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www.cranfield.ac.uk/careers

Careers Service Guide

Write a winning CV,

Covering Letter orApplication Form

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Introduction

Youre looking at this book because you need to put together a CV and you wantto know what is the most effective way of doing that. You know there are manysources of information in print and on the internet but this book is written withCranfield students in mind. Youll find that it uses examples based on actual CVs ofCranfield students, and shows you how to think about presenting yourself in waysthat employers will find interesting.

In part 1 (page 2) you can find out how to assemble the information you need toinclude in a CV, and how to communicate it effectively.

In part 2 (page 13) there are examples of how to present your experience on a CVin ways useful for engineering, health, double degree and PhD students.

In part 3 (page 22) there is advice on preparing a cover letter, and some examples.

In part 4 (page 24) there is advice on preparing application forms with examples ofcommon questions and some company tips.

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2

Part 1How to write your CV

What is a CV?

A CV is a marketingbrochure. When you prepare a CV youre promoting yourself to anemployer in the hope that they may find enough interesting information in it to call you to aninterview. So a CV has to sell an employer the possible benefits of employing you. In mostcases a CV will be your first and only contact with the employer in advance of an interview.Make sure your CV communicates the impression you really want to make.

A CV is a record of achievements. So it should contain a mix of quantitative (what did I do?)and qualitative (how well did I do?) information. Employers want to find out what youre like asa potential member of their team, and your CV should help them do this.

A CV is easy to read. The information should leap off the page and impress the reader. Thereare some conventions about how CVs are presented, and there are generally good reasons

for them. Think about recruiters who have to make a quick selection of five CVs for interviewout of fifty applications: the CVs which are easiest to read are more likely to get chosen.

A good CV can get you an interview. Only an interview (or several interviews and perhaps anassessment centre) will get you a job: the aim of your CV and accompanying covering letter isto get you to the interview in the first place. Thats all.

A CV always goes along with a covering letter. The letter and CV together make up yourmarketing brochure. Always send your CV with a letter employers will normally ask you to dothis anyway. If youre writing a personal statement for a recruitment website, write that as if itwere a covering letter. And even when someone says Just send me your CV, always write a

targeted cover letter as well.

What a CV is not

A job descriptionor a detailed list of your tasks and duties in each job or project. It should saywhat the recruiter needs to know about the basic elements of the job and then highlight thedistinctions and achievements that are down to you.

A mindreading test for recruiters. Dont assume that recruiters know anything about yourcourse, your first degree, any employers you might have worked for, or any voluntaryorganisations where you have been an activist. Give them some context to help them

understand your achievements.

A permanent lasting memorial. Your CV and cover letter should be adapted to each employeryou apply to. You may change the achievements you present according to what you thinkemployers are most interested in. You will certainly change the wording of the cover letter to letthem know youve done some research on them (and arent sending the same letter to manydifferent employers). Good marketing starts with an awareness of customer needs and arealisation that these needs are different for every customer.

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3

Constructing a good CV

These are the general guidelines for writing a CV. They are conventions which can be adaptedto differing circumstances. But they are useful basic rules to help make your CV as attractiveas possible.

Your NameThis is all you need to put at the top of the CV definitely not Curriculum vitae - and yourname should be in bold type, preferably in the centre.

PERSONAL DETAILS Term time address, telephone number (mobile is fine) and permanent address

(optional) Email address (preferably your cranfield.ac.uk address as it may look more

professional than any others you have)

Date of birth Nationality (and UK resident status if appropriate) Gender if its not obvious to an English-speaker

EDUCATION Years only in left hand column (2004-2007, for example) in reverse chronological

order recruiters dont like gaps in a CV so make sure there arent any. Cranfield studies: main subjects studied, group project details, thesis title and

where applicable the name of the thesis sponsoring company (if not confidential) First degree or equivalent: include main subjects studied, project details if any,

and thesis title. A Levels (list subjects) or equivalent school leaving qualifications; GCSEs

(number of subjects is sufficient). International qualifications e.g. Baccalaureate (ALevel) ideally include the UK

equivalence.

FURTHER TRAININGInclude any further courses you feel are particularly relevant like Microsoft or other IT systemcertifications, project management or other technical trainings, or management and employeedevelopment programmes.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Give a brief description of the company business and size if its not a well-known

name. Concise account of job function and experience gained only enough information

to give a context, nota job description. Achievements in the job: targets met, projects managed, results achieved give

quantitative measures where possible: numbers, budgets, sizes of teams forexample.

Include any placements, internships, vacation work and voluntary work.

