‘Building your Career with the IMechE’

‘Building your Careerwith the IMechE’

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

Effective CVs • “Keep it brief - you don’t want to give too much away otherwise you’ll have nothing to talk about at interview” • Maximum of 2 to 3 sides • Use a White quality paper, A4 size • Use word format or rich text format • Use Times Roman or Ariel font 10pt or 12pt • Don’t use tables

Your CV • The CV’s job is to get you an interview • It must contain: • Personnel details • A Profile • Basic Details - Qualifications, experience, etc) • Employment details or Key Skills • Achievements to date • Outside interests

Personnel details • Name • Date of Birth, Status • Residence, Contact information • Education, Professional Qualification (AMIMechE) • Driving licence

Profiles • A headliner “Attention grabber” • Outlines key skills and experience • Made up of 3 to 4 paragraphs • Use words from the advert/job description to mirror your skills

Employment details • Current employer name and location • Dates of employment • Job title/s • What the company do, manufacture,sell • What your role and responsibilities are • What your key achievements have been • Problem, Time scales, Costs, Benefits

Key skills • Key attributes related to your achievements might include: • Self Motivation • Communication Skills • Initiative • Team building/ Work • Leadership • Technical Skills

IMechE Membership • Companies are looking for professional engineering management for the future • IMechE membership (at whatever level) demonstrates you are actively doing something about your own development • If you can’t be bothered to think about developing yourself, will you be any value in developing the company?

CV Summary • Think what are the company are looking for • It’s a sales brochure for you • Comprehensive, detailed and clear • Bullet points instead of long text • Stress your achievements • BE TRUTHFUL

Covering Letters • A very powerful tool due to the following: • You get 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 • Introduces the employer to the person behind the CV

Covering Letters • State where you saw the advert & the position • Summarise what they are looking for • Briefly outline your key matching skill • State “should further information be required” that they should not hesitate to contact you and that you look forward to hearing from them in the near future • FOLLOW IT UP WITH A PHONE CALL!

Covering Letters Summary • Always take the opportunity if allowed • Tailor it to the job you are applying for • Draw their attention to the key reasons you are right for the job

Conclusion • You are being judged every time you either speak to or write to a prospective employer or agency working on their behalf • Learn to be concise, clear and friendly in your communication style • Preparation is key • Finally remember :-

“PERSISTENCE BREAKS RESISTANCE”

‘Building your Career with the IMechE’