CV Advisor - Volunteer in Gerrards Cross

Careers Springboard is a registered charity which helps and encourages job seekers who are trying to get back into employment. We are seeking 2 CV Advisors with at least three years of CV or related professional experience.

Our CV Advisors recognise that a CV is primarily a sales document designed to secure job interviews. Having an up-to-date and relevant CV is a key document in the job search journey for Careers Springboard members/job seekers. Whatever their situation, our job seekers often find themselves struggling to know how to articulate in their CV what they have achieved.

As a volunteer CV Advisor, you will:

• Provide CV templates, resources and initial advice so members can produce a first draft CV relevant to the level and type of job they are targeting.
• Guide job seekers on understanding their brand and their ‘why’ so this is included in updated CVs.
• Encourage the use of skill-based CVs.
• Support job seekers to review and enhance their existing CVs and produce cover letters for specific job vacancies.
• Signpost and explain how to use ChatGPT and other AI tools to optimise the content of CVs and cover letters.
• Provide advice on the use of keywords and job specifications to personalise CVs and to relate those CVs to specific jobs.

Your input will make a very positive impact on those at Careers Springboard who are seeking CV help in order that they can secure job interviews. You will help us reach out and spread the word of Careers Springboard 1-2-1 services. You can provide online personalised support, guidance and encouragement to job seekers who need a stronger, more targeted CV.

1-2-1 CV advice sessions/work usually up to 45 minutes per job seeker. A follow-up CV advice session may also be provided in some instances. The voluntary CV work with Careers Springboard is a sound and meaningful launching pad for coaching experience. Our CV Advisors will show positivity and encouragement in order to convince the job seeker that a better CV can significantly improve their chances of securing a job interview.

As an applicant for this role, you will need to:

• Show three or more years of professional experience in HR, specifically CV writing/composition or a related field; HR/CV skills will have been used in a professional capacity.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills, and the ability to effectively liaise with people throughout the CV writing process and collaborate with other volunteers.
• Be highly self-motivated with attention to detail.
• Show in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of best practices for CV writing and what hiring professionals look for in CV documents.
• Be able to work independently and manage your time effectively.

Careers Springboard, founded in 1991, is based at Gerrards Cross, South Bucks, but this matters little because all sessions and contact with job seekers takes place online from anywhere in the UK. We have a weekly online Zoom meeting on Monday evenings when there is a presentation on a job search related topic. Attendance on a Monday evening averages 85+. Over the past 30+ years, we have helped over 3,500 job seekers to secure new employment. Most of the job seekers are management, administrators and professionals plus some graduates. Job seekers can request free CV advice using a simple application process outlined on our website.

The CV Advisor will:

• Live in the UK and be authorised to work in the UK.
• Recognise their primary role as providing advice to the job seeker on how to create a CV which is designed to maximise the job seeker’s chances of securing a job interview.
• Help our job seekers to have a CV which stands out, gets them shortlisted and which succeeds in securing job interviews.
• Receive requests by email, usually with CVs attached, from members asking for advice aimed at improving their CVs.
• Compile generic CVs and CV guidance notes which can be shared with members making the CV enquiries.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of generating skill-based CVs.
• Acknowledge each request by email, include a copy of CV Guidance Notes compiled by the CV Advisor and add any advice and/or amendments that are appropriate.
• Receive and comment on resultant replies using the phone when necessary.
• Recognise that the CV requirements of graduates with little or no work experience may require a more specialised response from the CV Advisor.
• Endeavour to maintain basic contact with job seekers requesting CV advice in order to establish the effectiveness of any CV advice which has been provided.
• Maintain a simple report to show the effectiveness of CV advice being requested/provided.
• Occasionally attend our Monday evening Zoom meetings in order to keep in touch with members' comments and concerns.

CV Advisor applicants will submit a CV plus an expression of interest by email to Reach Volunteering. Equal opportunities principles will be adhered to. The volunteer CV Advisor applicant will be interviewed online by one of our most senior and experienced volunteers, and will be formally ‘approved’ by the Executive Committee to join the team of volunteers.