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4

IT AND TECHNICAL SKILLSConcise list of programming languages and skills, and software packages and operating

systems, and any areas of technical and professional knowledge.

LANGUAGESInclude level of ability (native, fluent, good, tourist, basic) or if you are currently studying alanguage.

INTERESTS, ACTIVITIES, POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY Mention activities that are distinctive dont say reading and films: everybody

does that. But if you write science fiction or are interested in Latin American

cinema, say so. Be specific: dont say travelling say travelled to 12 countries in Asia and

Europe in the last 2 years. Dont say guitar say play guitar in a band withuniversity friends, doing occasional gigs in Sheffield area.

If you have any qualifications or diplomas associated with an activity, mentionthem like Grade 5 piano, Advanced Open Water diver, Private Pilots Licence,Aikido Black Belt.

If you have had some responsibility on a committee or organising group, state thelevel of involvement, and responsibility for budgets, projects, and teams.

Scholarships, awards or other special achievements. Driving licence if you have one and you think its relevant to the job.

REFEREESOne of your referees should be from Cranfield. Ask permission from referees before you usetheir name, and send them a copy of your CV to help them write your reference.

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5

So now you know what makes a good CV : have a look at this example and see if there isanything about it you would change.

CURRICULUM VITAEPersonal Details

Name: James Bond

Address (university) Room 234 Lanchester Hall,

Cranfield University,

Cranfield,

Beds MK43 0AL

Telephone number 01234 567890

Email bond008@tiscali.co.uk

Date of birth 17th March 1989 in Manchester

Marital status SingleNationality British

Profile

Motivated Design and Production Engineer, with excellent interpersonal skills and experiencein working with IT tools like CAD systems and ERP systems. Result oriented Team workerwho can work to tight deadlines. Seeking a position which demands knowledge in InformationTechnology and Product Engineering, to build up highly developed set of enterprisemanagement skills.

Education

Oct 2011- MSc Manufacturing at Cranfield University

Aug 2012 Group Project: Strategic Investigation into Information Delivery

Systems

Implementing new systems and training users.

Thesis: Computer Aided Process Planning for Machining

Operation

Design of machining operation to improve quality and efficiency ofthe production process.

2007 2010 BSc (Hons) 2:1in Mechanical Design Engineering at Sheffield

UniversityDissertation: Exploring the use of FEA for commercial

applications

2005 2007 South Park Upper School, Manchester

2005 GCSE A Level: Mathematics (B),

Physics (B),

Chemistry (C)

Salford Academy, Manchester

2004 GCSE O Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics,

English, Psychology, General Studies, French, Biology, Religious

Studies

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6

IT skills

ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win (Functional modelling),SAP 2000, Microsoft Suite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer, Witness (discreet

event simulation), C, C++, Visual Basic, Windows 2000/XP

Work Experience

2010 2011 Engineering by Design, New Street, Oldham

Design engineer doing CAD designs for clients. Left because I

wanted to study for MSc at Cranfield.

2009 Bygg Machines, Leeds

Industrial placement.

2008 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, FranceHoliday rep.

Other points of interest

Sheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2009 and 2010

I enjoy sports and have been a member of the Cranfield football and cricket teams.

I also like cinema, reading, and travelling

Languages: French (good), Spanish (currently studying).

Referees

Dr Zygmunt Froyd

Engineering Department

University of Sheffield

Mr Geoffrey Boycott

Managing Director, Bygg Machines Ltd.

Leeds

Look at the next 2 pages for a careers advisers comments on James Bonds CV...

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7

CURRICULUM VITAEPersonal Details

Name: James Bond

Address (university) Room 234 Lanchester Hall,

Cranfield University,

Cranfield,

Beds MK43 0AL

Telephone number 01234 567890

Email bond008@tiscali.co.uk

Date of birth 17th March 1989 in Manchester

Marital status SingleNationality British

Profile

Motivated Design and Production Engineer, with excellent interpersonal skills and experiencein working with IT tools like CAD systems and ERP systems. Result oriented Team workerwho can work to tight deadlines. Seeking a position which demands knowledge in InformationTechnology and Product Engineering, to build up highly developed set of enterprisemanagement skills.

Education

October 2011 -

August 2012 MSc Manufacturing at Cranfield University

Group Project: Strategic Investigation into Information Delivery

Systems

Implementing new systems and training users.

Thesis: Computer Aided Process Planning for Machining

OperationDesign of machining operation to improve quality and efficiency of

the production process.

