IMech E careers workshop CV Workshop Presenters name

IMech. E careers workshop CV Workshop Presenter’s name Date/Venue Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 1

About me! University course University and graduation year Relevant work experience Current job role Currently company Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 2

Content Writing an effective CV The Do’s and Don’ts of covering letters The benefits of Associate membership Routes to gaining Professional Registration Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 3

Applications Two main types of application Written Application forms Covering letter Verbal Telephone interviews Introductions or networking Both may require a CV to be presented during the process of application. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 4

What is a CV? A CV is a sales document - you are the product! A CV must convince an employer that they are making an investment, which is likely to lead to enhanced business. The investment can be either the appointment itself or simply the time given to interview you. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 5

Your CV- 1 Think of your CV as your first interview; you rely on it to do your talking for you. - 2 sided document (maximumlength) - 12 font, white paper, no gimmicks. Basic Details – Name, Contact Details, Qualifications, Employment History. Personal Qualities - Initiative, Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Commercial Acumen, etc. Professional - Memberships e. g. IMech. E or Training. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 6

Your CV- 2 Principal job functions a brief description of what each past job role entailed Specific Achievements broken down as Situation -> Action ->Result Problem ->Timescale ->Benefit Key attributes linked to achievements may include Self Motivation Communication Skills Initiative Team building/ Work Leadership Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 7

CV Structure Page One Name and contact details. Education - most recent first e. g. Degree, A-levels. Professional memberships or training e. g. IMech. E Associate, Project Management course, etc. Page Two For each previous job: dates of employment, position in the company, main responsibilities. Key achievements: Situation - Action - Benefits Outside interests: hobbies, sport, clubs, etc. References: where necessary/appropriate, give two most recent employers if possible. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 8

CV Summary Think of it as your first interview It’s a sales brochure for you Comprehensive, detailed and clear Bullet points instead of long text Stress your achievements – be truthful Check grammar & spelling! Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 9

Covering Letters - 1 A very powerful tool The only opportunity of introducing yourself formally short of the interview itself Provides the link between the company’s need and your direct experience, qualities and ambitions. One side of A 4 maximum Indicate where you saw the advert you are responding to. Refer to the position for which you are applying and state your suitability for the role. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 10

Covering Letters - 2 Explain why you are applying Demonstrate what you have to offer e. g. relevant work experience, skills, knowledge and personal qualities Make it clear how you fit this particular job Indicate that you can supply any further information required and your availability for interview Positive, upbeat closing - “I look forward to hearing from you in the near future” Yours sincerely (if addressed to a named person) Yours faithfully (if the letter is addressed to Sir or Madam) – avoid if possible. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 11

Covering Letter Summary You are being judged every time you either speak or write to prospective employers or agents working on their behalf. Be concise, clear and friendly in your communication style. Pay close attention to details, grammar, spelling. Preparation is key Useful resources: University Careers Service Engineering Opportunities: www. engopps. com www. prospects. ac. uk Recruitment Directories Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 12

Institution Membership Companies are looking for professional engineering management for the future IMech. E membership demonstrates you are actively doing something about your own development Attend local events, network, ask intelligent questions, understand what Professional Registration mean for your career and to your prospective employers. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 13

Professional Registration Chartered Engineer Incorporated Engineer (MEng) (BEng) Shows employers that you’ve reached a benchmark standard of professional competency. Internationally recognised and sought after. Acquired though a combination of Academic Qualifications and Professional Development (work experience). Professional Development can be monitored through Professional Development Record (www. pd-how 2. org) or IMech. E MPDS. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 14

Professional Registration 2 Monitored Professional Development Scheme An accredited professional development programme which many UK companies actively promote The e. MPDS scheme has a consistently high success rate; 93% of people on e. MPDS go on to become professionally registered. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 15

Questions Use your membership! Go along to local events, network with professionals, ask an intelligent question, get yourself noticed. Get relevant work experience. Make sure you understand Professional Registration. Visit: www. imeche. org/students to stay up to date. Upgrade to Associate after graduation. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 16

IMech. E Membership If you are in your final year and are not currently receiving the monthly Affiliate newsletter via email, then you are not an IMech. E Affiliate or need to update your contact details. Make sure you are an Affiliate by joining now or update your details as soon as you can; membership is free. Contact membership@imeche. org After Graduation you can upgrade to Associate Member and use the post nominal ‘AMIMech. E’ after your name. IMech. E will contact you when you graduate with all the information you need to upgrade. Improving the world through engineering www. imeche. org 17