Landing a job in Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) requires crafting a compelling Curriculum Vitae (CV) that highlights your qualifications, experience and achievements.
This article is your comprehensive guide, offering step-by-step instructions, valuable tips and real examples to assist you in creating the ideal IAG CV for your dream support role. Let’s get started!
I am a resourceful, hardworking and confident IAG Officer with extensive experience in dealing with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. My high degree of passion for customer service and community work has enabled me to have an unparalleled track record in project management, student recruitment and customer relations.
Achievements
Completed numerous projects on time and within budget
Awarded “Admin Person of the Year” by Students
Education
2011 – 2013
BA Social Welfare Law, Policy & Advice Practice
UCC
Grade achieved: [2:2]
Relevant Modules:
Legal Theory and Practice
Welfare Benefits and Money
The Context of Advice Services
Communication Skills
Management of Supporting Services
2009 – 2011 Results: English: A Mathematics: B Business: B
A Levels
Cadbury College
Work experience
Dec 2013 – Present
IAG Officer Bird College
Main duties performed:
Providing information, advice and guidance to current and past students
Act as the first point of contact for any student services issues
Helping students with their studies
Providing job application support (e.g. writing a CV, Cover Letter, etc.)
Advising students on any finance, funding or benefits issues and eligibility
Helping with the organising of events (graduation, open day, etc.)
Assisting with UCAS applications (such as personal statements)
Recruiting students (from the initial interview and assessment to enrolment)
Promoting health and safety, equality and diversity policies of the College
Setting individual Action Plans
Organising and running group and drop-in sessions
Sending course information to prospective students (and external organisations)
Finding work placements and internships for students
Partaking in the design and production of various promotional materials
Undertaking general administrative work in the Student Services office
July 2013 – Dec 2013
IAG Advisor West London Academy
Main duties performed:
Providing information and support to students throughout their studies
Helping students to find local companies, community centres and shops
Entering information into the company’s information management system
Conducting interviews with prospective students
Checking qualifications
Providing impartial career advice (e.g. career progression and opportunities, best job search practices, CV and Cover Letter writing, etc)
Advertising job opportunities to students
Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with employers
Assisting with the organisation of the Academy’s Open Days
Providing admin support to the rest of the team
Qualifications
Level 2 NVQ in Advice and Guidance – City & Guilds
Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance – QCF
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) – BCS
Skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to relate to student issues and propose resolutions
Exceptional time management and organisational skills
IT (Microsoft Office and typing speed of 65 words per minute)
Professional approach to dealing with complaints from students
Hobbies and interests
In my free time I love spending quality time with my family and friends; exploring new aspects of life and taking part in social events. I am also a volunteer at my local library where I help visitors find the items & services that they are looking for.
References
Mr Muhammad Khan IAG Manager, Bird College Address: 38 Wrestle Rd, Pleat, FK7 8LH Tel: 0000 268 2239 Email:[email protected]
Mr Kai John Head of Student Services, WL Academy Address: 2 Broomfield Rd, CV7 2ZZ Tel: 0000 352 4678 Email:[email protected]
Use a clear and professional layout: Employ a clean, organised layout with clear sections, making it easy for employers to navigate through your CV. In the IAG sector, clarity is key to conveying information effectively.
Opt for a legible font: Choose a professional font such as Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman or Calibri to enhance readability. Avoid elaborate fonts that may distract from the content of your CV, ensuring a polished appearance for your application.
Utilise bold headings: Employ bold headings to distinguish different sections of your CV. Clearly labelled sections like “Education,” “Work Experience,” and “Skills” help employers quickly find relevant information, streamlining the hiring process.
Add a skills section: Dedicate a section to key skills relevant to IAG, such as “Career Guidance,” “Interview Coaching,” and “Student Support.” This provides a quick overview of your capabilities.
Limit CV length: Aim for a concise CV, ideally keeping it to two pages. This encourages clarity and ensures that only the most relevant information is included.
Your CV’s personal information section is where you provide essential details about yourself to potential employers.
It should include your full name, contact details (phone number and professional email address) and address. Make sure these details are correct as employers will use them to contact you regarding your application.
Avoid including unnecessary details, such as your date of birth or marital status.
Your CV’s personal profile is a brief, tailored statement about you, highlighting key skills, experiences and career goals at the beginning of your CV.
Guidelines:
Be concise and impactful: Example: “Dedicated IAG professional with a proven track record in guiding individuals towards successful career paths.”
Highlight key skills: Example: “Proficient in career guidance, interview coaching, and student support.”
Connect to the IAG sector: Example: “Passionate about fostering positive career outcomes for clients through tailored advice and guidance.”
With over a decade of experience as an Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) professional, I have consistently facilitated individuals in making informed career decisions. My expertise lies in tailoring guidance to diverse needs, demonstrated by successfully supporting a wide range of clients, from recent graduates navigating their first job search to seasoned professionals seeking career transitions. Proven results include guiding a client through skills development, resulting in a successful transition from administration to project management. Committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools for career success.
Achievements
The achievements section of your CV is like a spotlight on your standout moments. It’s a series of bullet points that showcase your proudest accomplishments, from awards and promotions to impressive grades.
Spearheaded a successful charity fundraising campaign, raising £3,000 for a local community project.
Achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Business Management, showcasing academic excellence.
Received the “Employee of the Month” award twice for outstanding contributions to the team.
Achieved a personal fitness goal by completing a marathon, demonstrating discipline and determination.
Employment and work experience
In the employment section of your CV, you’ll detail your work history, giving prospective employers a comprehensive picture of your professional journey.
Focus on your key responsibilities, achievements, and how your contributions have made a positive impact. Use concise, action-oriented language to highlight your skills and demonstrate the value you bring to the table.
