This document provides information and tips about creating an effective curriculum vitae (CV). It discusses the typical sections of a CV including contact information, personal statement, employment history, education, and references. Key points emphasized include tailoring the CV and cover letter to each job application, using concise bullet points, and focusing on measurable achievements and skills relevant to the job. Common errors like spelling mistakes, lack of specifics, and irrelevant details are also outlined.

1. TPP Not for Profit
CV Workshop

2. About TPP
• 16+ years experience with large variety of
charities
• All of our consultants are sector specialists
• Large network of potential employers
• Shared values with the third sector
• Cover all types of charity role, all levels of staff,
permanent, contract & temporary vacancies

3. Why spend time
on your CV?
• Need to sell your skills and experience – make
you look your best
• Employers get hundreds of applications
(especially for entry-level roles)
• Employers don’t have much time – be concise

4. What goes on a CV?
• Contact details
• Personal statement (optional)
• Key skills (optional)
• Employment history
• Education and qualifications
• Additional information
• References

5. Contact Details
• Full name
• Address (home)
• Telephone number (home and mobile)
• Email address (personal but professional)
“lazysod@hotmail.com”
• Don’t give work contact details
• Don’t include a photo

6. Personal Statement
• Tailor to each application
• Summary of your skills and experience
• Keep it short - couple of paragraphs
• Don’t repeat cover letter / supporting statement
• Include three things:
– Who you are
– What you can contribute
– Your career aim

7. Personal Statement

8. What is a key skill?
enthusiasm
communication
Raiser’s Edge
teamwork
budget management
campaign management
managing agencies
ambitious
problem solving
organisation
work under pressure
proactive
honest
principled
fast learner

9. Key skills
• Pull out requirements from job description
• Give evidence to demonstrate each skill

10. Employment history
• Probably of most interest to employers
• Most recent first
• List duties and responsibilities
• Give measurable achievements where possible
• Include voluntary experience
• Do not lie or exaggerate – will be found out at
interview

11. Education & Qualifications
• Most recent first
• Give full titles of course/qualification and dates
• State if incomplete or ongoing
• List anything relevant
“World pie-eating champion 2010”
• If overseas qualification, check UK equivalent

12. Additional Information
• Any other useful information, eg
– Languages
– IT skills or software used
– Hobbies and interests
– Personal achievements
– Voluntary/charity work
• Include level of proficiency

13. References
• Can write ‘references available on request’
• Will need at least two
• Choose recent but good referees
• Get permission before using their name

14. Presentation
• Clear, uncluttered and professional
• Formatting consistent throughout
• Avoid long paragraphs – use bullets instead
• Use headings, sub-headings and bold to make
important info stand out
• Don’t use unusual fonts or colours
• Don’t use tables or tabs
• Proofread! Don’t rely on auto spellcheck

15. Most Common Errors
• Mistakes in spelling and grammar
“I speak fluent English and Spinach”
• Long sentences and too much irrelevant detail
• Lack of specifics (roles, dates, achievements)
• Incorrect contact info
• Lack of tailoring to role (check CV filename)
“GenericCV2013.doc”

16. Most Common Errors
• Over-formatting with images, fancy fonts etc

17. Cover Letters /
Supporting Statements
• What’s the difference?
• Similar content, but supporting statement should
be specified and guided
• Chance to demonstrate your personality and
passion

18. Cover Letters /
Supporting Statements
• Don’t repeat CV
• Must be tailored to each application
• Follow any guidelines given!
• Match each point of job description / person
specification

19. Cover Letters /
Supporting Statements
• First and last lines must give a good impression
• Introduce yourself
• Talk about the organisation and their mission
and how you can contribute
• Provide evidence for your skills
• Keep it short and break up copy

20. Getting the most
from your internship
• Do a good job! The more you give, the more you
get
• Ask for feedback
• Learn from your co-workers
• Ask for advice
• Build your knowledge of different areas
• Volunteer
• Ask for a testimonial for your CV or LinkedIn