2002 2005 BSc (Hons) 2:1in Mechanical Design Engineering at SheffieldUniversity

Dissertation: Exploring the use of FEA for commercial

applications

2005 2007 South Park Upper School, Manchester

2005 GCSE A Level: Mathematics (B),

Physics (B),

Chemistry (C)

Salford Academy, Manchester

2004 GCSE O Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics,

English, Psychology, General Studies, French, Biology, Religious

Studies

Name should go here:its obviously a CV...

No need for a title:these are obviouslypersonal details

j.bond@cranfield.ac.uklooks more professional!

Place not relevant

Status not relevant

Typefaces: just useone font. Arial orHelvetica are easierto read than Times orGaramond

Profiles may be OK if youve 20 years experience, but otherwise theyrerather meaningless. Recruiters tend not to like them. Wheres the evidence

for any of these statements? Better to give examples in cover letter.

It would be good toknow about keymodules studied at firstand masters levels,and some more aboutprojects anddissertations: were

outside companiesinvolved? What werethe results of research?

A Levels could be on oneline. O Levels not relevant.

Too much wasted white space.

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8

IT skills

ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win (Functional modelling),

SAP 2000, Microsoft Suite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer, Witness (discreet

event simulation), C, C++, Visual Basic, Windows 2000/XP

Work Experience

2010 2011 Engineering by Design, New Street, Oldham

Design engineer doing CAD designs for clients. Left because I

wanted to study for MSc at Cranfield.2009 Bygg Machines, Leeds

Industrial placement.

2008 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, France

Holiday rep.

Other points of interest

Sheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2009 and 2010

I enjoy sports and have been a member of the Cranfield football and cricket teams.

I also like cinema, reading, and travellingLanguages: French (good), Spanish (currently studying).

Referees

Dr Zygmunt Froyd

Engineering Department

University of Sheffield

Mr Geoffrey Boycott

Managing Director, Bygg Machines Ltd.

Leeds

Organise this list into applications

and operating systems

What clients? What value ofcontract or size of project? Anyachievements? What did you learnfrom these jobs? Any new skills?Never say on a CV why you left:save that for the interview, if at all.

How many members onEntertainments Committee? Whatwas the budget? What were youresponsible for?Everyone likes cinema etc.whats distinctive about what youlike? Where have you travelled to?

Any other qualifications?

Why no referee from Cranfield?

Now lets see what James Bonds CV looks like when he follows this advice...

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9

James BondTerm Address: Room 234 Lanchester Hall, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 OAL

Telephone: 07890 654321 E-mail: j.bond@cranfield.ac.ukDate of Birth: 17 March 1989 UK nationality

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Oct 2011 - Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK

Aug 2012 MSc ManufacturingOptions: Engineering andManagement of Manufacturing SystemsMain subjects include, Manufacturing Management, Enterprise InformationSystems, Consultancy tools and e manufacturing.Group Project: Strategic Investigation of Information Delivery Systems(for XYZ Training Ltd). The purpose of the project was to look at themethodology for implementing new systems and training users. Working within

a team of four, the project involved meeting with the client, detailed planning ofthe work process and preparation and presentation of reports. Our finalrecommendations were submitted to the company.Thesis: Computer Aided Process Planning for Machining Operation(commissioned by East Anglian Precision Tools Ltd). Design of machiningoperation required by precision engineering manufacturer to improve quality andefficiency of the production process. Project involved use of CATIA and C++programming.

2007 Sheffield University

2010 BSc (Hons) Mechanical Design Engineering 2:1Core subjects included Stress Analysis (FEA), Dynamics & Control, Solid BodyMechanics, Industrial Robots, CAD Techniques, Project Management,Manufacturing MethodsGroup Project: Design & Development of Window Cleaning DeviceWork involved research and design into new structure involving liaison withcompany and suppliers, costings, and subsequent construction and successfultest of prototype.Dissertation: Exploring the use of FEA for commercial applicationsAn investigation aimed at providing a novel approach for applications for finiteelement analysis in the workplace. The research was undertaken withassistance from both academic staff and local companies resulting inrecommendations submitted to appropriate departments.

2005 South Park Upper School, Manchester

2007 GCSE A Level: Mathematics (B), Physics (B), Chemistry (C)GCSEs 7 subjects

COMPUTING SKILLSSoftware: ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win(Functional modelling), SAP 2000 (Structural Design and Analysis), MicrosoftSuite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer. Witness (discreet eventsimulation)

Programming: C, C++, Visual BasicOperating Systems: Windows 2000/XP

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10

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY2010 Engineering by Design, New Street, Oldham

2011 Design EngineerThe company is involved with design and manufacture of precision

components for the automotive industry. Working with the research anddevelopment team I was responsible for design (using CAD) to customerspecification. This also included meeting with the client, preparation ofproject schedules and supervision of initial build programme.Special AchievementsDesign team leader for new gear lever prototype winning overseas orderworth 2M.

