcare
responsibilities.
References
You can name your referees on your CV. A potential employerwill expect your current or last employer to provide you with
a reference, although if this is not possible they may accept
character references. College or school references are also
acceptable. You can simply state that references are
available upon request that way you can either supply an
employer with written references which you may already
have or give them details of your chosen referees. The onus
is then upon the employer to contact your referees and you
dont have to worry about your current employer being
contacted without your permission.
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Sample CV notes
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
57/65
Letters to sell your skills
1 Look at the covering letter from L. Matthews.
2 Identify five key strengths of the approach.
3 Now write your own letter to sell your skills.
Exercise 3.6
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
58/65
Exercise 3.6
Letters to sell your skills
Sample letter
44SaxonDrive
Tamworth
B774JJ
Tel:01789711296
12November2010
MrsDFranks
HumanResourcesManager
EllisManufacturing
3133AndrewRoad
Walsall
WS37GN
DearMrsFranks
OfficeManager
YouwillseefromtheenclosedCurriculumVitae
thatmyskillsand
Qualificationscloselymatchtherequirementso
ftheaboveposition,
asadvertisedinTheTimes,dated9November2
004.InparticularmayI
drawyourattentiontothefollowinginsupport
ofmyapplication.Ihave:
Extensiveexperienceoverthelastfiveyearsm
anagingabusycontractsoffice,
supervisingandbeingresponsibleforsome30
staffcoveringallaspectsof
administration,purchasinganddaytodaymanagement.
Initiatedtheuseofanewcomputerisedsystem
toadministercustomercontracts
andtrainedothersinitsuse.
Excellentinter-personalandcommunications
killsenablingmetoinspire
membersofstaffandteamleaderstoachievea
ndmaintainhighstandardsof
work.
Iverymuchlookforwardtotheopportunityofm
eetingyouinthenearfuturein
ordertofurtherdiscussmyapplicationforthep
ostofofficemanager.
Yourssincerely
L.Matthews
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
59/65
Speculative letters
1 Look at the covering letter from Jane Wilson.
2 Identify five key strengths of the approach.
3 Now write a speculative letter of your own.
Exercise 3.7
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
60/65
Exercise 3.7
Speculative letters
Sample letter
56SpringfieldRoad
Hilltop
WestBromwich
B663YL
Tel:01215884771
MrsBNorton
Manager
FletchersLtd
50FarcroftRoad
Oldbury
B667RT
DearMrsNorton
Iwouldliketotakethisopportunitytoenquirei
fyouhaveanyvacancies,now
orinthenearfuture,wheremyskillsmaybeof
benefit.MyCurriculumVitaeis
enclosedforyourconsideration.
Havingenjoyedworkingfor14yearsinawareh
ousing/despatchenvironment,
Ihavegainedvaluableexperiencerangingfrom
orderpickingtore-organising
storesystems.Beinganeffectivecommunicato
r,Iamnumerateandliterate
andpossessahighlevelofphysicalandmenta
lstrength.
IamconfidentthattheskillsIhavedevelopedin
avarietyofpositionsand
mybeingreliable,flexibleandtrustworthywoul
dbeanassettoyourcompany.
Iwouldwelcometheopportunity,atyourconve
niencetodiscussanyopenings
youmighthave.
Ilookforwardtoreceivingyourearlyreply.
Yourssincerely
JaneWilson
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
61/65
Be prepared
Youve been invited to a job interview.
1 How will I get there? What could go wrong?
2 What will I wear? What could go wrong?
3 Do I know everything I need to know about the job? What elsecould I do?
Exercise 4.1
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
62/65
Making sure you always have something to say
1 Make a list of five questions that you might be asked at aninterview you might go to that are important and sensible: think
about the information contained in your person specification toguide you.
