Developing Business Practice – 302LON

Designing effective self marketing tools

Unit: 8 Knowledgecast: 1

In this Knowledgecast, we will:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset

• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience

• Develop an effective employment and career development strategy

Module Learning Outcomes

Module OverviewUnit1 Developing as a learner

2 Working independently and with others

3 Academic writing

4 Critical thinking, reading and taking notes

5 Using data in your studies

6 Business and management research

7 Career development strategies

8 Effective self marketing tools9 Successful work experience

10 Personal Development Planning

Based on: Cameron (2009)

5 Key Strategies for Career Success

Know your

skills and strengths

Contact potential employer

s

Present yourself

professionally

Present yourself successf

ully

Positive Thinking

“At the very least, a good CV will ensure you promote yourself to your best advantage and help secure interviews”

(Michael Page International: Global Recruitment Consultants - www.michaelpage.co.uk).

A good CV should:• Present all of your relevant skills and achievements • Tell a story of your professional experience to date• Introduce you as a potential candidate for the role• Reflect your character in your personal statement and interests

The Role of the CV

All CVs should be targeted to the specific job or organisation.

1. Chronological– Often preferred by employers– Presents professional experience in reverse chronological order– Your most recent experience appears at the top of the list

2. Skills based– Often used for no direct experience or extensive employment history– Highlights most relevant skills and experience from your life

3. Academic – Used for applications for post graduate study and teaching– Highlights research, teaching and publications

Styles of CV

Based on: CU Careers and Employability Service

Creating a Winning CV

•Research the company •Read the job advert and specifications carefully

Identify Employer’s Needs

•Review your own skills, qualities and experiences•Identify the evidence you can use

Know what you have to offer

•Look at yourself through the employer’s eyes•Identify what will make you stand out from the rest

Make the connections

•Choose your style of CV•Demonstrate what you have to offer and how you fit inWrite your CV

Usual sections in your CV are:

• Personal Details• Contact Details• Personal Statement – Career Profile & Objectives• Education• Employment History & Work Experience• Personal Interests• Additional Skills• Achievements and Awards• Referees

Structuring Your CV

Source: Brouat (2010

Transforming the CV

Source: Brouat (2010)

How Would CVs Compare?

Accurate and truthfulTargeted to the job

specification and the organisationDemonstrates all the

relevant skills and experience required Most important facts

and evidence are prominent

2 A4 pages in length and easy to email/upload

Interesting, logical and easy to read with no

spelling mistakesIncludes your contact details and links to your

Cover Letter

Winning CV Checklist

A good Cover Letter should:

• Accompany your CV• Supports your job application, work placement or project

opportunity• Links your suitability to the role and organisation• Engages the employer to read about you and your CV with

enthusiasm• Be your chance to make a great impression!

Source: CU Careers and Employability Service

The Role of the Cover Letter

Your name and contact details

Addressed to a specific person involved in the recruitment processDemonstrates your

knowledge of the organisation and why

you will fit inHighlights key evidence why you are a suitable

candidate1 A4 page in length and

easy to email/uploadWritten in a positive

tone of voiceEasy to read with no

spelling mistakes

Winning Cover Letter Checklist

The beliefs your hold

The rights you give yourself and

others

Your behaviour in a range of situations

The results from situations and

how you interpret them

Building Your Self-Belief

affects

affects affects

affects

In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset

• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience

• Develop an effective employment and career development strategy

What are we going to cover next?

In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset

– Value of feedback in developing your CV writing skills

• Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience

– Skills for presenting yourself professionally to potential employers

• Develop an effective employment and career development strategy– Research and produce a winning CV and Cover Letter to engage potential

employers

Knowledgecast Summary

In your work groups:

1. Practice Your Elevator Pitch with each of your colleagues2. Ask for feedback and suggestions for improvement3. Use the Feedback Sheet to record your feedback

Remember, feedback should:• Be clear and concise• Describe behaviour (what you saw or heard)• Be supported by examples• Suggest how to improve

Seminar: Your Elevator Pitch

Career Skills: Your Elevator Pitch

The Hook

• Grab their interest

• How can you help with an issue

The Benefit

• Give them 3 benefits

• Why are you an attractive option?

Make a great impact in your first 5 minutes:

1. Take it in turns to answer the following interview questions:

• Tell us about yourself• What do your bring to this organisation• Describe a time, perhaps linked to a challenging task or

assignment, when things were difficult and you were working under pressure

2. Ask for feedback from your interviewers3. Reflect on and record your feedback

Group Activity: Great First Impressions