Top 10 CV tips!

Ten top tips for writing a CV

1. Keep it short and clear

Before you start, choose the right structure for your CV. The most important information, such as your key skills and recent experience, needs to be near the top, where it can be seen straight away. Sections you usually need to include are your Profile, Achievements, Experience, Special Skills (languages / computers), Education, Training, and (if you wish) Interests. Your CV should normally be two pages in length (unless you have a very long career or you are a contractor or the recruiter asks for a longer CV). If you haven’t caught the recruiter’s interest by page two then they probably won’t read any further pages anyway.

2. Make it look good

Clear, attractive presentation is also important if your CV is to stand out. Ensure that it’s uncluttered, with key points easy to spot. Use bullet points and keep the sentences relatively short. Plenty of ‘white space’ around the borders and between each section keeps the document easier on the eye.

3. Most recent first

Put your employment history in date order, starting with the most recent first. Avoid leaving any gaps, so if you’ve had time out for some reason, do mention this. Don’t go into detail about positions you held over 10 years ago. Include details of holiday or temporary work only if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.

4. Include many facts

List your job duties beneath each position. List your achievements, responsibilities and results. Talk about results – what difference did your presence make? Use numbers for achievements wherever possible, e.g. “Boosted sales by 20% in first year”. Always write in a slightly formal manner and never use the word “I” – e.g. “Supervised the team” rather than “I supervised the team”. Use the past tense for previous jobs and the present tense for your current job.

5. Not too many lists

Include specific skills, such as languages, administrative or computing skills, in a separate section in your CV. Don’t relist them for every job you’ve used them in. This is particularly so for IT work – lists of tools and packages make dull reading and won’t make you stand out from other people with the same abilities.

6. Breath some life into it

Remember the employer wants a sense of the kind of person you are, as well as what you can do. Are you punctual, conscientious, or motivated? Do you rise to a challenge? With each point you write, ask yourself “What does this say about me?”

7. Be accurate

Always check for errors. Run a spelling and grammar check and ask someone else to read it for you. Read it aloud to the dog. The employer isn’t going to believe you’re a good communicator if your CV is full of mistakes.

8. Adapt it

You don’t have to use the same CV every time. You can have two or three versions, each for a different kind of job. Or you can tailor your CV to suit the job you’re applying for. It isn’t a case of one size fits all.

9. Send a covering letter

Unless the advert tells you not to, always send a covering letter. This should highlight the two or three areas of experience from your CV that are most relevant to the advertised job. Never send your CV out on its own.

10. Be truthful

Although you obviously want to present yourself well, don’t go too far and embellish the truth. It can easily backfire on you.

Higher and Advanced apprenticeships in various sectors- great opportunites!

Employment Opportunities

MHA MacIntyre Hudson – School Leaver Programme
Winner of accountancy firm of the year, MHA MacIntyre Hudson is offering a new 2 ½ year school leaver opportunity. The aim of our school leaver programme is to attract talented A-Level and equivalent students to join their partner led accountancy practice and develop them into future leaders. Salary with regional variance is £16,000 - £21,500.
Overview of MHA MacIntyre Hudson:  http://www.directions.org.uk/employers/mha-macintyre-hudson/
Programme Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/mha-school-leaver-programme-open/
Locations: London, Bedford, Chelmsford, Canterbury, High Wycombe, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Mainstone, Northampton, Peterborough and Reading
Requirements: 280 UCAS points
Closing date for applications:  23rd March 2014

Bank of America Merrill Lynch - School Leaver Programme
Now in its second year, this 5 year programme provides an ideal opportunity for talented individuals to develop in-depth business knowledge with structured support and coaching from experienced colleagues. It is open to final year A-level students who are set to attain 320 UCAS points. Roles are available at Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Chester campus. They would welcome more applications from across the UK, to join their outstanding programme.
Overview:  http://www.directions.org.uk/news/bank-america-merrill-lynch-school-leaver-programme/
Apply Online: http://careers.bankofamerica.com/job.aspx?n=5086&c=United
Requirements: 320 UCAS points
Closing date for applications:  1st June 2014

HSBC- Securities Services Apprenticeship
HSBC Securities Services provides asset and portfolio services for financial market participants. These services include investment administration, accounting and valuation, portfolio analysis, capital market operations, custody, treasury services. This twelve-month Apprenticeship programme offers you the opportunity to develop expertise in an integral part of the HSBC Global Banking and Markets business. It creates the chance to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills in a key area of the securities and investments industry. It is open to final year students and roles are available in Edinburgh and London.
Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/hsbc-securities-services-apprenticeship-programme/
Apply Online: http://www.hsbc.com/careers/studentsandgraduates/opportunities/hsbc-securities-services-apprenticeship-programme
Requirements: 320 UCAS points
Closing date for applications:   16th March 2014

