EFFECTIVE CVS SESSION COVERS Main components of a

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 Personal Details References Additional Skills Profile CV Education & Qualifications Achievements Work & Experience Interests

PERSONAL DETAILS David Smith 1 b Gateway Street Leicester LE 1 2 BB 0116 123456 07779 123456 dsmith@dmu. ac. uk Make sure your email address is professional ! No Su. Zy_babe@ or hunky. LAD@ 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

Experience 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 Mc. Donalds Saturday job at Asda Student Ambassador at University Activity Leader Summer Play Scheme

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?

• • 2 sheets of A 4 Good quality paper Arial font size 11 or 12 Use headings Bullet points Short sentences Selective use of BOLD for emphasis CV CV PRESENTATION

• Make spelling mistakes • Write curriculum vitae at the top • include your date of birth • include marital status or religion CV DON’T

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 sincerely Dear 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/undergraduatestudy/employability-and-careers/advice-support -and-guidance. aspx • www. prospects. ac. uk • http: //www. prospects. ac. uk/cvs. htm