Fashion

Curriculum Vitae (Latin: the course of one’s life)

An outline of a person’s educational and professional history

What is the purpose of a CV?

• To inform the employer about your education, work experience, skills and interests

• To ‘sell’ these qualities and to persuade the employer to invite you to interview

When an employer asks for a CV When an employer states ‘apply to…’

without specifying the format When making speculative applications

• It is not ‘one size fits all’, you need to tailor your CV to each position you apply for.

• Research the company. Do they have a mission statement or core values? What will they be looking for in you? Check the job description/person specification.

Personal details Education from GCSE level –institutions,

qualifications & dates (most recent first) Relevant work experience Work history Other information (including your website

if you have one) References

Name (as a heading rather than ‘CV’) Address Telephone number Email address

Make sure this is a professional email address, not ‘sexybeccy@hotmail.com’

Start with the most recent Don’t forget your current study

Mention relevant modules You might like to mention top marks

You don’t have to put your grades on if you weren’t happy with them

Include the years of study Primary school not needed

Education and Qualifications

2011 – Present University of KentBA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles (Predicted 2:1)Modules include: Fashion and Printed Textile Design, Creative and Technical Skills, Creative Design and Business PracticeDissertation: Should we applaud the influence of Zandra Rhodes on the fashion industry?Highlights include:

• Winner of the College Fashion Show • Portfolio grade of 75%

2009 – 2011 Maidstone Grammar SchoolA-levels: Media Studies (A), Art (B), Information Technology (C)

2005 – 2009 Wrotham SchoolGCSEs: 8 GCSEs grade A-C including English and Mathematics

Dates, name of company, position, location. Don’t just list your duties – sell your skills and

provide evidence. Which skills are relevant to the position/company you are applying to?

April 2010 – June 2011 Sales Assistant Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone

•Delivered excellent customer service as demonstrated by my mystery shop result of 91% and by receiving ‘Sales Assistant of the Month’ award three times.•Achieved a sales result of 5% above my target illustrating my advanced selling skills, as well as my determination to succeed.

What examples can you give from your work experience?If you have no paid work experience, give examples from voluntary work or from your course

created instructed analysed producednegotiated designed calculated

maintained administered controlled reviewed

observed consolidated delivered founded

increasedstudied invented supplied detected

programmed recommended distributeddeveloped solved prepared installed selected arranged formulated solved

started

Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate skills relevant to the job such as:

• Team work• Organising• Commitment• Your intellectual abilities• Your personality• Your artistic ability

Ideally, one academic and previous/current employer.

Ask permission from your referee and let them know what position(s) you’ve applied for.

Use relevant references if possible. You can say ‘references available on

request’ rather than including contact details if you wish.

I have good writen skills I loathe filling in application forms

so much that I’ll give you the information at the interview

If called to interview, I would like to discuss the salary, pensions and sickness benefits

The first visual impression of your CV is important

For standard CVs, use plain white A4 paper Do not double side Keep your CV to two sides of paper Check your spelling Use bullet points and bold font but in

moderation

Formatting – make sure it’s consistent Size 10-12 font (depending on font style) Clear font e.g. Arial, Calibri 2:1, not Two One or 2,1 Use short, concise sentences

Be creative in design BUT ensure all relevant CV information is included

See http://www.careers-creative-living.co.uk/cv_gallery

See http://www.mikeclegg.co.uk/ See the creative CV guide for ideas &

suggestions Include a weblink to your portfolio In general, less is more!

www.kent.ac.uk/ces

http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/creative-careers.htm

www.prospects.ac.uk

medwaycareers@kent.ac.uk