2 Write each question at the top of a piece of paper and think of agood one or two-sentence answer to each one.
Exercise 4.2
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
63/65
Listen carefully
1 Working in pairs, decide who will role play the interviewer andwho the interviewee.
2 The interviewer should ask the following question: Give me anexample of when you solved a problem which had a successfuloutcome. This is a common question in many interviews, andone which bears a great deal of importance.
3 The interviewee should break their answer into three parts:(a) setting the scene(b) describing the problem(c) describing the successful outcome
4 The interviewer should allocate each section a score from one tofive points.
Did the interviewee communicate all the important elements ofthe scene-setting part? Were you unclear about whathappened, when and where?
Did the interviewee accurately describe the problem? Did the interviewee communicate precisely how they
successfully solved the problem?
5 Swap roles and repeat the exercise.
Exercise 4.3
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
64/65
Preparing for common interview questions
Q1 Tell me about yourself
This is usually the opening question and, as first impressions are key, one of the most important. Keep
your answer to under five minutes, beginning with your current role and what you may have achieved.
Q2 Why do you want this job?Try to answer positively as if you see this job as an opportunity to use your skills in a new environment
or to try something different.
Q3 What are your strengths?
Ensure that these are relevant to the job. Try and relate your strengths back to the job spec and give
examples of why you're strong in these areas.
Q4 What are your weaknesses?
These should be positive weaknesses. Perhaps you have a tendency to work too hard or are a
perfectionist.
Q5 What's been your most significant success at work?
This is about your personal achievements and contribution. Interviewers aren't interested in the great
team you work with. If you have limited work experience, you could talk about achievements outsidework. But relate them to the job you are applying for.
Q6 What is the biggest mistake you ever made?
We all have one, but what's important is how you dealt with your biggest mistake and what you learnt
from the experience.
Q7 What is the greatest challenge you have ever faced?
Keep it relevant to the job and be positive. Again, interviewers want to know how you met the challenge
and what you might do differently, with the wisdom of hindsight, in a similar situation.
Q8 How do you cope with difficult colleagues?
It's all about trying to understand a situation from someone else's perspective -- that's team work.
Q9 You've changed jobs three times in the past five years, why should I think you are more serious
about this one?
Great opportunities came your way and you would have been foolish to turn them down. Or, you took a
job to achieve a particular goal and, having succeeded sooner than you expected, it was time to move on.
Q10 What do you do outside of work?
You want to appear active but not so busy that you could not get to work on time or stay late occasionally.
Q11 Do you have any questions?
You will also be given an opportunity to ask questions of your own. Think about anything you want to
know before you go. Some of your questions may be answered in the course of the interview: if so, make
sure you inform the panel that you have prepared for the interview by saying something like: I had
prepared a list of questions earlier but you have answered them all during the course of the interview.
Exercise 4.4
8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On
65/65
Ten tips for interviews
1 Start smiling before you get there you dont know who might notice you
complaining in the car park or putting out a cigarette in the flower pot.
2You may be interviewed by more than one person. Make sure you look andsmile at all of them.
3 Wait until they ask you to sit down.
4 Sit comfortably in the chair but dont slouch. (This can look as if youre bored or
dont care).
5 Avoid any habits like playing with your hair or tapping your foot as these can be
distracting.
6 Remain formal and polite it helps concentration as well as giving a good
impression. Speak slowly and loudly enough to be heard clearly. Look at the
person who has asked you the question, but dont forget to glance round at the
others occasionally.
7 If you do not completely understand any of the questions, say so dont waffle.
8 Towards the end, you will be asked if you have any questions. Usually, they will
also ask if there is anything further you wish to say. If they dont ask and you
know there are things you havent had the chance to tell them, say something
like, May I just mention one or two things? Then, make them brief.9 When the interview is over, collect your things together and leave with a smile
for everyone, saying Goodbye and thank you, however badly you think it has
gone. You may be surprised. Dont blow it now!
10 Wait until you are well away from the place before you breathe a sigh of relief
Exercise 4.5
Recommended