CVs and Application Forms

1. CVs and Application Forms 1st November, 2011

2. How to compose a strong CV- Tailoring your CV to the employer and the role- Formatting your CV- DO’s and DON’TsHow to complete an application form- Outlining your skills and experiences- Competencies and skills required- Accuracy and detail!- Other information required

3. Read the Job description – competencies, requirements Research the employer further – values, key ‘buzz words’ Detail the parts of your role that meet the criteria, demonstrate your suitability Think about what you could do to enhance your CV and improve your chances Tailoring your CV

4. Identifying key competencies and skills requiredAs a group, identify and highlight some of the competencies the employer is looking forand ‘buzz words’ that you can relate to on your CV Now choose one of the competencies you have identified and think of something you have done which uses the same skills 5 Minutes 5 Minutes What do you think you could do to develop some of these skills?

5. Types of CV Chronological Lists your education and experience in reverse chronological order Skills-based This focuses on the skills required by the employer more than on your education and work history. Tends to be used more by contractors and other skilled workers. Combination You may have very relevant qualifications that favour a chronological layout, and varied work experience that benefits from a skills-based approach. Academic It is built around three areas - your research, teaching and administration experience. Length is less important and it may be longer than two pages. CVs for other countries Different countries have different CV formats –make sure you find out what is required!!

6. Structuring your CV • Personal Details Name, contact details • Profile/career objective Keep it specific and relevant • Education and Qualifications Most recent first • Work History Transferable skills • Additional Skills and Qualifications IT, languages, vocational qualifications • Hobbies and Interests Not required • References Available upon request

7. From the 1 CV you have been given work in pairs to think of • some of the positive and negative elements • Things you can consider are: • Font • Alignment • Consistency • Spelling and grammar • Dates Formatting your CV 5 Minutes

8. CV ‘DOs’ and DON’Ts’ • Ensure the formatting is consistent • Use actions words and try to link them to the competencies/skills • Ensure that your CV is relevant to the employer and to the role • Think about and detail your transferable skills • Use your space wisely – CVs should not be longer than 2 pages • Write ‘CV at the top’ • Leave any gaps in dates • Include marital status or other irrelevant info • Use pictures, colours, photos etc – keep it professional • Blanket email your CV to employers

9. Completing an application form… • Competency questions • Transferable skills • Look at your CV • Attention to detail • References 5 Minutes • As a group, Look at your experience • on your CVs and think of an example to • relate to two of these competencies: • Leadership • Communication • Working under pressure • Problem solving • Working with others

10. Applications ‘DOs’ and DON’Ts’ • Make sure you understand the competencies • Varied examples where possible • Recent examples • Right amount of detail • What was YOUR role was in an example • Stick to the word count • Ask someone to check it • Copy and paste answers from different applications • Repeat examples • Delay in submitting and application – check the deadline • Rush the application

11. Questions?