Your CV

Your calling card to a

successful career!

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 1

Contents

PURPOSE OF A CV ........................................................................................................... 3
CV SECTIONS-FIT TEMPLATE ................................................................................... 4
FIT CV TIPS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….. 5

.....................................................................................................................................................
SAMPLE CV 1 – REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL CV ............................................ 6
SAMPLE CV 2 – REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL CV ............................................ 8
SAMPLE CV 3 – REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL CV .......................................... 10
SAMPLE CV 4 – SKILLS BASED CV ...................................................................... 11
PERSONAL PROFILE .................................................................................................... 14
Personal Profile Builder ............................................................................................ 15
KEY SKILLS ....................................................................................................................... 16
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS............................................................................................. 17
TAILORING YOUR CV .................................................................................................. 18
UPDATING YOUR CV.................................................................................................... 33
COVER LETTERS ............................................................................................................. 34
LETTER EXAMPLE 2: DIRECT APPLICATION TO COMPANY: NO JOB
ADVERTISED .................................................................................................................... 36
SOURCING INFORMATION ON CVS .................................................................... 39
CV DO’S AND DONTS ................................................................................................... 40
CHECK LIST ...................................................................................................................... 40

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 2

Why should I write a CV?

The purpose of a CV is to capture the attention of the employer in order to

obtain an interview for a job.

Your CV is the first contact you will have with an employer. It should provide
them with a concise overview of your education, work history and personal
achievements.

Your CV should demonstrate to an employer that your skills, qualifications

and experience match the job being advertised.

A CV will also be needed to apply for Work Experience, Volunteer Work, as

well as Apprenticeships and Internships. In some cases a CV may also be
required when applying for a training or education course.

Your CV is a marketing tool, designed to

promote you

What the Employer is looking for

An employer will use a CV to select suitable candidates based on skills:

Is your CV tailored to the job advertised?

Have you highlighted relevant experience?

Are you a good fit for the organisation?

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 3

FIT Template

1. Personal Details (Name, Address, Contact number, Email

address, LinkedIn address).

2. Personal Profile

3. Key Skills

4. Education & Training

• Dates attended
• Course title
• College name & address
• Modules

5. Work History
• Dates of employment
• Position
• Company name & address
• Duties

6. Additional Information (Optional) here you might include any

other awards or qualifications that may not fall under ‘Training &
Education’ e.g. Full Clean Drivers Licence, Head of the Parents
Association, Safe Pass and First Aid qualifications.

7. Interests

8. Achievements (Optional) e.g. Student of the Year, Annual

participant in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon.

9. Referees – Available on request

Always ask a referee’s permission before you use their name. It is a
good idea to send them a copy of your CV and a description of the
job you have applied for.

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Your CV needs to impress the hiring manager in the first instance and we
at FIT have devised some top tips to help you do this;

• No more than 2 pages • Contain no spelling or

grammar errors
• Use a professional font
• Personal statement should
• Font size should be no be concise and customised
more than size 12 for each role

• Clearly laid out and easy to • Use keywords in your

read personal profile and your
Key Skills
• Be tailored to specific job
roles

What not to include

• Keep your CV professional (no clip art, coloured paper or snazzy

borders)

• Extra personal information like, Nationality, Date of Birth, Gender

• Photographs

• Embellished skills, only add skills that you are confident with

• Do not over load your CV with information

• Avoid clichés

• Unprofessional email addresses

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 5

 Shauna Devine
Ballyfermot, Dublin 10
087 947 9384
shauna.devine@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunadevine

PERSONAL PROFILE

A qualified Tech Apprentice in Software Development with a strong technical

background and 10 years commercial experience. Ability to think through a problem
coupled with the confidence to make ideas heard. A proven ability to maintain and
enhance company software with the aim of improving operational functionality in
line with business requirement.

Currently looking for a software developer opportunity that will allow me to work
as part of a professional team of developers, thereby helping to drive my career
progression to more senior roles in the future, while contributing to business
development and efficiencies.

KEY SKILLS

• Experience of working through all stages of a development project

• Ability to manage own projects and portfolio
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Proficient in Java and PHP development
• Having a logical approach to problem solving
• A strong understanding of professional software development practice
• Able to communicate complex issues to a large range of stakeholders at all
levels
• Knowledge of differing development methodologies
• Possessing a solid technical competencies in software development
principles
• Proven ability to meet agreed project and customer satisfaction targets
• Have exposure to requirements definition and concept of workflow /
reporting
• Experience of working on large scale websites and micro sites

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Sept 2007 – 2009 Liberties College CDCFE

Bull Alley St, Wood Quay, Dublin.
Tech Apprenticeship Software Development

Modules: Fundamentals of Object Oriented Programming (Coding

using Java), Programming & Design Principles (Coding
using Java), Software Architecture, Database Methods,
Communications, Work Experience, Maths for
Information Technology.

