Using the same CV you’ve had for years? Or are you a recent social work graduate and not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Our specialist consultants know the hiring process inside out and understand what stands out to busy hiring managers that are sifting through dozens of CVs. They have put together a CV structure and some handy hints and tips that will be sure to help yours stand out from the crowd.
- The CV Template
Simply fill in the sections below with your own details to ensure a well-structured, organised and easy to read CV:
Full Name:
Contact details (phone number and email):
Location & Travel distance:
Car driver (yes /no):
Personal Statement
Use this space for a summary of you and your experience. If the job is in a particular field, ensure to include this so the employer immediately knows your skills match the requirement. Add in things such as notice period, and any relevant keywords that you may have seen in the job description that match your experience.
Qualifications and Registrations
Include all relevant qualifications, such as your HCPC registration, ASYE etc.
Training and CPD
List all relevant training courses and extended learning you have done.
DBS Check
Confirm you have an up-to-date DBS check by including the date of issue and/or number.
Employment history:
Always list your employment history with your most recent post first. This gives a clear indication of your most recent experience and also shows career development and promotions.
- Job Title
- Employer
- Dates to and from
- Write a description of the role you did, followed by bullet-pointed key responsibilities (again, try to use any keywords or skills mentioned in the job description of the role you are applying for).
Gaps in Employment
Don’t let any gaps in employment worry you. As long as you work back through your career, you can ensure any gaps are covered with dates and reasons, e.g. caring for family, career break to travel etc.
Achievements:
Bullet any awards, accreditations or significant experiences in your career.
References:
Provide two references with one of them being your most recent employer. If you do not wish them to be contacted until you’ve secured your next role, make sure you have highlighted this to your prospective new employer.
- The Presentation
- Pick a professional font, Times New Roman, Calibri and Tahoma are the best choices
- Ensure font size is suitable, around 11 or 12 is easy on the eye and allows you to get plenty of content in without making it too long. This also helps to avoid your cv looking cluttered.
- Try to keep it to a maximum of 2 pages long. We all know how busy hiring managers are, they want to see the key facts quickly.
- Consider a skills or qualifications tab down one side of the page,this is a great way to make your CV look more organised but also give the hiring manager a chance to easily see your most important information.
- Use bullet points rather than lengthy paragraphs – you’ll have time to talk and fill in the detail in the interview, which shows your ability to expand upon your CV and show your vast understanding of the role and your experience.
- Keep it neat and tidy with breaks between sections and consistency of spacing throughout.
- You do not need to include a photo or your address. A location and distance to travel is enough information for your employer.
- Content – the breakdown
- Ensure you are only including relevant information. If you are 15yrs into your career, we no longer need to know about first roles or the fact that you did your Duke of Edinburgh Award. Having a lengthy employment list that dates back years is off-putting and will only make your CV longer than it needs to be. Select what roles, awards and experiences perfectly summarise your career goals and are relevant to the job you are applying to.
- Tweak your CV each time before sending it out, make sure it is tailored to the role you’re applying for and put emphasis on the skills that it requires – if you have them.
- DON’T LIE – hiring managers will ask questions about your experience. If you are applying for a promotional role, it is better to be honest and ensure your CV reflects relevant experience and your willingness to learn rather than include information that is not true. You will get caught out.
- If you have done the same role at various locations, don’t repeat your job description. Set out a list of all your key skills and abilities e.g. assessments, court work; and then under each dated employer, instead give a brief description of what you brought to the role – a hiring manager knows the job description of a social worker, so this is your chance to stand out.
- Ensure all relevant qualifications are included along with professional registration details.
- Language
- No jargon
- Ensure it is spell checked and grammar checked
- Proof read, Proof read, PROOF READ before sending
Remember our experienced consultants are here if you have any CV or interview related questions, so don’t hesitate to get in contact with them!
Looking for a new social work role? We can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, get in touch now via email at [email protected] or click here to view our latest vacancies.
