CV WORKSHOP

CV Workshop

CV WORKSHOP

Today we aim to...

• Improve/maximise your chances of getting a placement

• Ensure you understand the benefits of YINI

• Assess your suitability for placement

CV WORKSHOP

The Job Advert – Wanted or Not

Do you have the skills?

CV WORKSHOP

What is the purpose of a CV?

CV WORKSHOP

CV WORKSHOP

FEATURES and BENEFITS

CV WORKSHOP

What Features / Selling Points Do You Have?

Reflect them in your CV as BENEFITS to the

employer

CV WORKSHOP

Use Words to Maximum Effect

I am a project manager

I am a seasoned project manager

I am a seasoned project manager who saved my Company £400,000

I am a seasoned project manager who saved my Company £400,000 over the last 2

years

I am a seasoned project manager who saved my Company £400,000 over the last 2

years through innovative software design.

I am a seasoned project manager who saved my Company £400,000 over the last 2

years through innovative software design and reduced procurement costs by 50%.

Quantitative Evidence – generates interest and creates a desire to

interview. Create your own WOW factor

CV WORKSHOP

Self Assessment – Be honest with yourself

Think of 5 skills that an employer might want you to have, AND rate them

on a scale of 1 - 5

Think of three attributes that best suit you. Entertaining, creative, serious,

professional, team player, eloquent, diplomatic, hard-working, friendly, reliable, intelligent, honest,

conscientious.

Rate yourself on these interpersonal skills on a scale of 1 – 5 Communication

(Outbound and inbound), Assertiveness, Diplomacy, Negotiation, Teamwork, dealing with

customers

List your Information Technology skills on a scale of 1- 5 Word Processing,

Spreadsheets, Databases, Programming, Desktop Publishing, Website design, Blogs, and social

media

List any extra skills you have gained from hobbies, work experience or

volunteering and rate those on a scale of 1-5

What do you think is the most important aspect of your education to date

and rate its usefulness to your employer on a scale of 1 - 5

What have been your main achievements in the last two years.

CV WORKSHOP

Covering Letter or Biography – First point of contact

Address it to somebody

Tell them why you are writing

Show you are interested in the Company

Tell them the key points of why they

Suggest you are looking forward to meeting them to discuss how

you can further help the organization

Follow the letter up with a phone call

It must complement your CV

CV WORKSHOP

Poor spelling and grammar

Confusing layout

Too long

Too brief

Dodgy photo

Too colourful

No contact information

Missing degree modules

Hobbies – Beware ALL

individual

Repetition

How can you ensure your CV goes straight in

the bin?

CV WORKSHOP

Grades AND Module Results

Work Experience

Practical Skills

Positions of Responsibility

Career Plans

Hobbies and Interests

What is essential on a CV?

CV WORKSHOP

What do you think really matters to employers

when looking at your CV?

CV WORKSHOP

A Real Advert - Year In Industry Student Wanted

Your Needs

You are interested in science,

technology, engineering, maths or

related subjects?

You you want to find out more about

these subjects, disciplines and

potential careers?

You want learn new things and

develop your skills?

You want experience of the working

world?

Not sure of what you want to do and

happy to try anything?

Employer needs

Qualified in STEM subjects

Have an interest in how things work

A hobby which touches maths, mechanics,

physics, electronics or software

Has some experience of being part of a

team

Be be motivated, organized and able to

meet time targets with a strong work ethic.

Able to communicate with committed,

friendly and enthusiastic people.

Be able to work on a wide range of

technically challenging projects from

inception through completion.

CV WORKSHOP

The Charity STEMNET recently polled

hundreds of Employers to produce a rank of

the top 10 employability skills...

1 Communication and interpersonal skills

2 Problem solving skills

3 Using your initiative and being self-motivated

4 Working under pressure and to deadlines

5 Organisational skills

6 Team working

7 Ability to learn and adapt

8 Numeracy

9 Valuing diversity and difference

10 Negotiation skills

CV WORKSHOP

Most essentially

NEVER write anything you cannot

backup at interview

ALWAYS include evidence for each

skill you include

NEVER tell a lie or over-exaggerate

CV WORKSHOP

What skills will the employer be looking for?

Do you have those skills on your CV?

Does your CV clearly communicate these skills to the reader?