Preparing for job-hunting

When job-hunting, it pays to be well-prepared! One of the preliminary tasks to carry out is to compose and duplicate curriculum vitae. This is a kind of personal data sheet set out in schematic form and organized into sections. It provides a concise account of a person's 'life story'.

The curriculum vitae

A curriculum vitae is normally divided into the following sections:

• Personal details

Full name, age, sex, marital status, nationality, home address, telephone number.

• Education

Names and dates of schools, colleges attended etc, and brief details of courses followed, with notes of any posts of responsibility or sports and social activities.

• Qualifications

Usually set out in chronological order, supplying dates, subjects, examining boards and grades.

• Work experience

Names and addresses of past and present employers, stating post held and duties carried out. For people seeking a first post, it is helpful to supply details of any part-time work experience.

• Hobbies, interests

Brief details of social activities, pastimes or hobbies.

• Circumstances

Details of notice to be worked, willingness to move, availability, holder of clean driving license, etc.

Having a set of curriculum vitaes prepared will save a great deal of time, especially when applying for a post where application forms are not provided.

• References

The next step is to approach people who are willing to supply a reference either about your work or your personal character. Never give details of a referee on an application form without first seeking his permission.

CURRICULUM VITAE Personal details Name Robert Brown Address 4 Ash Grove Road, Anytown, OT2 7IR Tel: 0666 364 582 Email: robertb@mktg.ssu.co.uk Nationality British Date of birth 12/10/76 Marital status Single 1 - Personal profile I am reliable, well organized, and used to working on my own initiative. I am able to prioritize my workload. I am comfortable working on my own or as part of a team. 2 - Key skills Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel Good problem-solver Confident communicator Self-motivated Able to cope under pressure Fluent in German Clean driving license 3 - Work experience 2007 - Present Marketing Assistant, Success Solutions Unlimited, Manchester Duties include planning and implementing all advertising and promotion, responding to enquiries, monitoring student performance. 2005 - 2007 Teacher of English, Churchill School of English, Munich, Germany August 2001 One month placement in the sales department of Newton Publishing, London 4 - Education Dec 2002 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language 1999-2002 London University: BA in English Literature and Language 1992-1999 Minster College Secondary School, Wells 8 GCSEs, 3 A levels: English (A), German (B), Art (C) 5 - Interests Football, sailing, reading, landscape painting 6 - References Available on request

Once these steps are carried out, it is a matter of scanning local or national newspapers, trade journals or details displayed in job centres, or of registering with a local job centre.