2009 Bygg Machines, LeedsGraduate Engineer (Industrial Placement)Working for this international organisation I assisted with a major project

on stress analysis of a wing tip structure. The report was completed tostrict time deadlines and submitted to the project sponsors (EU). I wassubsequently invited to co-present this paper at the European Conferencefor Stress & Structure held in Brussels in February 2007.

2008 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, France

Summer holiday rep. on a 300-pitch campsite. Client reception and dealingwith a wide range of enquiries. Learned to really enjoy good teamwork, andimproved my French.

LANGUAGESFrench (good), Spanish (currently studying).

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTSSheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2009 and 2010 part ofa team of six with a 3000 budget, responsible for booking a mix of local andwell-known bands for the Union. Learned a lot about project planning andbudget control.Active member of the Cranfield football and cricket teams playing regularly ininter-universities league..Travelled in Europe in vacations: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal.

Full UK driving licence.Graduate Member Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

REFEREESDr Henry Tutor Mr Geoffrey BoycottCranfield University Bygg Machines Ltd.h.tutor@cranfield.ac.uk geoff.boycott@byggmachines.com

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11

So when you prepare your CV, remember these points:

Recruiters often have to read a lot of CVsso make sure yours is interesting and easy to read.Think about layout and space. If you have interesting work experience to report, try to makesure that section starts by the end of the first page of the CV. A CV is like a newspaper report,

not a journal articleit has to leap off the page and engage the reader. Use action words todescribe your achievementslike implemented, presented, achieved, persuaded (see a fulllist on Page 25). If your education and experience have been outside the UK and your CV is fora UK audience, remember to explain briefly anything you think a UK reader needs tounderstand.

The maximum length for a CV is two pages (except for academic CVs with lists ofpublications). This is a conventionanyone can present their experience in two pages. Itsalso designed for the convenience of recruiters who have many CVs to read. When youdevelop your CV plan for it to be two pages long. If it needs to be shorter you can alwaysadapt it. On the next page there is a one page version of James Bonds CV. Some things have

been left out, and the type size has been reduced slightly, but most of the information is there,and it still conveys the same impression..

Unless youre applying for a job in one of the creative industries like advertising or graphicdesign (and you probably arent), keep the design of your CV simple. Use one typeface,preferably a sans serif one like Arial, Helvetica or Tahoma. This document is in sans serif type.Readability research shows its easier to read type like this in lists and documents with shortstatements. Serif type (like Times or Garamond) works better for long documents likenewspapers and novels. Never use novelty typefaces for emphasis: it just looks like badadvertising material. Use different type sizes and bold and/ or italic for headings andemphasis. The smallest type size you should use is 10 point. Never use underline: it looks

untidy. Use grey or shaded boxes if you want, to help highlight text, but be aware that it isdifficult to get them to look rightand some recruiters find them irritating. All recruiters will finda straightforward, engaging and readable presentation of the facts very acceptable.

See things from the readers point of viewwhat are the most important things you want themto know about you? Then tell them thatno more and definitely no less. Never make thingsupinvented information will catch you out in the end, and employers are not relaxed aboutCV fraud. Use your CV to acknowledge what you have achieved in your life so farwhich is alot. Never compare your experience with anyone elses. Others may have more workexperience than you, have won more prizes and scholarships than you, and play more musicalinstruments. But what matters is you and your achievementsconcentrate on those andcelebrate them in your CV. What you have achieved is enough to make a good presentation of

yourself, and your CV can convince recruiters that youre worth interviewing.

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James BondTerm Address: Room 234 Lanchester Hall, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 OAL

Telephone: 07890 654321 Email: j.bond@cranfield.ac.ukDate of Birth: 17 March 1989 UK nationality

EDUCATIONOct 2011 - Cranfield University, BedsAug 2012 MSc ManufacturingOption: Manufacturing Management Information Systems

Subjects include, Manufacturing Management, Enterprise Information Systems,Consultancy Tools and e manufacturingGroup Project: Strategic Investigation into Information Delivery SystemsThesis: Computer Aided Process Planning for Machining Operation

2007 2010 Sheffield UniversityBSc (Hons) Mechanical Design Engineering 2:1Stress Analysis (FEA), Project Management, Manufacturing MethodsGroup Project: Design & Development of Window Cleaning DeviceDissertation: Exploring the use of FEA for commercial applications

2005 2007 South Park Upper School, Manchester

GCE A Level: Mathematics (B), Physics (B), Chemistry (C)

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY2010 2011 Engineering by Design, New Street, OldhamDesign Engineer

Working with the research and development team I was responsible for design (usingCAD) to customer specification. This also included meeting with the client, preparationof project schedules and supervision of initial build programme.Special AchievementsDesign team leader for new gear lever prototype winning overseas order worth 2M.

