How to write an outstanding CV Computer Science Year 2 Students Employability Lecture

1. How to write an outstanding CV Computer Science Year 2 StudentsEmployability Lecture Carolyn Parry Computer Science Department Link Careers Adviser & Enterprise Champion cep@aber.ac.uk 01970 622378

2. About me • Languages graduate (London) • Employed in property, international publishing & software industries • Communications Manager in large Stock Exchange listed PLC • Small business owner (magazine publishing) • Sales and Marketing specialist • At Aber since 2001: (http://users.aber.ac.uk/cep) - Also Link Adviser to English, SMB & European Languages • - Disability Officer - Master practitioner of NLP and careers coach • - ACE (Aber Champion of Enterprise) • - Certified Belbin Assessor

3. About this session • It will help you to think like a recruiter so you know: • how to structure your CV • what to put in it • how to write it • so you get shortlisted and invited to interview! • Remember it’s a game … • … so learn and follow the rules!

4. Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) “Final year students should be aware that nearly half of recruiters expect to face difficulties in fulfilling recruitment objectives – with the largest factor being a lack of applicants with the right skills. Employers are likely to be looking to graduates who can demonstrate softer skills such as team-work, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills, as well as academic achievement.”

5. What recruiters look for

6. eSkills – the sector skills councilfor ICT and Business “The demand for technical skills remains high, but graduates are increasingly required to be customer facing. Importantly, there is a need to enhance graduate abilities to deploy skills in a business context and to further develop their interpersonal skills for communicating with teams, clients and sub-contractors. The trends and implications of off-shoring means that skills required by employers are shifting, further emphasising the need for graduates to be rounded in terms of their technical, business and interpersonal abilities.” Source: Researching Graduate Employment in IT eSkills 2009

7. How industry recruiters recruit • Write job advertisement(Q: What personal qualities, knowledge/understanding and skills do I need for this role?) • Appoint interview dates (and panel if appropriate) • Place in press/online (possibly via HR) (Q: Where is the best place to find good applicants?) • Review CV and covering letter or • Application form(very common for grad. training schemes) • Select best applicants based on paper profile (Q: Who best fits our needs?) (NB: Possibly also use online tests to select)

8. Imagine you’re the recruiter (v1) Q: You are the Project Manager of a 50 man software team and need a new software engineer quickly. You advertised the post in Computer Weekly and with Reed.co.uk and there are now 120 graduate CVs in a pile on your desk. Your time is short and you have an important meeting with your client to sort out a major problem in a hour. HR have been on the phone again, wanting to know who you want to interview for the post. How do you deal with this? (NB: this applies to private sector recruitment)

9. How industry recruiters select CVs • Decide which CVs merit detailed reading(based on a first sift by splitting CVs into “yes”, “maybe”, and “no” piles) • To do this they: • scan read (like you read newspapers and magazines) • look for key words and relevance • are (unconsciously) influenced by layout • get irritated/frustrated by poor applications • remember applicant stories not names! • look for best match possible!

10. Imagine you’re the recruiter v2 Q: You are the Head of the Computer Science Department and need to recruit another lecturer for the start of the next academic year. You advertised the post online and in the print copy of the Times Higher Education Supplement, and with www.jobs.ac.uk. There are now 45 CVs in a pile on your desk from all over the world. HR have been on the phone again, wanting to know who you want to interview for the post as they have had the responses from the other members of the recruitment committee. How do you deal with this? (NB: this applies to public sector recruitment or similar)

11. How public sector recruits • Write job advertisement(Q: What personal qualities, and knowledge/understanding/skills do I need in this role?) • Write detailed person specification (with HR?) • Appoint interview dates (and panel if appropriate) • Place in press/online (possibly via HR) (Q: Where is the best place to find good applicants?) • Always use application form(contains personal statement section) • Score applicants using recruitment matrix (Can do first sift to split into “yes”, and “no” pilesbefore detailed scoring ) • Possibly use online tests etc as well

12. Recruiter drivers • Factor CV/form (paper not the person) in or factor out • Minimize risk of recruiting wrong person (costs time, money, and stress, sometimes worse than not recruiting!) • Find “best fit” candidate to get high ROI (industry) (return on investment = (cost of recruit + salary + overhead costs over employment period) - your contribution) • Demonstrate appropriate selection/use of public funds • ie: match paper profile to their mental picture orwritten profile of ideal candidate. • Same goals, different selection approaches

13. Whichever job you want, remember... • Understand why you want it and what you can do! • Demonstrate why you want it and what you can do! • The answers you need to put together a good application are in the question! • Study the job ad or person specification and the company website for clues

14. Then, make two lists... Tip! Remember to use their language

15. Structure • Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone) • Focussed profile or carer objective(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed) • Achievements and skills - match to role • Education and qualifications • Employment experience, split into relevant and other if appropriate to suit role • Interests • Referees *professional version please!

16. Example PERSONAL PROFILEAn enthusiastic Geography finalist with understanding of ecological management issues in addition to practical habitat restoration experience. Now looking to build on recent work with national and regional environmental organisations and to use well developed analytical and interpersonal skills in a visitor-focused conservationenvironment.