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Jan – Dec 2006 Ballyfermot Training Centre, Dublin 10
Account Administration & Payroll

Sept 2000 – Jun 2005 Leaving Certificate

WORK EXPERIENCE

Jan. 2009 – Dec. 2019 Hartly, Jones and Associates

South West Business Park, Dublin 11.
Accounts Assistant

• Worked on systems maintenance and development patches and data fixes

• Provided support in the event of software failure
• Suggested improvements to the usage of applications and their design
• Provided support, maintenance and enhancement to new and existing
systems
• Developed and tested solutions
• Ensured accuracy of output on business critical systems
• Supported customers and operational staff in issue resolution
• Analysed user requirements & then developed systems that met their
requirements

Jan. 2007 – Dec. 2009 Hartly, Jones and Associates

South West Business Park, Dublin 11.
Tech Apprentice Software Development

• Supported systems maintenance and development

• Completed software tests according to specifications
• Suggested improvements to the usage of applications and their design
• Supported team in maintenance and enhancement to new and existing
systems
• Developed and tested solutions

June 2003 – Dec 2005 Centra, Greenhills

Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Shop Assistant (Part-time)
• Monitored and updated sales display areas
• Handled a range of financial transactions on a daily basis
• Entrusted with opening and closing of the premises
• Advised customers on products and services
• Built positive working relationships with suppliers

INTERESTS
• Founding member of the Greenhill CoderDojo
• New Technology: Keen interest in software developments - self-taught in
many applications (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, HTML, CSS, UNIX).
• Reading: With a passion for technology. I am also a regular contributor to
Forums such as GeekZone and Digital Point.
• Running: I run on a regular basis and recently ran two half marathons
raising €1,000 in sponsorship for Pieta House.

REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 7

 PAUL SMITH
Drogheda , Co Louth
087 947 9384
paul.smith@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/pub/paul-smith1

PERSONAL PROFILE

Over 8 years’ experience in a customer focused environment developing excellent

communication and customer service skills, progressing to a Team Lead position.
Confident and competent in the use of IT Software, Systems and Principles
including Project Management. Now keen to demonstrate my technical problem
solving ability. Actively seeking employment opportunities in the ICT sector where
I can continue to develop new skills whilst building on my existing experience and
recent training.

KEY SKILLS

• Computer Skills: CSS, HTML, PEARL, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Java

• Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, UNIX
• Excellent Customer Service and Communication Skills
• Technical Problem Solving ability and Leadership Skills
• Languages: Fluent Spanish, Basic French

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Sept 2019 – Present Drogheda Institute of Further Education

Drogheda , Co Louth

Computer Systems & Networks with Cyber

Security
Modules: Programming and Design Principles(Java, PHP,
HTML/CSS, JavaScript), Computer Systems Hardware,
Networking Essentials, Operating Systems (Oracle
Virtual Box), Communications, Mobile Technologies,
Work Experience, Maths for Information Technology
Awaiting Results

Oct - Dec 2018 eCollege On-Line Learning

ECDL

Jan – Jun 2017 Dundalk Training Centre, Dundalk , Co Louth

Security PSA Licence

Sept 2002– Jun 2009 St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda , Co Louth,
Leaving Certificate

WORK EXPERIENCE

2017 – 2019 During this time, whilst looking for full-time

employment I attended courses in ICT and Security
Training. I have also been involved in a number of
community projects including fundraising for the local
under 12’s soccer club which I coach two evenings a
week. I discovered an on-going interest in ICT and
have recently embarked on a training programme in
order to further up-skill in this area. It is my hope to
return to full time employment on completion of the
programme.

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Jan. 2009 – Dec. 2017 PayPal
Xerox Technology Park, Dundalk

Position: Team Leader

Jan. 2014 – Dec. 2017
• Inducted and trained new staff
• Supervised and delegated tasks to the team
• Introduced time saving initiatives that reduced
routine data entry from 20 to 10 hours on a weekly
basis
• Developed a good relationship with customers and
suppliers and customer orders increased by 10%
year on year
• Prepared weekly reports for Operations Meetings

Position: Customer Service Agent

Jan. 2012 – Dec. 2014
• Assisted customers with product selection
• Built up positive relationships with the team
• Point of contact for customer complaints and
queries
• Handled customer financial details

Position: Data Entry Operative

Jan. 2009 – Dec. 2012
• Entered customer details accurately on in-house
database
• Maintained up to date customer files
• Worked as part of a team to reach monthly targets

June 2006 – Dec 2008 Xtra-Vision Ltd., Drogheda , Co Louth

Position: Shop Assistant

• Monitored and updated sales display areas

• Handled a range of financial transactions on a daily basis
• Promoted new and existing products and services to the public
• Entrusted with opening and closing of the premises
• Advised customers on products and services
• Built positive working relationships with suppliers

INTERESTS

• New Technology: Keen interest in software developments - self-taught in

many applications (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, HTML, CSS, UNIX)
• Reading: I am an active member of the Fairview Library book club with a
specific interest in New Technology. I am also a regular contributor to
Forums such as GeekZone and Digital Point
• Running: I run on a regular basis and have recently completed two half
marathons raising €1,000 in sponsorship money for Pieta House

REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 9

 CAROLINE JORDAN
Tullow , Co Carlow
087 554 6554
carolinejordan@gmail.com
http://ie.linkedin.com/in/carolinejordan

Personal Profile

An adaptable, conscientious and enthusiastic office junior with a passion for

a career in administration. Well organised with strong attention to detail
and proactive in providing timely, efficient and accurate reports, as well as
having excellent inter-personal skills. Now looking for a suitable office
administration position that makes best use of my existing abilities and
allows me to develop new skills.