2009 Bygg Machines, LeedsGraduate Engineer (Industrial Placement)Assisted with a major project on stress analysis of a wing tip structure. Reportcompleted on time and submitted to the project sponsors (EU). Co-presented paper atEuropean Conference for Stress & Structure, Brussels, February 2009.

2008 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, France

Summer holiday rep. on a 300-pitch campsite. Client reception and dealingwith a wide range of enquiries. Learned to really enjoy good teamwork, andimproved my French.

COMPUTING SKILLSProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win (Functional modelling), SAP2000 (Structural Design and Analysis), Microsoft Suite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer.Programming: C, C++, Visual BasicOperating Systems: Windows 2000/XP

LANGUAGES French (good), Spanish (currently studying)INTERESTS & PROFESSIONALMEMBERSHIPS

Sheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2009 and 2010. Active member of the

Cranfield football and cricket teams. Full UK driving licence.Graduate Member Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

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Part 2Achievements, skills, competencies

Achievements

In order to promote yourself effectively you need to think how to present effectively what youre

offering: what are the benefits of employing you? Start by thinking of your achievements. Listthe things youve done in your life so far, starting at age 16 (most people dont do anything ofgreat significance before then, but if you did win Teen Idol or if youve been giving pianorecitals since primary school, include it in your list). For each item on the list, say briefly whatyou did, and what the result was, or you learned from doing it. Here are some examples, alltaken from actual CVs of Cranfield students.

Group Project: Review of Subsea Processing TechnologiesThe purpose of the project was to undertake an in-depth review of subsea processingtechnologies, identifying the main suppliers/vendors, their development history, fieldapplication/ installation and producing a timeline/ future roadmap for the individual

technologies. Working within a team of seven, the project involved initiating contacts withvendors/suppliers and operators, site visits and attending subsea technology fairs to gatherinformation about the various technologies. Our final report was presented at an SUT meeting,and submitted to the client.

Dissertation: The Role of Climate Change in Evolution: Hominid Evolution, Consequence orCoincidence? Involved extensive research and completion of a 4000 word essay.Laboratory Assistant, Unilever, LondonUnpaid 10-day placement, provided understanding of scientific application in a professionalworkplace.

Sales Assistant, Iceland Ltd, RushdenThe relatively small-scale work force meant a high-level of initiative and ability was required.Development of customer relation skills.

Youth workCo-led a childrens venue at a Christian conference as a voluntary youth worker during August2008. Involved constant planning and coordination of activities responsible for ~600 childrenper day aged 8-11 years. Approached by conference organisers due to previous success andmotivation, to lead the 2009 childrens venue.

Cathay Pacific Airways Internship (Marketing Department) Frankfurt, GermanyTranslations for local market and HQ; PowerPoint presentations for sales meetingsOffice for National Statistics providing official statistics about the UKTelephone Interviewer (Labour force survey)Collected information accurately under strict rules, encouraged people to take part, developedgood interpersonal skills, work on my own initiative and have a high degree of self-motivation.

University Chinese Society Treasurer (Year 2):With 120+ members; managed finance with a budget of 2000+ with cost cutting measures,assisted in making team decisions and organising events.

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Vacations 2007-2008Various temporary work in factories which required fast decision taking and no faults proactiveteam work.

Executive Assistant, Association of London CollegesOrganised venues, catering and invitations for 5 events, including Summer Party for 120guests including high-level political and business attendees. Scheduled busy diary;administered invoices; kept contact lists for a prolific networker.

Business Plan for a start-up airlineA team project with the participation of 8 members to produce a detailed business plan of astart-up scheduled passenger airline, which was later successfully presented to potentialinvestors followed by a report.

Group Project: Design of a 4x4 SUV - Best Group in ClassThe project was presented and assessed by a panel of industrial advisors; senior figures from

Millbrook, Land Rover and Ford. The aim of the project was to design an off road vehicle thatis fun and innovative. An advanced setup on Excel was used to analyse the suspensionskinematics then it was modelled and investigated using I-DEAS. I was responsible for brakingperformance, packaging and ergonomics while working closely with other members on thecrashworthiness, performance, style and compliance with regulations.

