CV recommendations?

Hey ya'll.
So I've almost completed Level 2 in the AAT qualification; all but the WEAF project and Computerised Accounting, which both will soon be completed in the coming month. It has been suggested that I begin applying to as many positions as I can by my lecturers, so that is what I shall be doing!
I have never worked in accountancy before and am paying for this first level out of my own pocket, which is also partly the reason I wish to hopefully secure a position within accountancy so they may help fund the next level for me starting in September/October. I'm not saying this is going to be easy by any means! But it's my plan so far...
So I was wondering what I should include within my CV in regards to my progression with AAT.. should I just simply state the units which I have passed.. or would it be an idea to print out the 'achievements' on the website.. (not saying it's a good idea, but wondered what you guys thought?)
Also, any other tips and pointers for my CV would be much appreciated!
Thanks.
So I've almost completed Level 2 in the AAT qualification; all but the WEAF project and Computerised Accounting, which both will soon be completed in the coming month. It has been suggested that I begin applying to as many positions as I can by my lecturers, so that is what I shall be doing!
I have never worked in accountancy before and am paying for this first level out of my own pocket, which is also partly the reason I wish to hopefully secure a position within accountancy so they may help fund the next level for me starting in September/October. I'm not saying this is going to be easy by any means! But it's my plan so far...
So I was wondering what I should include within my CV in regards to my progression with AAT.. should I just simply state the units which I have passed.. or would it be an idea to print out the 'achievements' on the website.. (not saying it's a good idea, but wondered what you guys thought?)
Also, any other tips and pointers for my CV would be much appreciated!
Thanks.
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Comments
AAT Intermediate:
At this stage of the qualification I have studied the preparation of financial statements of sole traders and partnerships using the extended trial balance method, and taking this information through to final accounts. I especially enjoyed the "incomplete records" part of this unit, as I am a natural problem solver and enjoy the methodical approach that this type of work requires.
My studies at AAT Level 3 have provided me with a good knowledge of Costing Methods and Cash Management. As a confident communicator I also enjoyed the Credit Control unit, and am looking forward to applying these skills in a practical environment.
Don't take to much time listing the units - because every candidate will have studied exactly the same units as you, so if everyone just lists the units you won't stand out ! Relate what you have learned to your personal qualities and aspirations. - use the opporutnity to sell yourself.
My previous roll was a hotel receptionist, so I added the very small amount of accounts work I did there (invoicing, debt chasing) into my job description. When I spoke to one agency she asked me alot of questions about what I can do/understand. I listed things such as puchase ledger, sales ledger, sage, bank rec, petty cash handling etc etc and she sugested I add those to my CV. So I did and low an behold I got the next job I was interview for.
In the education section, I added AAT but I kept it brief as I have alot of other qualifications and I didnt want to drown my CV. I just made sure I put 'First time passes on all exams' as I saw alot of job descriptions on the Jobsite asking for a candidate with first time passes. I also mention in the cover letter, my enthusiasm and how I also fund my AAT myself. If you want I can email u a copy of my CV and Cover letter so u can get some idea's. Its by no means perfect but it usually secures me an interview. :P
Smashing advisory material on here! I am in a similar situation as datkins91. Self funded both AAT level 2 (achieved) and 3 which I am completing in June and aiming to progress to level 4 in September. All my assessments were passed first time on both levels. Aged 35 and after 6 years in admin of-which I was made redundant from in 2012; I am really struggling to find employment in accounts so as to set foot in my career ladder. I am currently working via agency as a community support worker but recently came up with a plan to send out speculative CV and cover letter to all my local accounting firms and major firms/stores. I have created a datasource with all research done online to establish HR or practice managers of the firms to obtain names to whom the speculative documents will be addressed. The challege here is; I am uncertain of what to include in order to make myself marketable. Any help would be greatly honoured.
Cheers
If you can get any voluntary work it will help, as would a bit of shadowing in local practices - they'd get to know you better than just from the CV and keep you in mind for future vacancies. Same for temping if you can get some work - look at admin with financial bits to boost your CV. You can also get more CV advice from the contacts you make doing this. I was told it might be better to physically go into the firms and hand the CV over personally too, but this is totally nerve wracking.
I suspect, but hope I'm wrong, that age is a factor and it will be a bit tougher than for school/uni leavers - more so for me having kids and this is obvious from the gap on my CV and can't be left off.
Ps. Just to mention, I went to my local career service and they supported with filling the gaps in employment which is great. However, I still feel it does not reflect how it should be as unknitty highlighted earlier in this forum. It's list based rather than strength or competency based.....
I also attended an employability training mid-last year voluntarily which was great. Went to 3 interviews but did not get the jobs. Requested feedback and on each of them, I had similar responses; the successful candidate had accounting experience of which did not have accounting experience that the successful candidate had....:(
I might opt for volunteering as thus how I landed my previous FT admin position which I held for 6 years.
Your advise is much appreciated.
I've finished my level 4 over a year ago but struggling to get a job as all the jobs I've seen needs experience , also any recommendations on how to write a personal statement and cover letter? i'm currently working as warehouse operative
thank you