CV Help

[at106]

Im currently studying for my AS Levels but im not really enjoying it so im applying for a few apprenticeships. One im very interested in is with QinetiQ who are basically offering a mechanical engineering apprenticeship which is what im interested in.

However i need a CV and i've never written one before. Below is what i've got so far and it covers about 1 and 1/4 A4 pages but id be greatful if you could suggest anything i should add or take out Here's a link to the advert https://www.qinetiq.com/careers/search/Pages/default.aspx (just press search and it should appear)

[waffles]

Work Experience would normally cover paid work rather than "finding out about", instead you could include a section about relevant experience or put it in your other information section? Be more factual with that too; explain what you did, what departments you observed, any tasks you were given etc.

Its now a good idea to include an email address on CV's although not if your personal email addy is something like Iluvbigtits@hotmail.whatever, make sure it is vaguely sensible!

You are doing AS or A2 at the moment? Got some predicted grades you can stick on there too?

I would reword your personal interests section and turn it into more of a paragraph rather than a list of things you like. Be eloquent yet interesting! "I enjoy them not just to see who wins but because I'm interested in the design and workings of the vehicles" could then become "I am very interested in the evolution of motorcycle design and watch Formula 1, MotoGP and the Isle of Man TT races to see how each modification can improve performance." or words to that effect.

Your CV should be fairly neutral and a document that could be sent out to every company you apply to, ensure that you write a cover letter that is tailored to this particular company. "I wish to apply for xxx position, I feel that I have a lot to off your company because I have some previous experience" then discuss your weeks work experience thing.

Good stuff so far though
____________________
Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[at106]

[swampy]

[groovylee]

mate, i will go through this when i have a bit more time, as i work in engineering, and have done for the last 14 years. there is a lot of good advice above, and you have a good basis of a CV there. i'll drop you a message laters if you want with a few pointers of what i look for when i'm recruiting

good luck,

lee
____________________
Past - 1988 honda revere 600, 1996 kawasaki gpz500s, 1999 Yamaha R6

Current - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000R & 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R

[angryjonny]

Don't put "Curriculum Vitae" at the top. We know it's a CV and we know what CV stands for, so it looks daft. Just put your name instead, centred at the top without the "Name:". Then your name stands out, rather than some pointless space-wasting words.

[at106]

[angryjonny]

Couple of points re: the work experience section.

(1) Careful with the semicolon - it's a tricky symbol to use correctly and is often best left out.
(2) Hangers are for shirts. Hangars are for aircraft.

I've had a go at rewording it slightly to sound a little more formal.


In March 2010 I was one of a group of students given the opportunity to spend a week at QinetiQ. I learned about a variety of departments including police, fire, photography/filming and data review as well as visiting Empire Test Pilots’ School. The week was both an invaluable introduction to QinetiQ and thoroughly enjoyable, in particular seeing the aircraft hangars and meeting the current apprentices.

[waffles]

[at106]

Thanks for both of your replies, i'll go and work on it some more

Once my CV is complete i'll be working on a cover letter and describing myself in 300 words

[Clanger]

This topic, surprisingly, has been done to death...all you had to do was a wee search, it's amazing what you will find...

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=222026&highlight=cv

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=230274&highlight=cv

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=211932&highlight=cv

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=213020&highlight=cv

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=233195&highlight=cv

I could go on and on and on...just like the search page does, but I think this is enough homework for you to do for the time being!
____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[at106]

I think my CV is now finished, thanks for all the advice

I was just wondering if someone could have a quick read of my cover letter. Im not particularly sure about the grammar at the beginning of the 3rd paragraph and wether or not i should take the fourth paragraph out and add it to the section on the application called, "Describe Yourself"?

[swampy]

[drzsta]

I can't give much help on your CV but on another note - I did exactly the same thing, left sixth form after AS levels and joined an electrical apprenticeship. Coundn't have worked out better because the money I was earning got me two new bikes within the first year and passed my car and motorcycle test.

4 years later and it's coming to an end.
____________________
Current Bikes - BMW S1000RR ‘17 & KTM 690 SMC-R ‘12

[at106]

Swampy- thanks for your help! I've now added some of your suggestions and it sounds much better

drzsta- hopefully i get in then i'll actually be doing something that interests me, and i get paid