Ingnieurs Sans Frontires, Strasbourg, France - Water and Hygiene promotion volunteerField work with a 3-person team in the rural area of Foundou in Mauritania (community of3,500), conducting an appraisal of the technical and managerial state of the existingcommunity water supply network. Duties included the review of the hardware aspects; reviewof financial records; participatory work with the local management committee to enhance

capacities; organisation of hygiene promotion activities; and observation and unstructuredinterviews to evaluate the social impact of the project on the community.

Global Voices talk for Pullford Lower School. Leighton BuzzardIntroduced school pupils to culture and society of Mexico.

Community Action, MadridThe task was to organise leisure group activities and workshops for teenagers coordinated bythe local authorities. Responsibility and communication skills required. Commitment to thecommunity and concern about young peoples problems.

GUA Corporation for Comprehensive Analysis, Vienna, Austria Junior consultantCo-author of the study: Sustainable beverage packaging management in HungaryResponsibilities: Liaise with clients, Data gathering, Analysis of former studies in the field ofpackaging, Environmental and Economic Analysis.

BB divers, Koh Chang, Thailand - Dive mastering and public relationsWorking as a PADI Dive Master required a good capacity for taking initiative, leading groups,briefing people and inspiring confidence in customers. As manager of an office for BB Divers, Ihad to sell dives and equipments and do Public Relations.

European Car Free Day Sep 2007Participation in the preparations of the event taking place in Warsaw, comprising stage

performance, contests arrangement and becoming acquainted with the procedures oforganising environmental events in the capital city.

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Awards, prizes, scholarships

If you have any of these, list them. It is useful to say how competitive, if possible (first in classof 50; one of only three people in Italy awarded this prize). For example:

BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering Design, Kingston University. 1st class degree At the graduation ceremony, won the award for the most outstanding performance inAerospace Engineering Design.

Secured a scholarship from the Royal Aeronautical Society Centennial Scholarship Grant in2011.

2004 the best all round student award in the college junior school, out of around 3000students.

Skills and competencies

Employers increasingly focus on the competencies they look for in their employees when theyare recruiting. In interviews they will look for evidence that you have these competencies andthe potential to develop them. The core competencies that employers look for are Leadership,Teamworking, Problem-solving, Customer focus, Communication, and Project management among others. Think of the skills and competences you have developed in the course of youreducation and other experience so far. For example:

Team Working - Experience of working in teams through academic projects, includingplanning, role allocation, coordinating different skill sets and overcoming cultural differencesand motivational problems.

Teamwork was vital during the Kenyan voluntary project, particularly when climbing Mt Kenyawith seven other volunteers when the team needed to support each other over the roughmountainous terrain.

Effective Communication - Presented to groups of up to 100 people whilst studying for myMasters qualification at Cranfield University. Whilst working on my thesis I was comfortableinterviewing senior employees of large multinationals.

Problem Solving - Designed and tested a method of measuring and improving the accuracy ofsimulation software at Ford motor company. This method translated into improvements in thecycle times of the CNC machines and Ford believe it has the potential to save hundreds of

thousands of pounds.

The CV on the next two pages is based on real Cranfield examples, and shows an effectivepresentation of experience and achievement. It also shows a way of presenting non-UKqualifications and experience so that UK readers will understand their significance.

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Manon DESSOURCES81, rue Lamartine 83240 Cavalaire-sur-Mer France

0033 4.94.01.92.10 manon.dessources@wanadoo.fr0044 7 234 987654 m.dessources@cranfield.ac.uk

Nationality : French Date of birth : 06.05.1990

EDUCATION2011-2012 Cranfield University: Water Management MSc, Water and Society option: water

technology, finance, management, economics, communication, legislation,politics. This year has been an opportunity to learn and develop themanagement and communication skills necessary to cover all the aspects of awater service at different levels: local, national and international. Thisknowledge has been put into practice through two group projects and a thesis.

Group project 1: Society and water policy evaluation. Presentation of policy andcommunication outlines of a strategic planning and communications group of awater and sewerage company. Video editing. (1 month)Group project 2: Catchment management plan and GIS. Development of acatchment management plan in the context of the Water Framework Directive inthe Axe Catchment, UK. (1 month)

Thesis: Self-monitoring by end-users in South West Uganda. Activity: analysingthe issues associated with self-monitoring of hygiene and managementpractices in communities of Kigesi District, South West Uganda (4 months).Fieldwork with collection of data and interviews of local communities (6 weeks).