HSBC - Global Markets Apprenticeship
This twelve-month programme offers the opportunity to develop an expertise in one of the most important areas of the Global Markets business, preparing you for a successful career path as an Operations Analyst within Global Markets Operations. This programme is open to students in their final year of secondary education, Sixth Form or equivalent stage of college education. Roles are available in London.
Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/hsbc-apprenticeship-programme-open/
Apply Online:
http://www.hsbc.com/careers/studentsandgraduates/opportunities/global-markets-operations-apprenticeship-programme
Requirements: 320 UCAS points
Closing date for applications:  16th March 2014

PwC – Apprenticeships
PwC’s apprenticeships earn a competitive salary while studying towards a professional qualification and at the end of two years, will be on track for a successful career within PwC.  Vacancies are still available in Hull, Belfast, Manchester, London and Southampton.
Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/pwc-higher-apprenticeships-open-apply-now/
Apply Online: http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/careers/higher-apprenticeship.jhtml
Requirements: 280 UCAS Points
Closing date for applications: Once venues are full

Deloitte – BrightStart School Leaver Scheme
Deloitte’s BrightStart programme is aimed at students who do not wish to attend university but wish to obtain a professional qualification such as the ACA, whilst working and gaining practical experience. This is a permanent full-time role for students looking to enter the work force. There is availability in Audit (Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Reading), Tax (London and Reading), Audit Advisory (Belfast and London), Consulting (London) and Corporate Finance (Reading)
Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/deloitte-brightstart-school-leavers-open-apply-now/
Apply Online: http://mycareer.deloitte.com/uk/en/schools/brightstart
Closing Date for applications: Once venues are full

BDO School Leaver Programme
Business Areas include Audit, Tax and Advisory (Technology Risk Advisory, Business Restructuring and Global Outsourcing). In the current economic climate, BDO acknowledges that there are an increasing number of talented, ambitious A-level (or equivalent) students who are unsure whether a typical university education is the right path for them. Instead, why not consider taking an opportunity with BDO on our School Leavers Programme? Not only will you be able to gain a prestigious professional qualification and have a permanent salaried career without the expense of funding a university degree, you’ll be gaining commercial work experience working alongside industry leading professionals, working on real business projects.
Overview of BDO: http://www.directions.org.uk/employers/bdo/
Programme Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/bdo-school-leaver-programme-open/
Locations: Bristol, Ipswich, Reading, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Great Yarmouth, London, Guildford

Lloyds Banking Group Apprenticeships
Lloyds Banking Group offers a range of apprenticeships, some of which you won’t need any specific qualifications to apply for. Their focus is on the type of person you are, how you get on with other people, and how you approach your work. What’s in it for you? You will gain an accredited qualification, earn while you learn, benefit from structured training, enjoy our flexible rewards package and build a support network.
Lloyds Banking Group Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/employers/lloyds-banking-group/
Programme Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/lloyds-banking-group-apprenticeship-programme-open/
Apply Online: http://www.lloydsbankinggroupapprentices.com/application-process/apply-now/

Aon’s Consultancy Apprenticeship
Aon is the world’s number one insurer and their retirement practice provides pensions consulting services to hundreds of UK employers - from smaller firms to FTSE 100 companies. Clients value their advice in many areas; for example, making their pension scheme more valued and effective, reviewing their fund managers, communicating benefit changes, reducing costs and understanding the many risks they face when running a pension scheme. With this in mind, no two days will be quite the same and you’ll have every opportunity to make the most of your undoubted potential. They’re looking to recruit bright and ambitious individuals to become their future client-facing consultants.  In return for your hard work, commitment and enthusiasm, their comprehensive development programme will help you to develop the business skills and knowledge you need to succeed and grow. You will also study for professional qualifications (PMI) and gain a Level 3 Apprenticeship as part of your programme.
Overview of Aon: http://www.directions.org.uk/employers/aon/
Programme Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/aon-consultant-apprenticeship/
Locations: Farnborough, Epsom and St Albans.
Requirements: 280 UCAS Points
Apply Online: https://aonuk.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en_GB

Aon - Apprenticeship Programme:
This award winning apprenticeship programme, now in its third year, offers a highly sought after entry point into a career in risk and insurance with the world’s biggest insurer.  The programme is closing soon and they are still looking for applications in Farnborough, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/aon-apprenticeship-2014-now-open/
Locations: Farnborough, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh
Apply Online: https://aon apprenticeship application
Requirements: 280 UCAS Points
Closing date for applications: Imminent!