Key Skills

• Excellent working knowledge of all Microsoft Office packages

• Exceptional telephone manner
• Ability to produce consistently accurate work even whilst under
pressure
• Capable of multi-tasking and managing conflicting demands
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• Excellent spelling and proofreading skills
• Great typing skills, at least 60+ wpm

Further Education & Training

Sept 2019 – Jun 2020 Carlow Institute of Further Education,

Carlow
Business through Computers

Career Development, Communications, Customer Service, Microsoft Office

Specialist (MOS), Text Production, General Office Administration, Book-
keeping and Payroll, Overview of Internet / Web, Employment /
Progression Strategy.

Sept 2017 – Jun 2018 Carlow Institute of Further Education

Introduction to Computers

Basic Concepts of IT, Using a Computer and Managing Files, Word

Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations, Information and
Communication.

Sept 2010 – Jun 2015 Tullow Community School

Leaving Certificate

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Work Experience

Jul 2019 – Present Office Administrator (Internship)

Pfizer , Newbridge , Co Kildare
• Provided general administrative support to colleagues
& managers
• Answered the phone and forwarded callers to relevant
staff
• Dealt with all general emails & incoming calls
• Matched, batched and coded all finance invoices
• Maintained accurate data entry and keeping of records
• Greeted visitors to the office in a professional and
friendly manner
• Checked the emails and voicemails of absent staff
• Performed banking duties and lodgements
• Responsible for the ordering of stationery and supplies

Oct 2015 – Jul 2019 Sales Assistant

Dunnes Stores , Carlow
• Introduced the use of social media which increased the
sales on a quiet day by 30% using Flash Sales and
other offers
• Successfully met and exceeded sales targets
• Induction of new staff
• Advised and assisted customers with product selection
• Replenished stock accordingly
• Liaised with suppliers
• Responsible for operating cash points

May 2014 – Oct 2015 Waitress

The Tara Arms Bar , Tullow , Co Carlow
• Created a meal offer that increased turnover by 25%
• Advised and assisted customers on menu selection
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Worked effectively in a pressurised environment
• Maintained quality service levels at all times

Additional Information

• Completed First Aid training, Certificate valid until December 2021

• Raised €1500 for the Shave or Dye campaign, 2020

Interests and Hobbies

• Enjoy reading novels and autobiographies, member of a book club

• Run the Flora Woman’s Mini Marathon every year, and train
throughout the year for this

References

Available on request

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 11

 Stephen Marcus
Tralee, Co Kerry
01 469 5234 / 086 298 7988
stephenmarcus@gmail.com
http://ie.linkedin.com/in/stephenmarcus

Personal Profile

23 years’ experience in the construction and building trade in a range of roles.

Advanced from labourer to site foreman responsible for large scale construction
projects and overseeing over 30 staff. Owner of own construction company for 10
years during which time I completed large scale residential developments in Kerry,
Cork and Limerick. I have just completed a Business Systems & IT course during
which I updated my IT skills. I am now looking to utilise these skills in an office
environment.

Skills & Achievements

Effective Communication

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and

groups i.e. clients, colleagues, suppliers and senior management
• Strong presentation skills and confidence demonstrated by experience of
delivering presentations and sales pitches to groups of five to fifty
• Able to give and take instructions and maintain active listening during
times of pressure
• Studied Communications to QQI Level 5 which involved listening,
feedback, editing, professional and presentation skills

Teamwork

• Ability to work with several representatives from different disciplines

concurrently to ensure successful completion of task
• Managed the induction and supervision of new members of constructive
staff

Administration

• Gathered data from a wide range of sources for a project during QQI
course, resulting in a 73% grade
• Competent user of PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Access applications

• Effective completion of monthly and yearly accounts using Sage and Tas
Books

Time management

• Ability to work towards tight deadlines whilst maintaining attention to

detail and high level customer service
• Established time lines for completion of tasks in stages
• Designed and implemented a database of supplier’s information to improve
purchasing efficiency
• Generation of invoices and effective goods ‘in and out’ log

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Education & Training
Sept 2019 – Jun 2020 Kerry College Of Further Education

Business Systems and Information Technology

(QQI Level 5)

Customer Service, Communications, Career Planning,

Web Design, Computer Applications, Spreadsheet
Methods, Web Processing, Information Technology
Skills, Work Experience, Mathematics, Customer
Relations & Manual Handling.

Overall Grade – Distinction

1996 Christian Brothers Secondary School , Tralee

Leaving Certificate

Work Experience

Jun 2009 – Jan 2017 Self-employed (Construction Business)

Position: Owner / Foreman

• Drew up building plans

• Worked to client specifications
• Trained new staff
• Allocated and delegated tasks and
responsibilities
• Responsible for all HR functions i.e.
recruitment, drawing of contracts & policies
etc.
• Production of accounts and preparation of
monthly & yearly accounts

May 1997 – Jun 2009 O’Carroll’s Construction Ltd.

Position: Builder / Foreman

Apr 2002 – Jun 2009

• Worked to client specifications on residential

builds
• Construction of 2, 3 and 4 bed houses
• Managed a team of 30 builders

Position: Labourer

Jul 1997 – Apr 2002

• Prepared site for ground works

• General manual labour

References available on request

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 13

Why should I write a Personal Statement/Personal Profile?