2009-2011 Ecole Nationale du Gnie de lEau et de lEnvironnement de Strasbourg(ENGEES) National Engineering School for Water Management and theEnvironment. 1st and 2nd year of a three year engineering program: hydraulic,waste and drinking water conveyance, waste control, ecology, agronomy,economics, legislation, finance, river management, hydrology, hydrogeology

Group projects first year: energy assessment of a sport hall; modelling of thehydrogeology of an industrial area and prevention against pollution; riverrestoration.Group projects second year: water supply: design of a pipe network for thesupply of several towns using PORTEAU; waste water: design of sewersnetwork for a small town; design of a water treatment process for drinking

water; design of a waste water treatment process.

2006-2009 Lyce Fabre (Toulon): 3-year selective post-baccalaurat university levelpreparatory classes for the competitive entry exams to the GrandesEcoles (Engineering Schools).

2006 Lyce Marie Curie (Cavalaire): Bacalaurat (A-level): maths, physics-chemistry,biology, philosophy, history-geography, English, German and sport.

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WORK EXPERIENCEIn the field of Water and Environment

June-August 2011 internship in TECHNIVAL (Veolia Propret Tahiti). Activity: management ofthe sludge of waste water treatment plant. (3 months)

July-August 2010 Help for development mission in Cameroon as an Engineer withoutborders member in co-operation with IRCOD (Development and Co-operation Regional Institute) (1 month). Activity: make a diagnosis ofhydraulic works in a departement of Cameroon (Mbam et Inoubou).

June 2010 one week internship at the DDAF (Direction Dpartementale delAgriculture et de la Fort-public office for the farming and the forest) inMetz, France.

November 2009 two weeks internship as a workman with the GREMLING TP Company(installation of drinking water pipes). Nice, France.

Membership and activity in associations:

2011-2012 SAFAD, Cranfield University NGO focussed on development and co-operation with developing countries. Activity: link between volunteers andthe committee.

2009-2012 ISF (Ingnieur Sans Frontires- Engineer without Borders). French NGOfocussed on development and co-operation with developing countries.Activity: one year treasurer, two years membership.

Other fields

2010-2011 Personal mathematics and physics teacher for a high school pupil. August 2009 Medical secretary in an ophthalmologist practice.

LANGUAGESFrench: mother tongueEnglish: fluentSpanish: basicGerman: moderate

SKILLSCommunication Team spirit; good ability to adapt to multicultural environments, gained

through my work experience abroad; good communication skills gainedthrough my experience of writing reports and oral presentations; sense oforganisation.

Computer skills Word, Excel, hydraulic programs (PORTEAU, HPP-WIN, HECRAS,

AUOTOCAD)

Driving licence: category BFirst Aid Certificate

Sport/others: Play in university volleyball team; learn and teach salsa; surf and ski.Travelling (Malta, Greece, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Morocco)Art: watercolour painting, playing piano for relaxation.

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If you have a PhD

or if youre working for one or even thinking of applying for one, there are some specialthings to remember about preparing a CV.

If youre looking for an academic job remember that the skills a university wants are mainly inthe area of research. Administration and project management are also important, as areworking with students as a teacher or demonstrator, but research is the core skill. So makesure you emphasise research skills in the way you present your PhD, and also your firstdegree(s). Research competencies are mainly demonstrated in knowledge and application ofmethodologies in your field, and in producing papers for publication. You need to demonstratesuccessful application of methodologies, and show you have a publications track record. CVsfor academic posts will incorporate a list of publications and conference sessions, so they canbe more than two pages long. A CV from a PhD student seeking an academic post will takethis form:

Personal information

As in the standard CVemail and postal address, phone number, date of birth, nationality

Current research field

PhD title and an outline of the approach and expected outcome, and the name of yoursupervisor. For example:

Decision support modelling for water policy research.Supervisor: Dr. Paul Jeffrey

Developed, implemented and evaluated a computer-based modelling tool forwater demand management program design in a European context.

Systematically investigated how behavioural and non-behavioural householdwater consumption factors determine policy intervention requirements.

Applied a novel probabilistic modelling approach to investigate the social,economic and environmental impacts of water scar

Previous education

As in the standard CV, but emphasise your research experience, undergraduate and mastersthesis titles, and conferences or other academic events attended.

