Get Noticed CV Application Form and Covering Letter

Get Noticed CV, Application Form and Covering Letter Workshop

Aims and Objectives Purpose of the Workshop • To look at the CV building process Title • To guide you through application form completion • To help you create a covering letter

Aims and Objectives Purpose of the Workshop • To look at the CV building process • To guide you through application form completion • To help you create a covering letter

CVs • What is a CV? • Why do you need a CV? • CV types • Getting started

CV content • • Personal Details Personal Profile Key Skills/Strengths/Experience/Competencies Achievements Employment History/Work Experience Education/Training Additional Information References

Personal Profile A highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Flexible, adaptable team worker who can also work on own initiative. Good time-keeper, hardworking and trustworthy, with the ability to remain good humoured and unflappable under pressure.

CV content • • Personal Details Personal Profile Key Skills/Strengths/Experience/Competencies Achievements Employment History/Work Experience Education/Training Additional Information References Title

Achievements ü Provides proof that you have the skills and abilities that you claim you have Title ü Gives a potential employer confidence that you will be able to do the job ü Past behaviour is indicative of future performance cf competency based applications/interviews ü Distinguish between features and benefits

Achievements ü Provides proof that you have the skills and abilities that you claim you have ü Gives a potential employer confidence that you will be able to do the job ü Past behaviour is indicative of future performance cf competency based applications/interviews ü Distinguish between features and benefits

Achievements Ask yourself: • When did I feel proudest of my work? • When have I known that I am really good at my job? • Which of my actions has received the most praise? • What do other people think I am good at?

Achievements Initiated Created Improved Pioneered Introduced Delivered Developed Increased Negotiated Reduced Established Saved

CV content • • Personal Details Personal Profile Key Skills/Strengths/Experience/Competencies Achievements Employment History/Work Experience Education/Training Additional Information References

Things to Think About CVs Ø Ø Ø Ø What is relevant? Gaps How far back? Qualifications Hobbies/interests References Templates Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Things to Think About CVs Ø Ø Ø Ø What is relevant? Gaps How far back? Qualifications Hobbies/interests References Templates Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Do ü Include a covering letter ü Check spelling and grammar ü Keep a copy on a secure system ü Adapt your CV for every job applied for

Don't v Use coloured paper v Use excessive CAPITAL LETTERS, bold print, italics, underline v Lie v Include nationality, date of birth, NI number, marital status, photograph, current salary or reasons for leaving a job

Application Forms

Things to Think About Application forms Ø What type of application form is it? Ø Do I include my CV? Ø What goes in the Personal Statement?

Personal Statement “Why do you feel you are suitable for this position? ” ! The most important part of the application form ! You can only be assessed on the information you provide ! You need to clearly demonstrate your capabilities ! Explain how you meet each of the person specification points ! Provide examples from your previous experience ! Present information that relates to the job description ! Use concise, unambiguous sentences and avoid exaggerations ! Do not make false claims

Covering Letters Guidelines v • • v v v Use for: an advertised post to accompany a CV or completed application form a speculative application to accompany a CV Keep it to one side of A 4 Look at examples to help you with content and structure Word process in the same font as your CV Use uncomplicated language Check for spelling and grammatical errors

Next Steps ü Further information: Positive Steps to your Future Handbook www. redundancyscotland. co. uk www. myworldofwork. co. uk ü Attend other workshops: Positive Steps to your Future First Impressions Count ü Request a one-to-one career guidance meeting

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