High flying work experience opportunities

Work Experience Opportunities


HSBC’s Inspiring Potential Insight Event
Want to learn more about the investment banking industry? HSBC is offering outstanding students in Year 13  (studying for A-levels or equivalent) the chance to learn more about this industry through a series of interactive presentations and workshops. This event is for students eligible for free school meals OR the first generation in your family intending to attend university.
Programme Overview:  http://www.directions.org.uk/news/hsbc-insight-days-now-open/
Date and Location: 28 July, London
Requirements: Year 13 A-level or equivalent who intend attending university in September 2014, 320 UCAS points, GCSE B in Maths and English, must be eligible for free school meals OR the first generation in your family to attend university.
Apply Online: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/hsbc-insight-days-now-open/
             
 HSBC’s Aspiring Female Potential Insight Programme
If you are female and you know you would like to explore a careers in investment banking after university, the Aspiring Female Potential Programme has been designed to give an early insight into the world of investment banking and offer a glimpse of what the future could hold for you. You'll spend three days with HSBC learning about the various functions of a global investment bank, meeting inspirational people from across HSBC and developing skills that will be beneficial not only at school, but at university and beyond. It's a chance for you to strengthen your CV and gain practical networking opportunities for your future. During the programme, successful applicants will participate in classroom-based presentations, case studies, interactive seminars, skills sessions and trading floor tours.
Programme Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/hsbc-aspiring-female-insight-programme/
Date and Location: 6-8 August, London
Requirements: Final Year 13 A-Level or equivalent females who intend attending university in 2014, 320 UCAS points, GCSE B in Maths and English
Apply Online: http://www.hsbc.com/careers/studentsandgraduates/events/events-information

BDO Summer School Programme
Aimed at Year 12 students, BDO’s Summer School programme offers a useful insight into the BDO culture with the opportunity to work on real client assignments alongside BDO Managers and Partners. The programme offers the opportunity to prepare for and secure a place on the full-time School Leaver programme. The programme also enables you to develop your skills and experiences whilst building your contacts and gaining a true understanding of how a professional services firm operates.
Overview of BDO: http://www.directions.org.uk/employers/bdo/
Programme Overview:  http://www.directions.org.uk/news/bdo-summer-school-programme-open/
Date and Location: The placement runs for two weeks from 28th July to 8th August 2014
Locations: Bristol, Ipswich, Glasgow, London, Guildford
Requirements: 280 UCAS points
Apply Online: http://www.bdoschoolleavers.co.uk/page.aspx/Summer-School

PwC  Business Insight Week
Are you in Year 12 with an interest in business? Are you thinking about your next steps once you leave school or college? You’ll kick-start the week with a day’s training where you’ll get to meet everyone else doing the Business Insight Week.   Venues still seeking applications include Hull, Newcastle and Belfast.
Overview: http://www.directions.org.uk/news/pwc-step-business-pwcs-week-long-summer-programme/
Apply Online: http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/flying-start-degrees/business-insight-week.jhtml
Closing date for applications: The programme is almost full

Improve your chances of entering a career in Law April 2014

Gabbitas in the City are delighted to offer Year 11–13 students the unique opportunity to gain an insight into a career area that is traditionally hard to access.

Through our links with some of the most prestigious employers and institutions, our Law Careers in Practice programme includes visits to Latham & Watkins LLP, Garden Court Chambers, Old Bailey and Middle Temple.

The programme aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn first hand about careers in Law and gain the practical experience necessary to improve their chance of university selection and interview. Over the 2 days, students will get:

• Presentations from professionals in their work place. 
• Information from Higher Education institutions about the application and selection process.
• Specialist and practical careers advice to cover; personal statements, CV preparation and interview techniques.  

Where:
City of London

When:
Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th of April 2014
 Time:

Tuesday: 10:00am – 5:00pm; Wednesday: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Cost:
£175.00 (including VAT) with lunch included each day

http://www.gabbitas.co.uk/

Openday calender 201415 British universities.

http://www.opendays.com

Studying abroad

http://www.thestudentworld.com/events