CV Tips For Temporary Jobs and Gap Year Jobs

CVs

Taking a year out before starting your university degree is becoming increasingly popular, as is the decision to spend this year working overseas often in a voluntary capacity for international aid organisations or charities. Naturally, this type of work is very much in demand so the CV you use for this needs to be strong to enable your application to be given favourable consideration. It is also possible to target your CV towards GAP year employment in a similar way as if you were employing for temporary work as there are certain attributes that are favourable for both types of work.

What To Include

Your CV should be a clear and concise summary of your qualifications, skills and experiences that also allows key aspects of your personality to shine through. There is a generally accepted standard of what a CV should contain and this information is usually separated into clear sections.

Contact Details

These should be up-to-date so potential employers can easily reach you by phone, email or even post.

Personal profile

Some say this is the most important part of the CV as it is a summary of your individual qualities and attributes whilst others prefer not to include such a section. Our recommendation is to include it.

Objective

This should clearly state that you are seeking part-time or holiday employment, if only make your intentions clear to the reader

Education and Qualifications

Details of all academic qualifications since secondary school in reverse chronological order

Additional Skills

An optional section highlighting your proficiency in the use of computers, your knowledge of foreign languages, etc.

Achievements

Another optional section detailing academic, sporting or professional achievements

Career Summary

Include all part-time, full-time, temporary and voluntary employment, again in reverse chronological order

Personal Details

Your date of birth, your nationality and whether or not you can drive can all be included in this section

Interests and Activities

Although some argue that this section is not necessary, and it is generally omitted in the US, it is a good opportunity to reflect something of your personality, showing that you can maintain a healthy balance between your work, your studies and your personal life

A CV template laid on a table next to a cup of coffee and a plant

Layout and Length

How you present your CV is clearly of vital importance and the key points here are to:

Type your CV rather than handwrite it
Use good quality paper that is not flimsy but not too thick either
Be creative with your presentation and choice of font
Keep it to a maximum of two or three pages
Put the most important information on the first page

Top Tips for a Gap Year / Short-term Contract CV

Many people choose to spend their GAP year working overseas, often in developing countries, where they can gain invaluable life skills and enjoy a life-changing experience that will add significant value to their CV.

It is a special kind of person who is willing to undertake work of this nature and their skills need to be sufficiently reflected in their CV.

Also, don't forget that many people will probably be seeking similar opportunities as yourself so you really need to use your CV as a selling tool.

Highlight interests and activities that are "interesting" and different - ones that make you stand out as someone who rises well to a challenge and integrates successfully into team environments
Demonstrate your communication skills and your ability to interact with people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds
Use your Personal Profile to really sell your personality - employers will want to know more about you than just what you have done at school and in your career so far
Emphasise any significant achievements you may have enjoyed that help to demonstrate your ability to succeed
Similar rules will apply to the preparation of a CV for temporary employment - you will need similar attributes such as the ability to integrate well with other people and strong communication skills.

*These temporary job CV tips were put together with the help of The CV Centre.

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