aka the 30-second sell steve whittington, schooljobs cv writing
TRANSCRIPT
AKA The 30-second sell
Steve Whittington, SchoolJobs
CV writing
Objective
This session aims to:• Demonstrate the importance of the CV within
the context of the application process• Provide you with the tools to develop an
effective CV that reflects your personal experience, knowledge and skills
• Avoid disasters like this...
Dispelling some job application myths
True or false?1. The school may receive over 50
applications for a single vacancy.
TRUE! Last week I received 167 applications for an advertised role.
Dispelling some job application myths
True or false?2. The employer reads the cover letter
before reading the CV.
FALSE! Imagine you are shortlisting for a position. You receive 50 applications. What is the most efficient way of selecting candidates?
Dispelling some job application myths
True or false?3. It is possible to make an
employment decision in less than 30 seconds.
TRUE!I will prove it!
Dispelling some job application myths
True or false?4. Content is more important than
presentation.
FALSE!They are equally important. Consider the last time you were marking student work. See example.
Dispelling some job application myths
True or false?5. Each application receives an equal
amount of consideration.
FALSE!Some are quickly rejected, others pondered over. Sometimes, early applications receive more attention.
Dispelling some job application myths
True or false?6. Principals are rational, unbiased,
unemotional, 100% reliable professionals who are never tired or stressed.
LOL! As if….!
How is this picture relevant to this session?
‘Selling’ your ‘magazine’
• The 1st page of your CV is
PRIME REAL ESTATE
• Your USP is like a Nobel Prize winner on the cover of Time magazine. Don’t waste it!
• Do you know what your USP is?
Knowing your brandLifestyle
Imagination
Liberty regained Innovation
Simplicity
Hopes, dreams and aspirations
Passion
Knowing your brand
Apple Microsoft
Knowing your brand
Coca-Cola Pepsi
Knowing your brand
Qantas Virgin
Knowing your brand
Collingwood Hawthorn
What are you known for?
?Academic
Caring
Organised
Leadership potential
Sporty
Patient
Hard-workingRelate well to students
Your brand
Write down (BFF p.4) 3 – 5 bullet points that accurately describe your ‘brand identity’:e.g. • Enthusiastic and outgoing• Comprehensive subject knowledge• Relate well to my students• Strong community values
What does a great CV look like?
• Answer: How do you like your coffee?• i.e. A CV is a very personal document that
reflects your individual strengths & values.• Know your strengths and lead with them:
Highly qualified? Experienced? Sporty? Passionate about curriculum? Then say so!
• Blow your own trumpet funky horn! Banish bashfulness. Kill or be killed (bit dramatic!).
CV ‘modules’
• Personal statement • Qualifications • Key skills and achievements• Employment history • Professional development and memberships• Activities and interests• RefereesSee template on BFF pp.12-13
Which module goes where?
• That depends on your brand!• Academic? Emphasise your qualifications.• Career change? Emphasise your experience.• High achiever? Emphasise your achievements.
• Not sure what your brand is? Ask those who know you best and whose opinion you value.
CV style guide
• Personal statement– Strong personal voice; use I and me; convey passion
and enthusiasm• Key achievements– Dynamic language; past tense; omit 1st person; convey
objective voice; increase credibility, decrease risk• Key skills/qualities/competencies– Dynamic; objective; use strong adjectives to emphasise
nouns (e.g. extensive experience in, collaborative leadership style etc.)
Using dynamic language
Which sounds more impressive?• I was involved in administering NAPLAN
Or• Coordinated the school’s NAPLAN procedures
and liaised with colleagues to ensure efficient and timely reporting
Now write three of your own dynamic achievement statements.
Your CV: The basics
Do Don’t Depends
Keep to 2 – 4 pages Put Résumé or CV at the top Use minimal colour
Give your file a suitable name Put your photo Hyperlink to portfolio pag
eKeep it ‘clean’: Balance of
white & blackUse fancy fonts and
graphics Link with social media
Keep formatting consistent:
Bullets, fonts, tables and tabs
Send in multiple copies or hard copies
Choosing referees
• Professional– Your current Principal or Deputy Principal– Placement mentor/supervising teacher– University lecturer
• Personal– Seldom required– Possibly a parent or member of school community
• Check with them first! Choose wisely and confirm contact details
Conclusions• Quality overrides quantity• Applying for jobs is an exercise in selling– Know what you are selling– Articulate it concisely– Don’t sell yourself short– Ensure what you are selling is what people want
• Don’t be afraid to solicit feedback on your application
• If in doubt, seek advice
To download this presentation and other resources register at
www.schooljobs.com.au
For more information about Steve Whittington see
www.oxfordeducation.com.au