The average recruiter will only spend between 10 to 15 seconds glancing at your
CV which means that you need to make an instant impression and sell yourself at
a glance.

Your personal statement is your first opportunity to do just that. It is perhaps the
single most important part of your CV. Get it wrong and your chances of being
invited to interview are drastically reduced.

Its aim is to highlight your professional attributes and goals, emphasizing why they
should continue reading the rest of your CV. Aim to use no more than 50 words,
making each sentence a key selling point.

Remember to use the 3 D’s

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Define Yourself
What is your background? What sector have you experience in?
(Construction, Retail, Motor Trade, Manufacturing, Printing, Medical Devices,
Hospitality etc.)

Differentiate
(What makes you different? What is YOUR specific skill set? What are
your qualities?)

Skills: Things you have learned how to do, for example: drive a car, swim, paint,
fix a car, use a computerised cash register, load new software onto a computer
etc.

Qualities: Your personality, for example: a people person, patient, empathetic,

honest, direct, calm, kind etc.

3 Direction
What type of job are you looking for?

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The skills section of your CV provides a summary of the specific skills and
achievements you feel are relevant to your application and the role you are applying
for. Key skills are made up of technical/job related skills and transferable skills.

FIT recommend you bullet point these after your profile making sure you don’t
duplicate any information.

Before completing this section, review the requirements for the role concerned and
ensure you cover as many of your relevant skills/experience/areas of knowledge
as possible. If you are unclear about what skills the job requires because the job
advert gives little information, then search similar job titles online and note what
those positions are looking for. Once you have done that, create a list of your
matching skills and competencies.

Job related/technical skills

Using specific examples can really help to emphasize your experience and use of
your technical skills, for example:

Competent JAVA programmer – created a piece of software to simplify my

employer’s stock taking process.

C#, C++ - designed an app to gather news and photos from my hometown to keep
my friend who was living abroad up-to-date on important events.

People Management – most recently managing a team of 14 advisers within a

contact call center environment. My team has consistently hit monthly targets of
80% for the last 6 months.

Don’t add anything that is not relevant to the job

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 16

Transferable Skills

These are skills learnt in one field of work that can easily be adapted to a
different field.

Some skills that employers look for in prospective employees are:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Problem solving skills
• Flexibility
• Computer skills
• Technical skills
• Interpersonal skills

Communication

Interpersonal Teamwork

Technical
Transferable Initative
Skills Grid

Problem
ICT
Solving

Flexibility

It is important to be able to demonstrate your competency in any skill mentioned

on your CV so be prepared to give STAR examples to describe scenarios to support
this.

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The qualities that an employer will look for in an applicant will vary between
industry sectors. Applicants are usually required to submit their CV’s online. Most
recruiters and larger companies use software programs to search for suitable CV’s.
They use a series of algorithms based on keywords to find a match.

Tailoring your CV to the specific industry and then making a further fine adjustment
so as to perfectly suit the company you are interested in can greatly increase your
chances of securing an interview.

FIT Top Tips

Read The Job •Make sure you read the full job description and that you fully
understand what the employer is looking for. Most applicants just
Description skim the information

Pick out Keywords & •Use the same keywords in your personal profile & Key Skills section
as this will ensure your CV is selected by the ATS software
Phrases
Put most relevant •Employers will look for experience so make sure you include the
most relevnt and up to date showing them easily what you can offer.
experience
Research The •Make yourself familiar with the company , go to their website , find
out about their initiatives , cultures and values and see if you can
Company match anything to include on your CV

Tailor your CV for •This might seem tedious to do for each job you apply for ,but
remember the person looking at your CV will see instantly what they
each job are looking for and be able to determine your suitability.

Remember ……

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Personal Profile:

Sum up your key qualities emphasizing those that you know the employer wants
to hear. Do not include strengths if they are not particularly relevant to the job.
Write a brief career aim, obviously stating that the industry that you are applying
for is where you want your career to be heading in the long term.

Career History:

Whilst you cannot alter for whom you worked and for how long, you can edit your
role and responsibilities within those companies without the need to fabricate. For
example if you are going for a managerial position you should emphasize that your
previous jobs entailed considerable responsibility including decision making duties.
Draw focus to a specific project that encompassed many of the skills you know to
be important attributes for a manager to possess - delegation, meeting deadlines,
consistency and teamwork. Describe your role in the project, your actions and the
result as well as any positive consequences for the company; use quantitative
reference if possible.

If you are applying for a sales position highlight your powers of persuasion with
reference to your achieved monthly targets, name drop prestigious clients and
include details of how much you earned for your last company. Your potential
employer wants a sales person who gets results.

To summarise

Think of what the job you are applying for entails and what the employer wants
from the successful candidate to do that job. Then highlight areas or projects from
your previous positions that required you to use those desired skills, emphasizing
how successful you were at achieving results.

