Intent:
Provide learners with the structure, language, and format of an effective CV.
Section 1: Welcome to Module 3 – Writing a Strong CV
Today’s focus is on learning how to sell yourself on paper by creating a CV that clearly shows employers the skills, qualities, and experiences you bring to the table. We’ll start with a brief overview of what a CV is and why it’s such an important tool in your job search.
Section 2: What Is a CV?
Explain that a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is essentially a personal marketing sheet designed to showcase a learner’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
Emphasise that a CV is the primary tool used when applying for jobs and serves as the first impression an employer gets.
Highlight the importance of clarity and simplicity, noting that employers often spend less than 30 seconds reviewing each CV.
Encourage learners to focus on making their CVs clear, concise, and easy to scan quickly.
Section 3: What Should a CV Include?
Standard CV sections:
Section 4: CV Do’s and Don’ts (Compare Samples)
Section 5: Rocket Word – Personal Profile
Introduce the concept of the CV summary or personal statement as a brief paragraph at the top of the CV that gives a snapshot of the candidate. Explain that it should include three main points: what the person is good at, what type of job they are looking for, and a key achievement or strength. Provide the example: “Reliable and hardworking individual with experience in team settings, seeking a hands-on role in a warehouse environment.” Emphasise the importance of keeping this section clear, concise, and tailored to the job they want.
Encourage learners to think about how to describe themselves positively and succinctly in their own CV summaries.
Section 6: Activity – Write Your Personal Profile
Prompt:
Section 7: Work Experience
Includes any jobs, placements, prison work roles, volunteering, etc.
For each entry:
Section 8: Activity – Fill Out Work Experience Template
Provide learners with a blank CV template and ask them to fill in their previous roles, including informal experiences. As they work, circulate around the room to offer support, helping them translate their everyday experiences into clear, formal language suitable for a CV.
Section 9: Skills and References
Guide learners to list key skills on their CV such as communication, timekeeping, teamwork, and others. Remind them to refer to their strengths worksheet from Module 2 to help identify relevant skills to include. Explain that for references, it’s common and acceptable to simply write “Available on request” at this stage. Mention that if learners already have trusted referees, they can include their contact details, but this is optional.
Encourage learners not to worry about having referees immediately; this can be arranged later as needed.
Section 10: Build Your CV – Step-by-Step
Section 11: Recap and Next Steps
“Your CV is your first impression – make it count”
Encourage learners to keep refining their drafts
Next module will focus on interview skills to match their CV
Section 12: Careers Reflection
Felix is a Project Control Apprentice at EDF. Felix discusses what he does in his role. What job within water industry might you interested in exploring?
To wrap up today’s session, remind learners that their CV is often the first thing an employer sees – so it needs to clearly highlight their strengths, experience, and potential. Reassure them that everyone starts somewhere, and even informal experience can be valuable.
Encourage them to keep working on their draft CVs, using today’s activities as a solid foundation. Let them know that in the next module, they’ll build on this by practising how to talk about their experience in interviews. Finally, congratulate them for taking an important step forward in their job journey.
Submit draft CV to trainer for review and individual feedback. Trainer checks for:
1. What is the main purpose of a CV?
A) To list all your hobbies
B) To show employers your personality
C) To apply for jobs and highlight your skills and experience ✅
D) To replace the need for interviews
2. What should a personal profile include?
A) Your date of birth
B) Your strengths, job goal, and a key achievement ✅
C) A list of every job you’ve ever had
D) Your full address and ID number
3. Which of these is a CV ‘DO’?
A) Use bright colours and creative fonts
B) Keep it honest and clear ✅
C) Add every personal detail possible
D) Make it 4–5 pages long
4. Which of these is an acceptable entry in the ‘Work Experience’ section?
A) “Just helped out sometimes”
B) “Worked in prison kitchen – managed stock and hygiene duties” ✅
C) “Too long ago to remember”
D) “I don’t want to say”
5. What should you write for references if you don’t have any yet?
A) “Ask me later”
B) Leave it blank
C) “Available on request” ✅
D) “Don’t have any”
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