Jennifer Reay Careers Adviser

1. Department of Student Services 1 Jennifer ReayCareers Adviser

2. Department of Student Services 2

3. Department of Student Services 3 CVs – true or false? 1. It should give an historical account of my life so far 2. It has a set structure and set contents 3. I need to be selective in the information I include 4. I should include my interests and hobbies 5. I can use the same CV for every job application 6. Employers spend an average of 2 minutes reading an applicant’s CV

4. Department of Student Services 4 What is a CV? your marketing tool – often the first impression an employer gets so it has to be good and positive! an organised summary of personal details, education, skills and experience, ideally targeted to the specific position or company a chance to highlight your strengths and demonstrate your suitability for the job/vacancy NB there is no such thing as the perfect CV but there is such a thing as the wrong CV Everyone is different, everyone has different experiences, therefore no two CVs will be the same. For every ‘rule’ there is an opposing argument, and for every book you read that tells you the best way, there will be another that tells you something different. It is your CV, it is up to you how you present the information. NB there is no such thing as the perfect CV but there is such a thing as the wrong CV Everyone is different, everyone has different experiences, therefore no two CVs will be the same. For every ‘rule’ there is an opposing argument, and for every book you read that tells you the best way, there will be another that tells you something different. It is your CV, it is up to you how you present the information.

5. Department of Student Services 5 Contents of a CV personal details personal profile/career objective (optional) education/qualifications work experience skills profile interests/extra curricular activities (optional) references

6. Department of Student Services 6 Structure of a CV Start with your personal details………………….. Then ? - you need to make informed choices about how you want to structure the rest of the CV.………………………and end with your references

7. Department of Student Services 7 1) Personal Details name address telephone number email nationality? work permit? date of birth? gender?

8. Department of Student Services 8 Personal profile Summary of the main points you want an employer to focus on (e.g. skills and experience) A statement of the type of work you’re looking for Brief – 1-2 sentences; max. of 4 lines Strong, positive language

9. Department of Student Services 9 Personal profile A highly motivated team player with excellent technical and problem-solving skills. A self-motivated and innovative engineering graduate looking for a first career step in telecommunications

10. Department of Student Services 10 2) Education Should be reverse chronological order – most recent first 1. postgraduate study 2. university education 3. pre-university education –school and college with grades 4. Other relevant qualifications e.g. health and safety, ECDL

11. Department of Student Services 11 introduction to database management systems introduction to web design networks and telecommunications object-orientated analysis design and implementation programming and data structures programming solutions of the internet Example of Education

12. Department of Student Services 12 Final year project/dissertation You need to highlight relevant skills and knowledge to job/industry applying for Only mention one project/ piece of work in any detail Think about the audience – is it appropriate to use jargon?

13. Department of Student Services 13 Example of Final Year Project : I developed a standalone online test system using Visual Basic 6 and Microsoft Access as the backend database. The role of the database is to store login details for candidates, display questions and choice of answers and also keep details of the test result.

14. Department of Student Services 14 3) Work Experience Should be in reverse chronological order – most recent first employer’s name, broad location, nature of business full time, part time, voluntary work dates job titles description of duties involved and/or ….. …. main achievements or skills developed

15. Department of Student Services 15 Example of Work Experience: September 2004 – Current Recruitment administrator (part-time) – NHS Trust, London preparing offers of employment letters and terms of conditions of employment arranging interviews, obtaining references, applying for work permits and criminal record checks dealing with queries both face to face and on the telephone general office duties such as filing and photocopying

16. Department of Student Services 16 4) Skills Analytical Business awareness Communication IT Languages Organisation Problem Solving Taking Responsibility Team work Time Management

17. Department of Student Services 17 Identifying relevant skills Think about what skills the employers want you to have: This can be determined by: Job description Person specification Job advert Occupational knowledge Industry knowledge

18. Department of Student Services 18 Example of Communication Skills good communication skills both oral and written, gained from delivering presentations and producing academic assignments whilst at university communication skills used effectively whilst advising and dealing with customers when I worked at IKEA and John Lewis

19. Department of Student Services 19 5) Interests and Achievements (optional) Remember less is sometimes more. Think relevance and think skills e.g. positions of responsibility travel membership of clubs or societies music/sport hobbies and other leisure activities

20. Department of Student Services 20 6) References the names of two referees (one professional and one academic) name and job title address telephone number and fax number email address or, “supplied on request” check with referees first – courtesy and privacy?

21. Department of Student Services 21 How Should I Present My CV? good quality paper (white or cream) maximum 2 sides of A4 (in the UK) consistent font size and type correct spelling and grammar correct use of language attractive layout and easy to read get a second opinion

22. Department of Student Services 22 Resources www.londonmet.ac.uk/careers - select “current students” and “help with CV” - under Quick Links, select Watch CDES Web Cast www.prospects.ac.uk - select “Jobs and Work”, then “Applications and Interviews”, then “Compiling a CV” Free AGCAS Information Booklet: “Making Applications” Various careers publications are available for reference in the careers library, Student Services

23. Department of Student Services 23 CVs – true or false? 1. It should give an historical account of my life so far 2. It has a set structure and set contents 3. I need to be selective in the information I include 4. I should include my interests and hobbies 5. I can use the same CV for every job application 6. Employers spend an average of 2 minutes reading an applicant’s CV

24. Department of Student Services 24 CV Tips Well chosen and relevant content – be selective Skills, attitudes, experience Tweak and adapt to match the job or company Positive, strong language (see p.23 &24 of “Making Applications” or www.prospects.ac.uk - Jobs and Work/Applications and Interviews/What makes an effective application) Never send a CV in place of an organisation’s application form Clearly and professionally presented