Key Points

▪ Tailor the CV to every job you apply for

▪ Make sure the recruiter can recognise the person they are looking for in the
CV
▪ Match your experience, skills, knowledge and personal qualities to the type
of person the employer is looking for
▪ Try to use the same language as the employer
▪ Emphasise what you can do for the employer rather than what you want
from them

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 19

ACCURACY

• Perform with a high degree of accuracy

• Perform with consistent accuracy
• Achieve results with accuracy and precision
• Excel in achieving perfection

ACHIEVEMENT

• Achieve optimal levels of personal performance and accomplishment

• Provide strong evidence of specific accomplishments
• Produce a tangible, positive impact
• Achieve consistently high results
• Excel in achieving outstanding project results
• Achieve bottom-line results

ADMINISTRATION

• Demonstrate a high level of administrative competence

• Constantly examine administrative effectiveness and seeks better
procedures
• Encourage administrative efficiency and effectiveness
• Achieve high administrative output
• Avoid burdening management with administrative detail
• Effectively use exception reporting to keep management informed
• Develop successful administrative strategies

ANALYTICAL SKILLS:

• Demonstrate a strong power of analytical reasoning

• Demonstrate a strong ability to analyse problems
• Excels in analysing and adjusting work procedures for maximum efficiency
• Thoroughly analyse conditions and reaches independent decisions
• Effective in analysing relevant information
• Excel in analytical thinking

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Excel in effective and positive communications

• Improve the effectiveness of communications and interactions with others
• Excel in communicating with individuals and small groups
• Conduct meetings that achieve results
• Demonstrate good judgement in selecting the proper mode of
communication
• Make appropriate use of formal vs. informal communication

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COMPETENCY

• Demonstrate a high level of expertise

• Maximize personal strengths
• Excel in the effective application of skill
• Display a high level of technical competence
• Combine technical competence with dependability and loyalty
• Highly skilled in all phases of job

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Maximizes the benefits of computer technology

• Incorporate the newest computer technologies
• Ensure that computers are used to generate meaningful information and
increase efficiency
• Possess a strong knowledge of computer fundamentals
• Keep alert to new computer hardware
• Keep abreast of new software applications

COST MANAGEMENT

• Effectively control costs through economical utilization of personnel,

materials and equipment
• Effectively commit resources of staff, funds and time
• Make maximum use of allocated funds
• Make realistic budget projections
• Give close attention to monitoring budget variances and plans appropriate
adjustment
• Effectively identify areas needing cost reductions

CREATIVITY

• Display creative imagination

• Demonstrate creative strength
• Seek creative alternatives
• Challenge conventional practices
• Consider innovative possibilities
• Excels in creative thinking and problem solving
• Create satisfying solution in conformance with organizational polices

DECISION MAKING

• Makes decisions with confidence

• Display firmness in making decision
• Can be relied on to make sound decisions
• Make inventive and resourceful decisions
• Willing to make difficult and unpopular decisions
• Assemble all available facts before making decisions
• Seek staff input for decision making
• Make sound decisions in the absence of detailed instructions
• Uses the most penetrating and objective evaluations to arrive at decisions

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DELEGATING

• Delegate to improve organizational effectiveness

• Delegate to maximize organizational strengths
• Recognize the need to concentrate on people rather than tasks
• Recognize the importance of working through subordinates
• Give subordinates the authority needed to effectively carry out delegated
responsibilities
• Encourage subordinates to solve their own problems

DEPENDABILITY

• Is consistent, dependable and accurate in carrying out responsibilities to a

successful conclusion
• Can be relied upon to meet schedules and deadlines
• Fully accepts all responsibilities and meets deadlines
• Meets logically developed priorities
• Achieves result when confronted with major responsibilities and limited
resources
• Utilizes all available resources to achieve results
• Can be counted on to achieve results in emergency situations

DEVELOPMENT

• Excel in selecting and developing individual with high potential talent

• Identify staff development needs
• Recognize development levels and ability levels of staff and others
• Initiate and establishes personal growth and career path
• Excel in developing career development
• Plan for future career development and accomplishment
• Seek personal growth and development

EVALUATION SKILLS

• Establish clear and meaningful criteria or standards for effective

performance
• Clearly establish performance objectives and evaluation criteria
• Establish credible standards
• Establish credible measurement methods
• Effectively make quantitative determinations of ability
• Recognize high potential employees
• Identify individuals who have a capacity to perform

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

• Control the quality of the most crucial of all the variables contributing to
the realization of departmental goals and objectives
• Excel in planning, forecasting, setting objectives and determining courses
of action
• Effectively develop individual departmental and organizational goals to
obtain objectives
• Effectively blend personal goals with organizational objectives
• Set goals that are compatible with those of the organization
• Excel in formulation goals and plans of action

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IMPROVEMENT

• Constantly strive to strengthen and refine professional effectiveness

• Consistently strive to improve performance
• Improve effectiveness by eliminating the confusing
• Excel in self-supervision and self-improvement
• Often make valuable suggestions for improvement
• Excel in developing improved techniques
• Develop totally new strategies devises improved means of accomplishing
results

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate a high level of initiative

• Self-starter
• Judicious in carrying out assignments without direction
• Excel in self-directing and self-pacing
• Demonstrate an ability to think along constructive original lines
• Solution seeker
• Effectively initiate solutions

