7 – Evidence
If you’ve followed the tasks so far, you should have a CV document with your personal details and a personal statement with a list of your personal qualities and skills. Now you need to get it to make sense and provide evidence that will demonstrate to someone who’s never met you that everything you’re saying is true.
Examples of evidence:
Just writing that you’re honest or hard working isn’t going to convince anyone! You have to give evidence. Here are some examples:
| You say… | Prove it! |
|---|---|
| “I am trustworthy and reliable” | “I am trustworthy and reliable, and was employed for 2 years by Smith’s News on a paper round in 2008.” |
| “I am good with my hands.” | “I am good with my hands; I arrange flowers at St Stephens church, including for large weddings and funeral events.” |
| “I am good at dealing with people.” | “I am good at dealing with people, having sold over 100 items on my Ebay account “SuperStuffSeller96” without receiving any bad feedback from buyers.” |
| “I work well under pressure” | “I work well under pressure - I look after three children on my own, one of whom is disabled.” |
| “I am hard working” | “I work hard in my voluntary work: this year I was part of a team re-building a wall for BCTV which involved moving the stone by hand and learning dry stone walling.” |
Go to your CV document and add evidence to the skills you’ve listed.
Turning your skills list and evidence into a personal statement
Employers have lots of CVs to look at so they don’t like to have to spend a long time reading each one. Your personal statement should give the most relevant examples of your skills and concentrate on the kind of job you want to do.
You can see some personal statement tips and examples at TimeWise Jobs.
Edit your personal statement. Read it out loud as you do: this really helps you to see if it sounds convincing and has impact. Ask yourself “Would I employ this person?” If the answer is ‘no’ you might want to revise it. Show it to other people and ask them if it sounds like you, or if they’ve got any suggestions. Make sure it's no longer than two or three paragraphs.
Covering Letter
You may be asked to send a “covering letter” with your CV. This is a short lettter to the employer explaining why you want to work for them in this particular job. It can be an expanded version of your personal statement, so now might be a good time to write it.
If you are emailing your CV, the email can be the covering letter. Here is what your covering letter might be like:
Dear Sir or Madam, (or if you can find out the name of the person you are writing to, it is further evidence of your effort and attention to detail, but make sure it’s the right name!)
I am writing to apply for (the correct job title). I am interested in this post because… (your personal qualities). I consider myself a suitable candidate because… (your personal skills and experience) …Please contact me to confirm you have received my application
Yours faithfully (if it’s addressed to a Dear Sir or Madam) / sincerely (if it’s addressed to a named person)
Next: 8 – Employment HistoryBack: 6 – The Personal Statement