How to write a CV

If youre starting from scratch, sitting down to write a winning CV (sometimes

called a resume) can seem daunting and feel like a time-consuming task.
However, approached with the right amount of enthusiasm, research and
professionalism, a well written CV can help you on your career path.
A good CV is essential when applying for a new role or a promotion, but what
should it contain?
Firstly you need to understand what a CV is and what its used for. A CV is a
summary of your skills, experience and education. It is your opportunity to show
that your skills and experience match what is needed and you are the best
person for the job.
Think of it as your own personal marketing tool that provides you with the
chance to sell yourself. Be sure to highlight all your key achievements and
successes to create the best possible chance of securing that all important
interview.
Remember to personalize your CV for each job, so that you bring out the skills
and experience required for that particular role.
For onboard support speak to your line manager or HRM.
Basic rules
Personal Details It may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many
people forget to include their name, email and contact phone numbers. Make
sure these are clearly marked at the top of your CV and they are up to date.
Check that they are the best way to contact you (i.e.) if you are on leave a ship
email address would not be applicable. Please also include your contact address
details.
Personal Statement Although optional, many people choose to include a
personal statement in their CV as its a good opportunity to summarize your
strengths and outline why you are the right person. Keep it short and to the
point and be sure to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment. We give
you some more guidance on how to develop a personal statement later on.
Key Skills This is the area where you can show your key strengths and
qualifications that are relevant for the role. When applying for different roles you
can tailor your strengths to match the position you are applying for. Examples to
include: ability to work in a team, manage staff, IT skills and professional
qualifications. No more than 5/6 bullet points should be included.
Work Experience / Employment History This section is critical. Its really
important not to just list your roles. For each job, set out the employer, the job
title and no more than 4 or 5 lines explaining your responsibilities. After this, list
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in bullet point format your key achievements in the role. Make it specific and
dont use euphemisms or buzz words. Heres an example:
Employer: Cunard Line
Position: Bar Supervisor
From: January 2009 to February 2013
In this role I was responsible for the supervision of a number of bars on board
RMS Queen Mary 2, including the cocktail bar and the pub. I led a team of 25
staff across a variety of roles with 3 direct report senior ratings.
Achievements:
- Achieved an increase in customer NPS scores for my area from 86%
positive to 90% positive
- Grew average bar revenue from $5000 to $6000 per day
- Worked as part of team with the HGM on a review of bar layout,
implemented findings and trained my team on the outcome. Result was
improvement in guest satisfaction (as measured by NPS) of 5%
Remember to list your most recent role first. List all roles in the last ten years
then summarize those earlier in your career.
Education List formal qualifications and any training and development
undertaken, either independently (i.e.) School, college, University or during
previous employment.
Hobbies & Interests This is optional and should only be included if the skills
or teamwork concerned are relevant for the job. An example might be
volunteering as a sports coach, or learning a new language in your spare time.
Generic examples such as reading, going to the cinema or listening to music are
not worth including.
Any extra information such as reasons for a career change or reasons for gaps in
career history should be added as required.
FAQs
What should I leave out of my CV?
A photo This is not needed
Date of birth or place of birth - This is unnecessary and not required
Do I need to include a personal statement?
You dont have to include one, but it will help your CV to stand out. It must focus
on the sector you are applying to and be short and snappy. Circa 75 150 words
is a good length for a personal statement. This section of a CV is also known as
a personal summary, career aim or simply a profile.
Do I list work history or education first?
As you are applying for internal positions we want to know all about your work
history and achievements. Therefore please list your work history first, starting
with your most recent role and working backwards, followed by your education.
How do I write a great CV?
Grammar there should be no mistakes in your CV. Use a spell checker
and ask someone to check over the text. Try to include as many active
words as possible to increase the impact of your CV. For example, you
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could include positive active words like created, analysed and

developed to present yourself as a person that shows initiative. Avoid
management speak or buzzwords.
Layout put your most positive skills and talents towards the top of your
CV. The same rules apply when listing grades to exams always place
your highest grade first.
Presentation keep your CV neat and make sure it is easy to read. Bullet
points can be used to tidy up lists. Your choice of font can have more
impact than you think. Make sure you chose a font that is unfussy and
easy to read. The recommended font is Calibri or Corbel in size 11.

Do I need to write a cover letter?

Yes, both a CV and cover letter are required. A cover letter allows you to
personalise your application to the job. You can draw attention to a particular
part of your CV and draw attention to key details. For support and guidance on
writing a cover letter please refer to How to Write a Cover Letter.
Remember
A CV is a reflection of you, so its important that its well laid out and looks
professional.
Keep it short enough to read quickly and ideally not longer than 2 sides of
A4.
Chose a clear and professional font to ensure that your CV can be easily
read.
Clearly lay out your CV in a logical order, with sufficient spacing and clear
section headings (i.e.) work experience, education.
Order your experience and education, starting with the most recent first.
We are interested in what you have been doing most recently not what
you did when you first left school. This will also highlight your most recent
experience and achievements.
Avoid typing mistakes at all costs. A simple spell check is not enough; ask
someone to proof read your finished CV.
Ensure your CV
highlights the specific achievements, skills and knowledge you have to
offer
demonstrates the experience you have in the specific field
illustrates you have transferrable skills to the role
covers appropriate personal qualities for the role

How to Write a Personal Statement

When it comes to writing a CV, some aspects come easier than others. Whilst
you may not struggle with career history or qualifications as these are more
factual, one element which many find more challenging is the personal
statement.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is generally the first thing included on our CV, and is a brief
personal summary to help you stand apart from the competition. Its designed to
make the reader want to read on and demonstrate why you are the right person
for the job.
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It should try and answer the following questions: Who are you? What can you
offer? and What you are aiming for in your career.
Why do I need a personal statement and how long should it be?
Your personal statement is your chance to sell yourself to the hiring manager and
help you put across the specific skills that make you perfect for the position.
Ideally your personal statement should be no more that around 150 words (or 45 lines of your CV). Any more than this and you run the risk of rambling and
taking up valuable space in your CV.
Remember it is a summary. It is not a cover letter so keep it concise, relevant
and to the point.
How do I write a personal statement?
Try bullet point facts initially to help focus the main areas. If you are struggling
for inspiration use the job description or advert to help identify the specific skills
we are looking for. Your personal statement can be written in either the first or
third person. Just make sure you maintain consistency throughout.
Example 1 Receptionist
A mature, reliable and hardworking Receptionist with extensive experience in a
variety of organisations and situations. Friendly and outgoing, with a passion for
helping others, whilst acting in a sensitive and diplomatic manner. Very flexible,
adaptable and keen to learn. Used to working with people from all backgrounds
and known for maintaining a helpful and cheerful disposition, even when under
pressure. Competent user of Word, Excel, SAP and other systems
Example 2 Supervisor
A conscientious, hard-working and well trained Supervisor with extensive
experience in the catering profession. Strengths include planning of busy
customer service operations, problem solving and commercial acumen. Seeking
a position to use and develop these skills, within P&O Cruises.
Example 3 Manager
A successful manager with several years' experience in hotel onboard. Most
recently specialising in the Food and Beverage department. A proven track
record in all operational functions, with particular record of achievements in
planning, revenue generation, team building & problem solving, combined with a
high degree of customer service awareness. Known to be an approachable and
friendly manager, with a keen sense of humour.

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