Creative CV's with Dr Sebastian Owen

A CV needs to be built with a purpose in mind. It needs to be specific to what I want to do and what I am applying for. 

An effective CV needs to be:

• State clearly who I am. Who am I as a creative?
• Emphasise key skills and achievements
• Look attractive and interesting to read
• Tailored to the role you apply for 

Essential Content

• Name. This needs to be the title of the document. The title 'CV' is not necessary
• Contact details. Number, email, website, etc. Hyperlinks need to be attached to the email and website. Address is not necessary unless asked
• Education. Reverse chronological order including current degree course. GCSE's do not need adding in unless asked
• Separate column for other qualifications outside of creative CV
• Employment and work experience history. Include placements, internships and volunteering. No address is needed. Perhaps location and dates (start-end)
• Freelance photography jobs. Separate column (Wedding, newborn, pregnancy, special birthdays, prom, portfolio for model) 
• Personal profile. A bit of text at the beginning of the CV talking about yourself. Short and punchy. Do not include that you are a student 
• Voluntary work, extra curricular activities, organised charity events
• References. This could be written as 'reference available upon request'. Or leave some information at the bottom of the CV. However it is not necessary. If I ask James S I need to ask and let him now before hand
• Skills, technical skills, software skills
• Exhibitions, awards, competitions, work that has been published
• Interests/hobbies. They need to be interesting, such as sports. 

What should my CV look like?

• Readable and easy access
• Use google images for templates and guidelines
• Do not use a photo of yourself
• Templates are also available on Microsoft Word. New > CV > Templates/Resume
• Customise the template to the best that represents you
• Make sure visual elements don't stand in the way and create distractions

Things to avoid!!!!

• Unprintable. Think about the colours. Companies are not going to want to print something that uses up their colour printer. Stick to the basic, black and white or minimal use of colours.
• Meaningless tiny icons. People will be able to identify your email address and phone number without these icons. They are also a distraction and waste of space.
• Don't give yourself ratings on your skills. 
• Using one CV for everything. Focus on a specialism. 

Pro Tips

• Where did you learn your skills?
• What transferrable skills do you have? Capitalise skills needed for employment, i.e. responsibilities, communicational skills, good customer service, etc.
• Fill up the page. 2 columns would be good to do as it will spread across and leave less white space. 

A CV only needs to be 1 side of A4. If you need to spread across two make sure the most important information is on the first page. 

The less amount of information the more interesting it becomes for the reader. Include only vital information which is relevant and shows you off. If you are asked for a cover letter then you can be more in depth. A CV just needs to be punchy and show enough information.