January 2019 – Present
Career Advisor ABC Careers Ltd.
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Provide tailored career guidance to clients, assisting them in making informed decisions about their professional paths.
Conduct individual and group workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies.
Collaborate with local schools to deliver interactive career awareness sessions to students.
Achievements: Successfully revamped the company’s career workshop curriculum, leading to a 30% increase in client satisfaction and engagement.
Conduct personalised career assessments to evaluate individuals’ skills, interests, and values.
Offer one-to-one guidance sessions, providing insights into suitable career paths and development opportunities.
Create and deliver workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and effective job search strategies.
Stay abreast of industry trends and labour market information to provide up-to-date and relevant advice.
Assist clients in setting realistic career goals and developing action plans to achieve them.
Utilise a variety of assessment tools to help clients identify and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Collaborate with educational institutions and employers to facilitate work experience placements and internships.
Provide support to clients during job transitions, including redundancy or career changes.
Stay informed about apprenticeship opportunities and guide clients through the apprenticeship application process.
Develop and maintain a network of contacts with employers, industry professionals, and other career service providers to enhance job placement opportunities for clients.
Educational
The educational section of your CV typically includes information about your academic background, listing details such as the institutions attended, dates of study and qualifications obtained.
In this section, you can include various types of qualifications, such as degrees, A-Levels, GCSEs, diplomas and other relevant educational achievements.
September 2013 – June 2015 Results: Psychology (A), Business Studies (B) and English Literature (B).
A-Levels
Cardiff College
Qualifications & training
The professional training and qualifications section of your CV highlights your specialised skills, industry-specific certifications, and any additional training you’ve undertaken, providing a snapshot of your professional development and expertise.
For an IAG role, you might include qualifications such as a Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice, showcasing your expertise in providing informed guidance.
Additionally, certifications in psychometric testing or accredited training in mentoring and coaching can further underscore your capabilities in supporting individuals through their career journeys.
Example:
Level 5 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development – National Institute for Career Education
Certified Advanced Practitioner in Psychometric Testing – British Psychological Society
Accredited Mentorship and Coaching Training – Institute of Leadership and Management
Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice – Career Development Institute
Certificate in Life Skills Coaching – UK Coaching Consortium
NVQ Level 3 in Information, Advice, and Guidance – Open College Network
Skills and competencies
In this section of your CV, you should highlight your key abilities and attributes relevant to the job.
Emphasise soft skills crucial for IAG, like empathy, active listening and adaptability. Provide examples of how these skills have positively influenced client outcomes.
Example:
Career guidance and counselling: Proven ability to provide tailored career advice and guidance to individuals, assisting them in making informed decisions about their professional paths.
Effective communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated through creating comprehensive career development workshops and writing impactful articles on career-related topics.
Interview coaching: Equipping candidates with strategies and insights, leading to increased success rates in job interviews.
Client relationship management: Fostering positive and lasting relationships with clients through personalised career support.
CV writing: • Crafting compelling CVs that effectively showcase skills and experiences to secure desired roles.
Job market research: Staying abreast of industry trends and labour market dynamics, ensuring advice is current and relevant.
Networking skills: Building and maintaining professional networks to facilitate valuable connections for career opportunities.
Adaptability: Successfully navigating career transitions and guiding others through changing career landscapes.
Resilience: Navigating setbacks and encouraging resilience in individuals facing career challenges.
IT proficiency: Competent use of career-related tools and platforms, including online job boards and assessment tools.
Goal setting: Assisting individuals in setting realistic and achievable career goals for long-term success.
Problem-solving: Assisting in overcoming career-related challenges through strategic problem-solving.
Hobbies and interests (optional)
This section offers a glimpse into your personal interests and activities, providing a more holistic view of who you are.
Include hobbies that reflect positively on your character and demonstrate relevant skills, such as teamwork, creativity, or leadership.
For instance, mentioning involvement in community volunteering, participating in team sports, or pursuing creative hobbies like writing or photography can give the reader a better understanding of your diverse skills and interests.
Example:
Passionate about community engagement, I actively volunteer with local career development workshops, leveraging my expertise to empower individuals in their professional journeys. A dedicated runner, I find that the discipline and resilience cultivated through marathon training mirror my approach to guiding others through challenging career transitions. Additionally, my interest in creative writing allows me to communicate career advice effectively, producing engaging and informative content for a wider audience.
Professional references
In the professional references section of your CV, you provide details of individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities and character.
These referees should ideally be former employers, colleagues, teachers, managers or mentors who are familiar with your work.
For each referee, include their full name, job title, company, email address and phone number.
Example:
Ms. Rebecca Turner Managing Director, Summerfield Career Services Address: 173 Park Avenue, London Tel: +44 1234 567890 Email:[email protected]
Mr. Harry Evans Director of Career Development, Horizon Consultants Address: 34 Pine Lane, Liverpool Tel: +44 8765 432109 Email:[email protected]
Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”
Integrate key words from job descriptions: Tailor your CV to mirror the language used in the job description, increasing your chances of aligning with the employer’s expectations.
Quantify achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your career guidance. For instance, specify the percentage increase in successful job placements after implementing your counselling strategies
Utilise action verbs: Begin each bullet point with a dynamic action verb. For instance, “Implemented innovative career workshops to enhance clients’ job search skills.”
Demonstrate tech proficiency: Highlight your proficiency in using career-related tools and platforms, underscoring your ability to navigate the digital landscape of modern career counselling.
Emphasise continuous learning: Showcase your commitment to professional development. Mention any relevant certifications, workshops, or courses that enhance your career guidance expertise.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