Using the same CV you’ve had for years? Or are you a recent social work graduate and not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Our specialist consultants know the hiring process inside out and understand what stands out to busy hiring managers that are sifting through dozens of CVs. They have put together a CV structure and some handy hints and tips that will be sure to help yours stand out from the crowd.
- The CV Template
Simply fill in the sections below with your own details to ensure a well-structured, organised and easy to read CV:
Full Name:
Contact details (phone number and email):
Location & Travel distance:
Car driver (yes /no):
Personal Statement
Use this space for a summary of you and your experience. If the job is in a particular field, ensure to include this so the employer immediately knows your skills match the requirement. Add in things such as notice period, and any relevant keywords that you may have seen in the job description that match your experience.
Qualifications and Registrations
Include all relevant qualifications, such as your HCPC registration, ASYE etc.
Training and CPD
List all relevant training courses and extended learning you have done.
DBS Check
Confirm you have an up-to-date DBS check by including the date of issue and/or number.
Employment history:
Always list your employment history with your most recent post first. This gives a clear indication of your most recent experience and also shows career development and promotions.
- Job Title
- Employer
- Dates to and from
- Write a description of the role you did, followed by bullet-pointed key responsibilities (again, try to use any keywords or skills mentioned in the job description of the role you are applying for).
Gaps in Employment
Don’t let any gaps in employment worry you. As long as you work back through your career, you can ensure any gaps are covered with dates and reasons, e.g. caring for family, career break to travel etc.
Achievements:
Bullet any awards, accreditations or significant experiences in your career.
References:
Provide two references with one of them being your most recent employer. If you do not wish them to be contacted until you’ve secured your next role, make sure you have highlighted this to your prospective new employer.
- The Presentation
- Pick a professional font, Times New Roman, Calibri and Tahoma are the best choices
- Ensure font size is suitable, around 11 or 12 is easy on the eye and allows you to get plenty of content in without making it too long. This also helps to avoid your cv looking cluttered.
- Try to keep it to a maximum of 2 pages long. We all know how busy hiring managers are, they want to see the key facts quickly.
- Consider a skills or qualifications tab down one side of the page,this is a great way to make your CV look more organised but also give the hiring manager a chance to easily see your most important information.
- Use bullet points rather than lengthy paragraphs – you’ll have time to talk and fill in the detail in the interview, which shows your ability to expand upon your CV and show your vast understanding of the role and your experience.
- Keep it neat and tidy with breaks between sections and consistency of spacing throughout.
- You do not need to include a photo or your address. A location and distance to travel is enough information for your employer.
- Content – the breakdown
- Ensure you are only including relevant information. If you are 15yrs into your career, we no longer need to know about first roles or the fact that you did your Duke of Edinburgh Award. Having a lengthy employment list that dates back years is off-putting and will only make your CV longer than it needs to be. Select what roles, awards and experiences perfectly summarise your career goals and are relevant to the job you are applying to.
- Tweak your CV each time before sending it out, make sure it is tailored to the role you’re applying for and put emphasis on the skills that it requires – if you have them.
- DON’T LIE – hiring managers will ask questions about your experience. If you are applying for a promotional role, it is better to be honest and ensure your CV reflects relevant experience and your willingness to learn rather than include information that is not true. You will get caught out.
- If you have done the same role at various locations, don’t repeat your job description. Set out a list of all your key skills and abilities e.g. assessments, court work; and then under each dated employer, instead give a brief description of what you brought to the role – a hiring manager knows the job description of a social worker, so this is your chance to stand out.
- Ensure all relevant qualifications are included along with professional registration details.
- Language
- No jargon
- Ensure it is spell checked and grammar checked
- Proof read, Proof read, PROOF READ before sending
Remember our experienced consultants are here if you have any CV or interview related questions, so don’t hesitate to get in contact with them!
Looking for a new social work role? We can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, get in touch now via email at [email protected] or click here to view our latest vacancies.