c.v advice

For the past 14 years i have been a stay at home mum and main carer for my autistic son.I am now desperate to get a job.I have very few qualifications and little work experiance as i had my son quite young.I want to apply for a job at my local co-op but i need a cv. Anyone have any advice on what i should put in my cv?

  • There are templates you can get on line which will help you set out your information in a logical order.

    I can't really add anything to what Longman said in terms of making sure you put in all your skills which you've built up over the years of looking after your son. Don't do yourself down!

    All the best.

  • But also have a think about what those 14 years have involved. For example advocacy. You've been acting on behalf of your son to get a diagnosis, get statementing, get the right educational pathways, overcome obstacles. That means meeting people face-to-face, writing letters and emails, networking, consulting experts in support groups, campaigning etc.

    Also consider finance. You've had to get financial support for someone with a disability and supporting them. Even if unsuccessful sometimes you've looked at sources of funding and grants. You've worked with tight budgets.

    Disability related experience is very valuable to employers nowadays. And in your local co-op if you go there for a job, they need to know about making the place kid friendly, given mothers with able and disabled children have to shop there.

    And you're well equipped to deal with sudden unexpected emergencies and problems. And your sympathetic and understanding and good in a crisis.

    CVs aren't just about qualifications and name, address date of birth. They're a chance for you to set down your skills. And if you think about it you have a lot of valuable skills to offer.

    Keep it tidy, and concise, usually two pages but not more than three, but also have a one page resume you can offer for initial contacts. Get someione with experience to sit with you and set it out correctly.

  • One thing you should definitely put in it is the fact you've been a stay at home Mum an main carer for you Autistic son for the past 14 years!

    Not only because that explains what you've been doing, but also because employers look for that kind of thing.

  • hi Kazza - what qualifications + work exp do you have?

    The usual stuff in a cv is, obviously, name, address, phone no, date of birth.  Any qualifications, previous employer(s) + what you did in those jobs.  As you've been away from the jobs mkt for 14 yrs you need to explain why + why you now want to work for the co-op.  If you haven't look on their website, do so,  as they may be interested in why you've chosen them rather than anyone else.  Sometimes doing voluntary work helps a cv.  It can show you're punctual, ok with people, can handle cash if that's involved etc.  You need to think about referees as well.  I don't know if an adviser at the job ctre might be helpful.  You can also play to your strengths - the qualities you have.  Employers like an orderly cv, easily readable + not too long, so you need to be succinct without selling yourself short.  bw