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Effective CVs

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.

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Effective CVs

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  1. Effective CVs

  2. 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

  3. What is a CV? It’syouradvertisement !

  4. What is the purpose of a CV? To get you an interview

  5. CV Content What information would you include in your CV?

  6. CV Content

  7. Personal Details David Smith 1b Gateway Street Leicester LE1 2BB 0116 123456 07779 123456 dsmith@dmu.ac.uk Make sure your email address is professional ! NoSuZy_babe@ or hunkyLAD@ or Yerbut_nobut_yerbutno@

  8. Personal Profile Tell them concisely Who you are 2) The relevant experience you have 3) Your career aims

  9. Personal profile example A motivated business studies graduatewith experience of working in an office environmentseeks a career as an administrator.

  10. 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

  11. 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 All experience counts whether it is paid, voluntary or work shadowing

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Achievements/interests • Show that you are motivated to pursue other activities • Focus on recent achievements • What were your contributions? • What skills did you develop?

  15. Additional skills Briefly list skills such as • Language abilities • Computer and keyboard skills • Driving Licence

  16. 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.

  17. 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’.

  18. Group task: In groups please: • Compare the example CVs. Based on their CV, which candidates would you shortlist for interview and why?

  19. 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

  20. CV Don’t • Make spelling mistakes • Write curriculum vitae at the top • include your date of birth • include marital status or religion

  21. Covering Letters/emails- Purpose • To introduce yourself • To display motivation and relevant skills

  22. Covering letters - Content Usually has 4 paragraphs 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

  23. 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!

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. 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!

  27. Effective CVs How will you apply what you have learned to your own CV from now on?

  28. 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

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