17. Structure • Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone) • Focussed profile or carer objective(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed) • Achievements and skills - match to role • Education and qualifications • Employment experience, split into relevant and other if appropriate to suit role • Interests • Referees *professional version please!

18. Achievements and skills! • Give strong evidence for every essential criterion in the person specification/job advertisement. • Do this by asking yourself - What are my best 3 examples of [skill/knowledge needed etc]?) • Use real situations, be truthful, be specific enough to build a picture! “Past performance really is the best indicator of future behaviour. That’s what CVs and applications are all about really.” Nigel Llewellyn Deloitte and Touche

19. Help with competencies See • Subject benchmark statement for Computer Science • www.prospects.ac.uk/options_computer_science_it_your_skills.htm • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/subjectdo • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/whatempswant • Behavioural Competencies Dictionary ... to get you thinking about your abilities and how to write about them

20. Structure • Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone) • Focussed profile or carer objective(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed) • Achievements and skills - match to role • Education and qualifications • Employment experience, split into relevant and other if appropriate to suit role • Interests • Referees *professional version please!

21. Structure • Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone) • Focussed profile or carer objective(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed) • Achievements and skills - match to role • Education and qualifications • Employment experience, split into relevant and other if appropriate to suit role • Interests • Referees *professional version please!

22. Employment section • Job descriptions: - What did I (have to) do? - What did I learn/gain (skills?) - How did I add value/contribute? What difference did I make?

23. RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 2008 RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve, Machynlleth • Organised and prioritised personal work schedule • Recorded and analysed visitor numbers following national campaign • Reported findings at RSPB Wales conference via a presentation to 180 delegates • Developed communication and team working skills by liaising effectively with colleagues 2007 Devon Wildlife Trust, Exeter • Cleared river bank for re-introduction of otters as part of a small team • Prepared publicity material in advance of work beginning • Developed team working and marketing design skills

24. Structure • Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone) • Focussed profile or carer objective(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed) • Achievements and skills - match to role • Education and qualifications • Employment experience, split into relevant and other if appropriate to suit role • Interests • Referees *professional version please!

25. Structure • Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone) • Focussed profile or carer objective(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed) • Achievements and skills - match to role • Education and qualifications • Employment experience, split into relevant and other if appropriate to suit role • Interests • Referees *professional version please!

26. Order? • The order of the sections in your CV will depend on what you wish to emphasise for the particular job you are going for • Consider what is most relevant and put it where it makes most impact! • Different jobs may well need a different order

27. Layout • Even margins - minimum 1.5cm all round • Good use of white space - check spacingbetween lines • Clear signposting using subheadings - use bold, consider different typeface, avoid underlining • Clear typeface - Arial or similar • Keep section whole - avoid splittingbetween pages

28. RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 2008 RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve, Machynlleth • Organised and prioritised personal work schedule • Recorded and analysed visitor numbers following national campaign • Reported findings at RSPB Wales conference via a presentation to 180 delegates • Developed communication and team working skills by liaising effectively with colleagues 2007 Devon Wildlife Trust, Exeter • Cleared river bank for re-introduction of otters as part of a small team • Prepared publicity material in advance of work beginning • Developed team working and marketing design skills

29. Language • Concise and positive • Speak the industry language • Use their keywords • Use active verbs for punch

30. Do quality check for...

31. Slip ups • My interests include cooking dogs and interesting people. • I was responsible for dissatisfied customers. • While working in this role, I had intercourse with a varietyof people. Also check for...

32. Typos and Spelling Errors • In my spare time, I enjoy hiding my horse • I am involved in a wide range of extra circular activities • I hope to hear from you shorty. • I am a conscious individual • I am experienced in teaching marital arts • Instrumental in ruining an entire operation for a large supermarket chain • My job involved severing customers

33. Keys to a successful CV – recap • Use clues provided to tailor content to role • Effective structure and layout(Clear and consistent structure, effective signposting through subheadings, clean typeface, balanced use of white space) • Effective content (tailor self to role using the clues in job advertisement/person specification, avoid assumptions – if it’s not down in black and white they won’t know it) • Effective Language(Use relevant key words for skills and industry, concise, active verb language, professional level of language; check spelling/meaning) • Follow the application instructions!

34. Covering letters The purpose of the letter is to: • make sure that your application is seen by the relevant person • explain your motivation/interest • demonstrate you understand the company and industry you want to work in • draw attention to key points on your CV • deal with possible issues effectively • to highlight your suitability for the job • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/covlet

35. Use covering letter to... • Express interest/motivation for applying(Why this job?) • Demonstrate you know about the industry/company (Why this industry/company?) • Highlight key points(Why you?) • Deal with possible worries • Always focus on how you can help thembefore you outline what’s in it for you!!

36. Dealing with worries- yours and theirs! • Gaps in your CV (Employer wonders: what happened to cause the gap(s)?) • Health problems (Employer wonders: Will the illness return?) • Exam grade issues (Employer wonders: What happened there?) • Incomplete course (Employer wonders: What was the reason for the change?) • Lack of employment experience (Employer wonders: How much of a risk is this applicant? • Disability • (Employer wonders: How will this affect their ability to do the job?) • Phrase carefully and address issues in covering letter!

37. Useful Links - applications • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/cvs • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/covlet • www.kent.ac.uk/careers/applicn.htm

38. Useful Links - Competencies • Subject benchmark statement for Computer Science • www.prospects.ac.uk/options_computer_science_it_your_skills.htm • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/subjectdo • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/whatempswant • Behavioural Competencies Dictionary

39. Using agencies • Use different agencies for different roles/sector • Create tailored CV for each role/sector • Keep notes of what you submit to whom! • Build relationship effectively • Stand out for the right reasons www.rec.uk.com/home

40. Speculative applications • Call first to identify opportunity and • Build relationship/connection through respect • Ask for another contact if they can’t help • Submit CV (use prospects role description and normal application preparation process to help) • Follow up three to four days after sending • Little point in sending without doing this– it’s just another piece of junk mail!

41. Application forms • Same rules apply • Tailor self to role using clues provided • Use their structure to create your statement structure/order (must contain everything you think they need to know) • (remember matrix score sheet) • Complete every section accurately • Use covering letter if possible to highlight key elements only (might be disregarded) • Only attach CV if asked to do so • Do what they ask you to do!

42. Applying on line • Do as they ask • Tailor to role!! • Work in rough first and check it before you submit your application! • Be aware of key words and use effectively(some organisations use software checkers)

43. Additional selection methods • Psychometric testswww.aber.ac.uk/careers/psychtests • Assessment centres www.aber.ac.uk/careers/assesscentre • Interviews www.aber.ac.uk/careers/interviews

44. Top tips/reminders • You never get a second change to make a first impression! • The CV gets you the interview, the interview + CV get you the job • Match yourself to the job needs (personal qualities, knowledge, understanding & experience and skills) • Think features and benefits • Be truthful (ensuring you present effectively) • Reduce/remove any risks the employer might perceive • Turn negatives into a positive

45. Avoid... • “Standard” CVs which are not tailored to the job or the organisation! • Oldest information presented first! • Attempts to deceive • More than 2 pages • Coloured, decorated and/ or poor quality paper • Inappropriate font (avoid Comic Sans, Bradley Hand, Blackadder ITC etc) or too small a font – never smaller than 10 – 11 in something like Ariel • Sloppy, inconsistent formatting – unprofessional appearance • Too much narrative – use of ‘I’ • No white space • Headings unclear, making it hard to follow. • Inappropriate email addresses eg fluffybunny@hotmail.com • Forgetting to put your name on your CV! • Uninformative Profiles which are vague and avoid facts or evidence • Very long profiles (should be 2 – 3 sentences max!) • Calling yourself Curriculum Vitae !!

46. More to avoid... • Omitting your university course and appropriate details • Avoid a long list of all GCSEs – just include the overall number, eg “10 grades A – C (4As, 2Bs,4Cs) including Maths (A), English (B)[+ any other key exams] • There’s no need to include your primary school • Make sure you don’t exaggerate experience, in terms of amount and quality • Avoid making the recruiter work too hard – include enough information given on roles and responsibilities • Avoid missing out unpaid work • Do not include long list of ‘Key Skills’ which are just empty claims with no proof! • Please do not write in ‘Interests’ ‘Socialising with friends and going down the pub’ • No interesting interests! • Too many interests– when do they have time for work? • Constant references to travelling – will the person leave and cost me aggravation and money? • No Covering Letter - or letter too short/long/wrongly set out • Unexplained Gaps in your CV – suspicious • Slip ups in grammar, punctuation and word use • Typos and spelling errors

47. PDP – support for your growth

48. Job Search Resources • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/casjobs • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/eng • www.aber.ac.uk/careers/findjobs • Online Careers Library • www.strath.ac.uk/careers/graduatejobsearch/ • Job hunting tips: Finding vacancies • Job vacancies search • Graduate Jobs, Graduate Career, Graduate Recruitment, Graduate, Graduate Schemes - Just4Graduates.net • Hobsons • Graduate jobs: targetjobs.co.uk • Graduate jobs, Graduate careers & recruitment at reed.co.uk • Job search UK at Monster.co.uk

49. Additional support soyour application stands out! • Further information - www.aber.ac.uk/careers/applyjobs • - Advice on CVs, covering letters, application forms, interviews, assessment centres and psychometric tests • Elearning modules - www.aber.ac.uk/careers/casmods • Comp Sci drop-in sessions on 26 and 28 October, 1- 4pm, Departmental Foyer • CV help 10.30 – 1pm daily Job Link

50. How the Careers Service can help • One to one guidance • Career Development programme (CDP) • Wide range of free leaflets and handouts • Comprehensive library and website • On-line lectures and interactive e learning • Employability events programme and Employer visits www.aber.ac.uk/careers/eventscal • Job Link for casual jobs and work tasters • Go Wales grad. work placements, internships and Year in Employment scheme • Vacancy database www.aber.ac.uk/careers/casjobs