Writing your CV
Your CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a very important ‘sales tool’. It tells an employer what you have
done and what you are good at. Here are some guidelines for you to follow.
Writing your CV
Your CV has one role – to get you an interview. So you only
need a short summary to say who you are and what skills,
experience, training and qualifications you have.
There are lots of different ways to write a CV and there’s no
right or wrong way. Start with a basic format and adapt it to
show your skills in the best light. There are 2 samples over
the page to guide you.
Here are a few simple guidelines:
• keep it short (1-4 pages)
• put your best skills first
• use simple language and short sentences
• be positive and enthusiastic
• don’t staple lots of things to it
• make it look good – and always type it
• check your spelling and grammar (get someone else to
check it too)
Make several copies. Don’t attach original certificates and
references or send them to an employer – they could get lost
(just take them along in a separate folder when you have
an interview). Always take a copy of your CV when you visit
an employer.
Write your career objective
Try writing a short career objective for a couple of different
jobs. It should state your goal and the skills that make
you suitable.
For example ‘I’m looking for a career, preferably outdoors,
where I can develop my skills. I’m hardworking, strong,
versatile and in good health.’
What should my CV say?
Here are the main things you need to include:
• Personal details. Give your full name, and an address
and phone number where the employer can contact you.
Age and family details are optional.
• Career or personal objective. Say what you want to
achieve in your working future. This helps the employer
relate your skills to the job.
• Work experience. List the jobs you’ve had, starting with
the most recent and working backwards.
Give the job title, the employer’s name, the date you
started and finished, and a brief description.
• Skills and abilities. List your work-related skills and
abilities. Some of these might be skills you learnt outside
work. So include unpaid, community or family work
and say how these skills might suit the job you are
applying for.
• Education and training. Include your schooling and other
training. Give details of technical and trade certificates,
and any study or courses you’ve done (even if you haven’t
completed them).
• Other things. Give brief details of your hobbies and
interests. Include anything else you think is important
such as driver’s licence or your state of health.
• Referees. Include at least 2 people who can talk about
how well you’ve worked in the past. Give their name,
position, and phone number. But check with them first.
Let them know they may be contacted and ask what
they will say about you.
Issues with work history?
An employer looks at your work history to see if you are
suitable. If you don’t have specific experience in the job,
highlight relevant skills and include your other experience
(it doesn’t have to be paid work to count).
If you have a gap in your work history, include a short sentence
to say what you did and the skills you developed during
that time.
You don’t have to say in your CV why a job ended. But if
you’ve had lots of jobs, have been out of work for a while,
or have gaps in your work history, you may be asked about
it and should have a brief explanation ready.
Two main ways to set out your CV
Functional CV
This example shows a simple functional CV. It matches your skills to the job you are applying
for. It has a clear career goal, lists your skills first (both work and non-work) and then gives
details of your experience and education. This approach helps if you’re applying for a different
type of job or have a broken work history – but you’ll need a new CV for each application.
Chronological CV
This is a simple example of a chronological CV. It records all your jobs and training in order
(starting with the most recent). This is a general CV and can be used for a range of positions.
With this CV you show experience first and give details of work tasks. Note how the objective
reinforces the key points.

Personal details Personal details

Name: Aroha Hylton Name: Mathew Reid
Address: The Crescent, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland Telephone: 123 4567 Address: The Street, Christchurch Telephone: 123 4567
Career objective Personal objective
To find a position where I can develop my supervisory skills further and be an effective team member. I am committed to finding work in the landscaping field. I have recently completed training in this area and
Relevant skills and experience am self-motivated, hardworking and reliable, with a range of practical labouring skills.
Communication skills Work history
• Excellent communication skills, able to put views across confidently and assist better team relationships. 1993 –1998 Labourer, Harveys Bricks and Blocklayers
• Strong skills in helping others with problem solving in both work and non-work situations. Duties included:
• Guided and directed team members as captain of local club hockey team. • spreading sand and gravel
• Able to communicate well in writing. • laying a range of paving materials into various patterns
Organisational ability • heavy lifting
• Strong attention to detail and ability to help others improve their performance. • driving a range of vehicles
• Effective in delegating tasks and making sure they are done well. 1990-1993 Builders Labourer (casual), Robinson Walker Construction
• Track record in planning and organising events, including social functions at work and fundraising for Duties included:
a local sports club. • measuring to instructions
Numeracy skills • cleaning and storage of tools
• Ability to develop and monitor budgets, through experience as sports club treasurer. • assisting tradesmen with a range of tasks
• Responsible for handling money, banking and keeping accounts on other people’s behalf. 1990-1993 Vineyard Labourer (seasonal), Beachcroft Orchard
• Assist others with managing their money, including working out a budget for personal spending and Duties included labelling, packing, cleaning sheds and equipment
balancing cheque books.
Education and training
Work history 1999 Building and Landscaping Skills
1996-98 Assistant checkout operator – General Food Supermarket 6 month course at Carrington Polytechnic
1995 Checkout duties – Food World Supermarket
1987-1990 Christchurch Boys High School
1994-96 Temporary and casual positions, including fruit picking, planting, childcare and bar work
School certificate passes in horticulture and art
Education and training
Leisure interests
1997 Effective Communication Skills – 3 hours a week for 20 weeks at local Technical Institute
Landscaping, canoeing, computer design
1992-96 Four years secondary education
Referees
Referees Keith Harvey Susan Anderson
Mrs Kay Arland Mr William Whetu Former manager Owner
Checkout Supervisor Sports Co-ordinator Harveys Bricks and Blocklayers Beachcroft Orchard
General Food Supermarket Sports Foundation Christchurch Henderson
Work phone 123 4567 Work phone 123 4567 Work phone 123 4567 Work phone 123 4567
Home phone 123 4567 Home phone 123 4567 Home phone 123 4567 Home phone 123 4567

JOBSW0002 – NOVEMBER 2001