Hey guys, Bit of a boring subject but I feel like I need to update my CV. Does anyone have any advice or possible an example? I want to be able to sell myself as much as possible for a zoo job. I don't want my CV to have loads of pages. Bit of an odd question I know but I need help as I don't know if I am detailing enough about my animal experience etc. Thanks for reading!
A good CV is a bit like getting a business loan from the bank 95% rejected at initial glance! So I'm going to throw it back to you ? How much experience do you have? Any specialities? what kind of job you looking for? If it would help direct message me .
Hi Gary, thanks for replying. Well, I think I have quite a bit of experience (I dont know if it is enough though). I studied level 3 Animal Management and as part of the course we had field trips to Whipsnade Zoo helping keepers clean out and feed primates etc. I also have farm experience and every week at college I had to work in their 'animal house'. I currently volunteer at a wildlife rescue (I started in January) and for the past month I have started volunteering at a Zoological Garden (its not a big one like London Zoo for example). I would like a job as a Zoo keeper ideally working with Elephants, Rhino's or Giraffes but I know that I need to be a bit more open so I will be happy working with any animal to be honest but they'd be my favourite.
Having helped many students to write CVs, I would suggest that you make yours personal by writing a little about one or two species - perhaps the one you learned most from working with and the one you enjoyed the most and then listing the others to show the range. If you get an interview, this will give your interviewer a good place to start, which will help both of you. Good luck Alan
Eggham Your first bit is Profile and should be about a paragraph or so in length where you are making a statement telling your prospective new employer about you . (workwise i mean) Fully qualified level 3 , have worked on farms and zoo etc, proffessional, hard working etc next bit should be about what you can offer your skills, time management , record keeping etc then go down the usual channel, work,education,address etc . May i ask how old you are ? Is this a generic letter going out or to a particular Zoo
There is no right or wrong way to compile a CV. Always read the job advert and application details, look for key words within the body of the advert. Depending on the employer, such adverts will ask for applications to be (a) typed (b) written (c) sent via electronic mail (d) some may ask for various attachments such as qualifications or references. If the advert or employer does not ask for attachments then don't add or send them. Also some may ask for a photograph, but in general try and shy away from using one. Never give your age but always your date of birth. State if you require any help, such as extra time to get to or leaving a potential interview. Try to keep it relevant, look at the job, look at the advert, try and match your skills to the job. Your CV should be as brief but as concise as possible. The main body should resemble something such as: (a) Name and Address (your contact details) (b) Profile (your own personal profile of you and only you) (c) Transferable Skills (what you can bring to the job being applied for) (d) Work History (from your last job working to the beginning. Date (from and to) Where and Job Title (e) Further and Higher Education/Vocational Training (dates from and to; where and what (f) Specialist Training/Experience (g) Secondary Education (from and to; where and what) (h) Hobbies and Interests. Try to use language to show your keenness and your hunger. Have two or more different styles of CV; one being generic and the other being more defined and specific to that job. In today's technological world, typed CV's or those sent via email etc are more common place than the hand written and snail mail world. Many employers will bin hand-written applications now and only hold typed versions. If in doubt ask and always do your homework on the employer, know about them, match your CV and words to that employer and job. Having witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly, from the wow CV to the utter toilet tissue job, spend time practicing and it will pay off. Best of luck and good job hunting in the mean time.
Just remember you are selling yourself and people buy people . Get your CV out to as many establishments you can follow your dream