LEADERSHIP

• Project self-confidence, authority and enthusiasm

• Demonstrate natural leadership ability
• Display leadership stature
• Demonstrates strong, dynamic leadership
• Show dynamic leadership qualities
• Display the strengths of the exceptional leader
• Demonstrate imaginative leadership

LEARNING ABILITY

• Show eagerness and capacity to learn

• Display an exceptional ability to learn new methods
• Display an ability to learn rapidly and adapt quickly to changing situations
• Respond promptly to changes and opportunities

LOYALTY AND DEDICATION

• Loyal to organization, associates and subordinates

• Display absolute loyalty to superiors and to the organization
• Show positive attitudes toward employer and employees
• Place organizational interest ahead of personal convenience
• Display a high degree of honesty, loyalty and integrity

MATURITY

• Display a high degree of emotional maturity

• Excel in separating emotion from rationality
• Display emotional stability
• Display strong emotional control
• Cope constructively with emotions

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MENTAL CAPACITY AND APPLICATION

• Grasp the most difficult concepts

• Display a depth of understanding
• Understand both theoretical and practical concepts
• Distinguish between perception and reality
• Exceptionally keen and alert
• Display fresh insights

MOTIVATION

• Strongly motivated to achieve optimal results

• Strongly motivated to achieve higher expectations
• Highly motivated to achieve individual attainment
• Strive for the achievement of excellence
• Strive for maximum drive in fulfilling job responsibilities
• Display strong achievement drive
• Display a spirit of determination
• Optimize individual traits
• Displays highly motivated inner drive
• Display intense involvement
• Turn past failures into future successes
• Success-oriented

ORAL EXPRESSION

• Polished and confident speaker

• Excel in speaking on special occasions
• Excel in impromptu speaking situations
• Excel in delivering impromptu remarks
• Excel in extemporaneous speaking
• Speak effectively on feet
• Communicate with ease and a natural style
• Make presentation with poise and self-confidence
• Demonstrate strong personal presentation skills
• Make lively and effective presentations
• Demonstrate excellent oral presentation skills
• Present ideas with power and persuasion

ORGANISING

• Effectively develop organizational capabilities and integration of objectives

• Develop programs to improve the effectiveness of the department and
overall operation of the organization
• Build organizational effectiveness
• Make the most of organizational energy and potential
• Make a substantial contribution to the growth of the organization
• Methodical in planning and performing

PERFORMANCE QUALITIES-GENERAL

• Demonstrate consistently distinguished performance

• Generate greater success in highly complex situations
• Consistently exceed performance expectations
• Performance regularly exceeds job requirements
• Display positive attitude toward job and others

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 • Display zest and pleasure in work
• Maintain an optimistic outlook when faces with difficulties
• Excel in handling tough situations
• Develop positive expectations

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Display natural charm and charisma

• Display a pleasant demeanour
• Display positive responses to negative situations
• Display positive, friendly and relaxed attitudes
• Display an outgoing personality
• Display energizing optimism
• Project energy and enthusiasm

PLANNING

• Establish strategic plans for future success

• Propose plans of action which are timely, and realistic and positive
• Plan with a fresh perspective
• Plan, organizes and completes tasks in the shortest, most efficient manner
• Develop innovative plans and solutions
• Meet or exceeds standards for major responsibilities or objectives on time
or ahead of schedule

POTENTIAL

• Presently capable of assuming greater responsibility

• Possess a strong capacity to make a greater contribution to the
organization
• Strongly qualified for advancement
• Display strong potential for advancement
• Need more responsibility to ensure continued satisfaction and career
growth
• Display high management potential
• High potential employee

PROFESSIONALISM

• Demonstrate an exceptional mastery of professional skills

• Demonstrate professional expertise
• Display well-oriented professional knowledge
• Develop enduring professional relationships
• Provide subordinates with definite, positive assistance to correct
professional difficulties
• Display high standards of professional behaviour

QUALITY

• Quality of work is consistently high

• Achieve the highest standard of excellence
• Shows professional concern for quality work
• Emphasize on quality enhancement
• Promote quality awareness
• Recognize the importance of quality in providing a competitive edge
• Demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness and orderliness in performing work
assignments

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 • Perform with unusual accuracy, thoroughness and effectiveness
• Committed to excellence

QUANTITY

• Make a substantial contribution to the continued operation and growth of

the organization
• Quantity of work is consistently high
• Perform at peak efficiency
• Maintain a peak performance
• Sustain a high achievement level

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

• Identify and understand personal values of superiors, subordinates, peers,

and others
• Recognize the needs of others
• Display a high degree of recognition, acceptance and prestige in dealing
with others
• Make favourable impression and easily gains acceptance by others
• Make the best impression in every situation
• Convey a positive personal image
• Well accepted by others under difficult circumstances
• Work harmoniously and effectively with others

RESOURCEFULNESS

• Demonstrate self-reliance and resourcefulness

• Extremely resourceful and enthusiastic
• Maximize individual resources and energies
• Optimize the use of all available resources
• Make effective use of all organizational resources
• Achieve success when conformed with limited resources

RESPONSIBILITY

• Devote appropriate attention to all responsibilities

• Accept responsibility for own decisions and those of subordinates
• Assume responsibility for mistakes and shortcoming or subordinates
• Accept responsibility for compliance with rules and regulations

