effective cvs
DESCRIPTION
Effective CVs. Session covers. Main components of a graduate CV Compare a selection of real CVs Judge the pros/cons of these CVs Application of the above to creating or updating your own CV. What is a CV?. It’s your advertisement !. What is the purpose of a CV?. To get you an interview. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
EFFECTIVE CVS
SESSION COVERS
• Main components of a graduate CV
• Compare a selection of real CVs
• Judge the pros/cons of these CVs
• Application of the above to creating or updating your own CV
WHAT IS A CV?
It’s your advertisement !
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CV?
To get you an interview
CV CONTENT
What information would you include in your CV?
CV CONTENT
References
AdditionalSkills
Achievements&
Interests
WorkExperience
Education &
Qualifications
Profile
PersonalDetails
CV
PERSONAL DETAILS
David Smith1b Gateway Street
Leicester
LE1 2BB
0116 123456
07779 123456
Make sure your email address is professional !
No SuZy_babe@ or hunkyLAD@ or Yerbut_nobut_yerbutno@
PERSONAL PROFILE
Tell them concisely
1) Who you are
2) The relevant experience you have
3) Your career aims
PERSONAL PROFILE EXAMPLE
A motivated business studies graduate with experience of working in an office environment seeks a career as an administrator.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
2006-2009 De Montfort University, Leicester
BA (Hons) Business and Finance (2:2)
Include relevant modules
Dissertation or major project details
2002-2006 Tonbridge School, Kent
A levels: Business Studies B, Economics C, English D
GCSEs: 8 at grades A-C including English and Maths
ALL EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHETHER IT IS PAID, VOLUNTARY OR WORK SHADOWING
Relevant• Work placement in
Office Environment • Part-time data entry job• Treasurer for University
Society• Voluntary work
answering phone for local charity helpline
Other• Part-time job at
McDonalds• Saturday job at Asda• Student Ambassador at
University• Activity Leader Summer
Play Scheme
Experience
EXPERIENCE
• List in reverse date order• Put your job titles in bold• List your responsibilities and achievements
in each role• Use words relevant to the job you are
applying for• Start each bullet point with a Power Word
POWER WORDS
Create a positive impression when describing your experiences by using action words that emphasise your skills such as:
achieved organised
communicated presented
developed supervised
improved researched
ACHIEVEMENTS/INTERESTS
• Show that you are motivated to pursue other activities
• Focus on recent achievements
• What were your contributions?
• What skills did you develop?
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Briefly list skills such as
• Language abilities• Computer and
keyboard skills• Driving Licence
REFERENCES
• Two referees, one academic and one work-related, or a character referee if allowed.
• Give their phone number and email along with their title and full contact address.
• Always ask for their permission first and remember to keep them informed of your career aspirations and achievements to date.
REFERENCES CONTINUED
• If a reference from your immediate manager is not possible, consider using someone else in the company.
• If using an international referee, it’s a good idea to confirm with them that they can provide a fax or email in English.
• If you’re running out of space, and referees’ details are not explicitly requested, it’s acceptable to state
‘References available upon request’.
GROUP TASK:
In groups please:
• Compare the example CVs.
Based on their CV, which candidates would you shortlist for interview and why?
CV PRESENTATION
• 2 sheets of A4• Good quality paper• Arial font size 11 or 12• Use headings• Bullet points• Short sentences• Selective use of
BOLD for emphasis
CV
DON’T
• Make spelling mistakes
• Write curriculum vitae at the top
• include your date of birth
• include marital status or religion CV
COVERING LETTERS/EMAILS- PURPOSE
• To introduce yourself
• To display motivation and relevant skills
COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT
Usually has 4 paragraphs
1.The Opening
• Introduce yourself• Tell them which job you are applying for and • Where you saw the advert• That you have attached your CV for their
reference
COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT
2. Why them?
• Explain why you are interested in this job• Explain why you are interested in their
organisation or company
Research the company!
COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT
3. Why you?
• Explain how your ….• knowledge• skills • and experience match their requirements
You will find what they are looking for in their job advert, job description and person specification
COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT
4. The ending
• Explain when you are available for interview • Thank them for considering your application
Please remember
If you begin your letter with Dear (Name) end with Yours sincerelyDear Sir/Madam end with Yours faithfully
SUMMARY
• Understand what the employer wants
• Excellent overall presentation
• Tailor each CV, Personal Statement and Cover Letter to the job
• This is their first impression of you so make it count!
EFFECTIVE CVS
How will you apply what you have learned to your own CV from
now on?
ONLINE RESOURCES
• Careers Success Toolkit
http://dmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-study/employability-and-careers/advice-support-and-guidance.aspx
• www.prospects.ac.uk• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm