University of St Andrews Careers Centre 6 St Mary’s Place, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UY [t] 01334 462688 [e] careers@st-andrews.ac.uk [w] www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers

CVs – getting started

‘Master’ CV – create and regularly update a ‘master’ CV where you record all those activities which reflect significant challenge, commitment or achievement on your part. Make sure the information you list, including dates, course names, grades and employer names are accurate and in reverse chronological order.

How to make your CV stand out

Every job is different – tailor your CV - always

focus on what the recruiter is looking for: make

sure your CV presentation of yourself shows how

you match up with their selection criteria, eg skills,

experience, qualifications and values. Note that

some employers use software to carry out their

first sift of applications: inevitably, the computer

programs search for text which matches their

selection criteria. Drawing from your ‘master’ CV,

select the relevant sources or content to

emphasise. Your ‘tailored’ CV must be clear,

concise and completely aligned with the

opportunity you are applying for. Make a list of the

skills and experience the employer is looking for in

a potential employee and check this against your

CV.

Provide evidence – put an emphasis on the skills

and achievements required for the role and give

examples with outcomes ie if you presented a

report to a management team during your

internship, what feedback did they give you?

”Analysed data on customers in China and

presented report to management team; received

positive feedback and my data was used in

company prospectus”. CV

s a

nd

Covering

Letters

You’ve found the opportunity you want to apply for. Now it’s time to market yourself successfully and maximise your chances of obtaining that all-important interview. This leaflet is a guide to putting together effective CVs and covering letters, primarily in the UK. See ‘The application process’ section of our website for more CV resources.

Get noticed - your CV may only be looked at for a

few seconds so make sure that at a glance they can

see:

1. your name and level of education

2. what you are currently doing

3. three reasons to shortlist you to the next stage

How to use the example CVs in this leaflet

The two contrasting CV examples inside this leaflet are just that – examples! Read the accompanying notes to create a style(s) which best matches what you have to offer you with the opportunities you are applying for. The second one, Tom Henderson, reflects a fairly typical University of St Andrews student in terms of qualifications, work experience and extra-curricular activities. Tom’s CV (and the accompanying covering letter) is tailored towards a marketing position in a specialist food company but this CV format can be adapted for graduate vacancies in many sectors.

Molly Bloom’s CV is particularly suited by structure to roles in areas such as investment banking or management consultancy. It is similar to a US-style resume but its layout and conciseness will also be valued by recruiters in other sectors in the UK.

Both CVs have been kept to one page for convenience, but a two-page CV (maximum) is the norm for most sectors in the UK. However, if you can get all you have to communicate on one page it will make more impact, especially for heavily US influenced sectors like Banking and Consultancy or ones where concise presentation skills are intrinsic to the role applied for. A one-page CV can also be more suitable for speculative applications for the same reasons.

Workshops We run regular workshops where students can learn from an adviser the best way to present themselves in CVs, covering letters and applications. Visit CareerConnect for more details and to sign-up.

Molly Bloom Flat 1, 25 Charlwood Street, London, SW1 2DX. nobody@gmail.com T: 0750 100 1000 LinkedIn Profile.

EDUCATION

2018 – 2019 University of St Andrews, MLitt in International Business UK • Dissertation: “The impact of Brexit on the UK’s commercial position in Europe” – 15,000 words

2014 – 2018 Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts USA • GPA 3.95

Summer 2011 University of California, Berkley USA • Summer semester; Cognitive Science (A+) and Photography (A)

2011 – 2014 Copenhagen International School Denmark • IB Diploma 43/45 points: English, German, History, Mathematics, Chemistry, Music

AWARDS

• Stanford Summer Institute Dean’s Award (2016)

• Memorial Prize for top student in Philosophy (2014)

• Class Medal for top student in Moral Philosophy (2012)

• Prize for top first year student in Art History (2011)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Winter 2017 Boston Consulting Group, Visiting Associate Frankfurt, Germany Worked in post-merger integration team for two large German banks; analysed client operational data for

retail business unit; streamlined implementation of project roll-out; participated in client-facing presentations and workshops; received commendation on strong teamwork skills.

Summer 2017 Capital Group, TAP Internship London, UK Rotational leadership programme; devised strategy within marketing department to improve efficiency of

prospecting across several internal and client-facing teams; presented recommendations to senior management with project approved for implementation; received in-house financial training.

Summer 2016 World Wildlife Fund Sustainable Markets Unit, Internship Denpasar, Indonesia Engaged with leading Asian banks on palm oil sector investment screening; managed peer-review of major

bank-supported WWF publication; conducted sustainability case studies; assisted development of paper industry benchmarking tool; prepared press-releases and conference materials.

Further CIFOR Centre for International Forestry Research, Indonesia (2014) English First, Indonesia (2013) Internships: Rainforest Conservation, Honduras (2012)

LEADERSHIP

2018 – 2019 President of St Andrews International Business Society • Headed up active committee expanding membership from 20 to 250 members, establishing the society as

one of the largest on campus.

• Consolidated strong support, financial and personal, from academic staff to secure attendance of

internationally renowned speakers at society events

• Launched, contributed to and edited a successful bi-annual journal – paper and digital.

2017 Lead Ambassador/Founder of Shake Poverty, Stanford. • Established Stanford branch of non-profit start-up, set up team and streamlined campus implementation

through use of social media tools.

• Appointed as board member following graduation and continue to contribute through “virtual” meetings.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Languages: English: Native German: Fluent Danish: Advanced French: Advanced Italian: Basic Sport: 1st Basketball Team St Andrews (2018 – 2019); Polo - equestrian team at Stanford (2016 - 2017),

Skiing – Austrian ski teacher qualification (2014) Digital Skills: Extensive user of all Microsoft Office in business environments, Bloomberg, active user of social media –

LinkedIn, Twitter and FB – to promote university activities and build a professional network. Personal: Active contributor to healthy lifestyle blog https://mollyhealth.wordpress.com, music (festival goer and play

guitar), and enjoy hosting “real food” parties.

This CV demonstrates: use of attractive layout; excellent signposting through use of headings and bold; descriptors which detail challenging, relevant activities with outcomes; concise phrasing.

Use bullet points to emphasise achievements/ outcomes and responsibilitiesAvoid listing skills-let your description speak for itself.

Achieved

Analysed Arbitrated Budgeted Communicated Created

Start with the most recent and emphasise the most relevant.

Action Words for applications

A good place to give evidence of required competencesOther evidence may come with your degree details, or interests. Emphasise achievements not just activity.

Presentation – make sure that the appearance and content are immaculate, eg alignment, spelling and grammar. One or two full sides. Font—stick to one clear font throughout: 10 or 11pt.

Dealt

Delivered Devised Engineered Expedited Facilitated

Formed

Fostered Implemented Liaised Negotiated Obtained

Organised

Participated Prioritised Produced Ran Realised

Any academic awards could go here.

Make your name stand out—you don’t need to write “curriculum vitae”.

Recruited

Scheduled Selected Set-up Solved Transformed

Give an indication of your level of skill eg working knowledge, basic, fluent.

Tom Henderson Home Address: 14 St Mary’s Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 2AJ; [m] 07947 285621; [LinkedIn profile]

Term Address: 6 Murray Place, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AT; [t] 01334 123456; [e] th0@st-andrews.ac.uk

EDUCATION

2014-2018 University of St Andrews MA Hons Mediaeval History (expected 2:1)

• Modules have included: The Crusades, The Middle Ages & the Movies, End of the Middle Ages? Scotland & England in the 15th Century

• Regular presentations, discussion groups and seminars fostered a critical approach to academic work, and an ability to communicate well both on paper and in person

Honours Dissertation: ‘’Belief in the supernatural in mediaeval St Andrews” • Conducted extensive literature research using online and library archives • Presented findings to an audience of peers and academics, requiring effective communication skills to

connect with a varied audience

2008-2014 The King’s School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 2014 A Levels: History (A), Geography (A), English (A) 2013 AS Levels: French (B), Maths (B) 2012 GCSEs: 3 x A* (Maths, English, French), 4 x A (incl. IT & History), 3 x B

WORK EXPERIENCE

Summer 2017 Tyne IT Solutions Ltd, STEP Summer Intern • Undertook successful marketing project for small Newcastle-based IT retailer • Collected and analysed customer footfall data for the last two years • Worked with owner to establish business offering, goals and target audiences • Created a twelve month marketing strategy and new customer database • Finalist in north-east regional heat of the ‘UK’s most enterprising student’ competition

Summer & Dec 2016 Da Vinci’s Delicatessen, Edinburgh Sales Assistant

• Responsible for providing a quality service to customers in this famous Edinburgh store • Developed a thorough understanding of high end food retailing • Trained in customer service skills and employed these daily, liaising both in-store and online. • Invited to return for the Christmas period

Summer 2015 Costa Coffee, Newcastle Barista Worked in this busy city-centre coffee shop carrying out a range of tasks including:

• General customer service and care within a small and ever-changing team • Managed stock and cashing-up; organised staff rotas and training • Promoted to supervisor after two months

POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

2016-2018 University of St Andrews Gastronomic Society President • Set up this society from scratch in my second year to promote appreciation of quality food among the

student body • Developed a marketing strategy to grow membership from 5 in the first year to 63 currently • Responsible for sourcing speakers and publicising events, particularly through Twitter and Facebook

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Languages: French: Basic Italian: Intermediate IT Skills: Proficient in MS Office (Word, Access, Excel, and Power Point); Google Drive, Prezi. Competent in social

media, including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES

Travel: Travelled extensively in Europe and particularly enjoy visiting Italy where I can indulge my passion for history and gastronomy.

Cooking: Enjoy cooking and have recently completed a short evening course ‘Cooking for special occasions’. Put my new culinary skills to good use by hosting dinner parties for friends and family.

REFEREES

Dr John Smith Lecturer, School of History, University of St Andrews, St Katherine’s Lodge, The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR [e] js@st-andrews.ac.uk; [t] 01334 111222

Mr Clive Barrett, Director, Tyne IT Solutions Ltd, South Tyne Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3PB [e] cjbarrett@itsolutions.net; [t] 0191 222333

Addresses Need to be clear, but can be compact.

For other examples of CVs look at the CV page on the Careers Centre website.

See overleaf for accompanying Covering Letter

Add your personalised Linked-in url.

Consider adding a short profile if you are making a speculative application or one to a recruitment agency.

Referees – not references. Ask them first and send them a copy of your CV/ application.

Why this type of work? Explain why you are interested and motivated by the type of work—stick to the specific vacancy .

Why this employer? Explain why you are interested. Tailor it carefully. Demonstrate some knowledge of the organisation. Avoid repeating text from their publicity information.

Why you? Use the paragraph to explain why you are well suited to the post. Refer to relevant skills, experience and knowledge Don’t just repeat your CV, give evidence for your claims. Tailor it!

Advising individuals Arranging events Chairing meetings Checking for accuracy Compiling figures Co-ordinating events Counselling people

Expanding your list of personal skills

Look through the list below in the light of study, work experience, positions of responsibility, activities and interests—you might find you have these skills without realising it.

Delegating responsibility Dispensing information Drafting reports Editing documents Handling complaints Interpreting data Maintaining records

Managing staff Motivating others Operating equipment Organising others and work Persuading others Planning agendas Promoting events

Public speaking Raising funds Recording data Reviewing Selling products Supervising staff/activities Teaching

THIS SHEET CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS (EG LARGE PRINT). PLEASE ASK AT RECEPTION.

Covering Letter

An application should always be accompanied by a covering letter. Make your letter complement your application; use it to demonstrate your motivation for the opportunity and your research into the employer. Highlight the ways in which you meet the requirements/selection criteria. For advice on making speculative applications, pick up our Quick Guide entitled ‘Speculative Applications’.

September 2018

6 Murray Place St Andrews

Fife KY16 9AT

Mr S Erskine Senior Marketing Manager Scottish Country Foods Thistle Street Edinburgh EH10 3DJ

23 April 2018 Dear Mr Erskine Marketing Project Assistant Application I am writing to apply for the above position which I saw advertised on the University of St Andrews Careers Centre website. I will graduate in June and expect to achieve a 2:1 MA Hons in Medieval History. As you can see from my CV, I have developed a keen interest in the premium food sector through my work at Edinburgh’s famous Da Vinci’s Delicatessen and with my involvement in the Gastronomic Society which I founded in my second year at St Andrews. During my time at university, I have been able to develop an understanding of the core principles of marketing, through my internship with Shell Step and by successfully increasing the membership of the Gastronomic Society. I am now keen to pursue a marketing career in the food industry. This position particularly interests me as it affords the opportunity to work within an organisation which is committed to sourcing and promoting quality Scottish food products, both throughout the UK and internationally. Having enjoyed a talk by Robert McFarlan of SC Foods as part of the Gastronomy Society programme, I am aware that Scottish Country Foods has an unparalleled reputation and is committed to using only the finest ingredients in its food production. I’m keen to play a part in helping the Scottish food and drink sector double its turnover by 2030, as planned in ‘Ambition 2030’. In addition to my interest in the premium food sector, I have been keen to develop my knowledge of marketing techniques. During my internship, I was able to create a marketing plan from scratch and help implement it. As a result of my work at Tyne IT Solutions, footfall, telephone and online enquiries increased by 20%. I have developed key practical skills in IT, including the ability to create and maintain databases and have made many presentations in the course of my academic work and my extra-curricular activities, using PowerPoint to illustrate these. I hope that I have demonstrated that I meet your requirements for the position of Marketing Project Assistant and I look forward to discussing my application with you in the near future. Yours sincerely Tom Henderson

Opening Paragraph Explain why you are writing. Say where you saw the advert. Introduce yourself.