STRESS

• Successfully cope with demands from superiors, subordinates and peers

• Successfully handle multiple demands from superiors and subordinates
• Perform effectively despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities
• Handle crisis and emergencies with coolness
• Perform well in crisis situations

TACT AND DIPLOMACY

• Display a high degree of tact and diplomacy

• Handle situations with poise, understanding and tact
• Deal tactfully with both lower and higher authority
• Work well with others in the solution of mutual problems
• Respect the opinions, abilities and contributions of others
• Cooperative and open-minded in working with others

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TIME MANAGEMENT

• Achieve maximum time effectiveness

• Place a high value on time effectiveness
• Excel in priority determinations
• Distinguish between low and high priority activities
• Display a strong sense of priorities
• Demonstrate effective allocation of time resources
• Eliminate tasks which contribute the least to organizational goals
• Identify unessential activities
• Identify and eliminates time wasters

VERSATILITY

• Possess many talents and capabilities

• Demonstrate competence in many areas
• Has the ability to perform a wide range of assignments
• Successfully handle multiple projects at the same time
• Display versatile expertise
• Demonstrate diversified skills
• Extremely versatile

WRITING ABILITY

• Write letters, memos and reports that command attention and achieve
results
• Write with remarkable clarity and consistency
• Write precisely and effectively
• Write to convey a positive impression
• Write in a positive tone
• Write in a positive manner to reflect favourably upon the organization

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Example of how education is entered on the CV

Start off with most recent first, as in the format below–

Date attended, Name of College, College Address all on the first line followed by
the correct title and level of your course. Be sure to include all your modules with
the most relevant listed first.

Add any other course that you have done in the same format

Then add secondary school again in the same format – Date attended – name of
secondary school, address - Leaving Cert Achieved –

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Example

Start off with most recent first in the format below – Month Started –Month
ended, Name of Company, and address. Underneath address, add your job title.

When listing duties, use professional language and action verbs

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Additional Information
This section is used to include any further information that might enhance your
CV

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The benefits of including hobbies is that they show that you have a creative and
rounded personality. So, they don’t just relate to particular skills, such as
accounting if you are the treasurer for the local tennis club, but also show that
you would be a nice person to have around the office.

Don’t forget the employer is human also and will be more likely to want to work
with people they can get along with.

Do not include :

Hobbies that are divisive (for example religious or political interests, unless
expressly relevant to the role)

Anything that might give an unprofessional representation of you.

Lies or exaggerations of the truth: if you are challenged about them at interview
you may be made to look very foolish.

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References are the final stage before a job offer

• 60% of employers have said that they had to withdraw an offer due to
issues with references
• According to Social Talent 76% of employers have come across fake
references

Acceptable Referees

• Previous Employer
• Former Clients
• Academic Reference
• Volunteer Group

What to do with a referee

• Always contact referees before sharing their details

• Confirm they are happy to provide a reference
• Always keep them informed of job applications
• Be truthful

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It is important to regularly update your CV and not send out the same CV when
applying for different positions. Remember your CV should be tailored to the role
you are applying for and no two job specifications will be the same.

If you don’t have all the skills required for the role, make sure you highlight the
ones that you do have.

How often you change or update your CV will depend on a number of different
factors and should be changed under the following circumstances:

• Every time you apply for a new position

• When you have completed additional training or education
• If you have participated in voluntary, charity, unpaid or community work
• If you are given new responsibility in your current employment or are
promoted
• If you have been out of work for a considerable amount of time
(unemployed, travelling, caring for a family member, have taken a career
break)

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Why should I write a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is an introduction to your CV.

When applying for a job you should always accompany your CV with a cover
letter. The cover letter is a separate document which explains why you are
applying for the job and assists you in highlighting the skills that you have for the
job.
The cover letter allows you to explain why you are suitable for the role and it
gives you the opportunity to show the employer that you are worthy of the job. A
cover letter gives you the opportunity to draw attention to information that does
not easily fit into your CV.
A good cover letter should capture the attention of the employer and persuade
them to look at your CV.

An effective cover letter should:

• Use one side of an A4 page only and should be three or four paragraphs in
length at most.
• State clearly what the vacancy is and how you heard about it.
• Show consistency between the case you make for
yourself in the letter and on the CV.
• Indicate availability for interview.
• Use clear and official language.
• Follow the same style as your CV.
• Have correct spelling and grammar.
• Yours sincerely – if you have the name of the person.
• Yours faithfully – if you don’t know the name of the
person.

Personalise your cover letter

How?

Find out the name of the Recruiter

Phone the company and ask for the name of the person who is responsible for the
position advertised. Address the letter to that person. Never use Sir or Madam
where a name is available.

Research the Company

It will show in the cover letter if you have researched the company. You can
demonstrate this to the reader by mentioning a product or service that the
company offers and how it relates to your skills/interests.

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LETTER EXAMPLE 1: JOB APPLICATION
John Murphy
11 Main St.
Bray
Co. Wicklow

4th Jan 2020

Mr. Gerry Murphy

Human Resources Manager
Dell Computers
Cherrywood
Loughlinstown
Co. Dublin

Dear Mr. Murphy

Introduction

Please find attached my Curriculum Vitae for the position of xxxx with xxxxxx as
advertised on www.irishjobs.ie on the 4th Jan 2020.

Why you are applying for the Job?

Demonstrate how your skills match the Job Description.

I believe I have the relevant skills and qualities required to excel in this role.
Include short paragraph that highlights your qualifications / experience /
achievements
• Demonstrate that you know enough about the position by relating your
experiences to the position and the Company values.
• Mention specific qualifications / achievements which make you a good
candidate for the position.

During my recent course in xxxxx I have developed additional skills in xxxx (List
course content and skills acquired relevant to the job)
I feel that I would be able to make a significant contribution to xxxx team
because xxxx

Demonstrate that you have researched the company.

In addition to what I can offer as a potential candidate, your company appeals to

me for a number of reasons… / I am particularly drawn to your company
because… (List at least 3 reasons – match your skills and qualities to the reasons
you want to work for them).

Closing

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you
shortly.

Yours sincerely,

Your Name
Your Telephone Number

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 35

LETTER EXAMPLE 2: DIRECT APPLICATION TO COMPANY: NO JOB
ADVERTISED
Brian Murphy
32 Blarney Road
Claremorris
Co Mayo

4th Jan 2020

Ms. Alice Smith

Chief Technical Officer
I.T Solutions Ltd.
Castlebar
Co Mayo

Dear Ms. Smith

Opening Paragraph

I hope you don’t mind me taking the opportunity to contact you. I have been
forwarded your contact details by xxxxx.

(Include short paragraph that highlights your qualifications / experience /

achievements. Demonstrate that you know enough about the company by
relating your experiences and skills to the company values/objectives/aims and
mission statement (research a variety of roles at the company, look for common
language used, research the company values and mission statement – What type
of person are they looking for? Check their website and LinkedIn, research,
research, research...)

2nd Paragraph

As you will see from my CV I have many of the skills and qualities that I feel
would make a good fit with… (Company Name). I am specifically interested in the
area of …..

My recent training and work experience has enhanced my skills in …. (Mention

specific qualifications and skills that match the job you would like. Research
similar roles with other companies if this company has no current roles advertised
– the skills set usually remains the same).

For example, during my course I have had the opportunity to work on xxxx and
develop/design/create/analyse/project manage xxxxx.

In addition, I also implemented / revised / updated…

Although I do not have hands on experience in the area of xxxx, I have been
responsible for xxxxx in previous roles.

3rd Paragraph

Your company appeals to me for a number of reasons… / I am particularly drawn

to your company because… (List at least 3 reasons – match your skills and
qualities to the reasons you want to work for them).

4th Paragraph

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 36

I have attached a copy of my CV and I would welcome the opportunity to meet
with you over a coffee to benefit from any advice you may be able to offer me in
terms of my career objectives in this sector.

Yours sincerely,

Your Name
Tel 087 6552255

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 37

 • Try not to repeat the same words on your CV.
• Don’t use two words where one word will do.
• Few words never devalued a big idea!
• Do not overuse

advised installed processed

approved instructed promoted
Administration

authorised listened recommended

delegated managed redirected
determined mediated referred
developed mentored reorganised
ensured motivated strengthened
examined negotiated supervised
influenced oversaw
initiated prioritised

acted designed produced

Communications

addressed developed reported

and Creativity

arranged enabled scheduled

assessed facilitated stimulated
built influenced summarised
clarified introduced taught
composed planned trained
demonstrated presented translated

analysed formed packaged

communicated generated prepared
Technical Ability

complied improved processed

computed increased programmed
conducted inspected published
co-ordinated installed researched
designed maintained restored
detected mastered surveyed
developed modified trained
devised operated upgraded

administered contributed operated

allocated co-ordinated ordered
Office Support

assisted determined organised

attained followed up packaged
awarded identified planned
balanced implemented prepared
budgeted liaised repaired
completed maintained

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The internet is a great tool for information on CVs with many job search websites
publishing regular articles on what employers are looking for and the most
common pitfalls witnessed by recruiters on CVs.

Whilst there is a wealth of information available, it would be important to limit

your search on CV information to that which is relevant to the Irish job market
only.

There is lots of information available on our website www.fit.ie

Remember you also have access to

Other Useful Links:

www.activelink.ie
www.careerjet.ie
www.publicjobs.ie
www.irishjobs.ie
www.careersportal.ie
ie.linkedin.com
www.indeed.ie

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 39

DO DON’T

Ensure your CV is relevant to

Don’t send the same CV to
the position you are applying for
every job
Ensure your CV is visually
Don’t send CV without proof
appealing
reading
Use consistent formatting.
Ensure you have used the same Don’t send with Spelling /
font style, size, bullets, tabs etc. Grammar Errors
throughout your CV and Cover
Letter
Don’t leave out any relevant
Continuously update and add to
information which may help you
your CV
get the job

Use accurate and consistent

punctuations Don’t use different font styles

Tailor your CV and Cover letter

Don’t lie on your CV
for each job you apply for

1. Spelling Check 
2. Grammar check 
3. Consistent font 
4. Truthful 
5. Clear concise and easy to read 
6. Include cover letter or email 
7. Use key action phrases and words 
8. Re-check 
9. Consistent font and style 

© Copyright FIT Ltd. 2020 40