Knowledge of research techniques

List the key techniques which you have used in research. For example:

Application of probabilistic (Bayesian) modelling to support program design

End-user evaluation of the effectiveness of information technology

Integrating social, economic, and environmental data to support policy decisions

Collaborative modelling to facilitate stakeholder engagement

Extensive experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Visio

Working knowledge of Bayesian network modelling software, Hugin GUI

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Work and other experience

As in the standard CVreverse chronological, focusing on achievements. Think aboutpresenting your work experience so that it helps you in an academic context. If you dont haveany academic teaching or supervision experience, perhaps you have worked with young or

adult learners or youth groups in the past: there are transferable skills from that. If you havebeen on a graduate development programme like UK Grad or the French Doctoriales thenmention it here.

Distinctions

List any scholarships, academic prizes and bursaries or awards. Give an indication of howcompetitive or unique they were if you have that information. You dont need to give the moneyvalue of any prizes you won.

Publications

List the papers and conference proceedings you have contributed to, and conference andposter sessions you have presented. Include papers that have been submitted (even if theyhavent been refereed or published yet) as well as those that have appeared in print.

Other information

Include personal interests and achievements here. Same principle as for standard CVsinclude information that is distinctive rather than what everyone does in their spare time.

If youre applying for a PhD

Emphasise the research experience you already have: thats what universities are looking for.

If youre a PhD and youre not applying for an academic job

Make sure you present your PhD in a way that is understandable to someone not in yourresearch field. Focus on the application of knowledge, and emphasise the transferable skills inanalysis and project management you gain from doing a PhD. Just mention publicationsrather than listing them. For example:

PhD research: Optimization of Heat Dissipation from Brake DiscsResearch aims to establish a thermofluid based methodology for designing ventilation

channels with controlled heat dissipation rates. The goal is to enhance component life by havinglow temperatures and uniform heat distribution. Work has been conducted computationally andexperimentally.Consultancy work carried out on assessment of ventilation system of brake discs fornonconventional vehicles (thermal stress and transient cooling). The final proposal wassubmitted to customer.Research presentations to: Qinetiq (2009), Lloyds Register-Holland (2010), TRW

Automotive (2010).Publications: Three conference papers and one journal publication (submitted).

The CV on the next two pages is adapted from an actual CV from a Cranfield PhD studentlooking for an academic position after completing their PhD.

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Anna DimitriadouAddress: Cranfield University, Barton Road, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, England

Telephone: +44 (0) 1525 456789 Mobile: +44 (0) 7123 456789Email: a.dimitriadou.s04@cranfield.ac.uk

Date of birth: 3rd of August 1986 Nationality: GreekEDUCATION2009 2012 Cranfield University, United KingdomPhD, School of Applied Sciences, Department of Natural Resources,Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Group NSRIThesis project: Biowaste and vegetable waste compost application toagricultural soil. Outcome is identification of a compost application strategy forsustainable agriculture. Supervisor: Dr M. Hann2004-2009 Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreeceBSc, School of Agriculture, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science andAgricultural Engineering. Grade: 8.04 out of possible 10.00

Dissertation: Time-space analysis of water quality and quantity parameters ofriver Pinios.2004 General Lyceum of Larissa, Greece[Hellenic Comprehensive Lyceum (High school) Diploma]Grade: 18.91 out of possible 20.00

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL SKILLSField scale experimentation: designing, establishment and monitoring.Soil, plant and leachate analysis using ISO laboratory methods.Data analysis and interpretation.Extensive experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet.

Working knowledge of Statistica, GenStat and Visual Fortran.

CONTINUOUS TRAINING2012 IWWG Training course on leaching assessment using Leach XS.2012 11th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium, Cagliari, Italy2011 17th Triennial ISTRO Conference: Sustainability its Impact on SoilManagement and Environment, Kiel, Germany2011 IAgrE Annual Conference: Land and Change, Engineering the Future, CranfieldUniversity, Silsoe, UK2010 10th European Biosolids and Biowastes Conference, Wakefield, UK3rd Hellenic Conference on Agricultural Engineering, Thessaloniki, Greece2008 9th Hellenic Conference of the Greek Hydrotechnical Union, Thessaloniki,Greece

WORK EXPERIENCE2008 Prefecture of Thessaly, Plan and Development Division, Department of WaterResources ManagementPosition: trainee Project: Investigation of the stage-discharge rating curves ofriver Pinios at Piniadas Bridge station.

DISTINCTIONS - AWARDS2011 Third place Award granted from the Hellenic Hydrotechnical Union for the best

undergraduate dissertation in water science for the period of 2006-2009

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2010 Scholarship granted from the Korgialenion Foundation, Greece, funding thePhD research project (2008-09).2006 Scholarship granted from the National Scholarship Foundation, Greece (NSF)for outstanding performance in the second year of undergraduate studies.2004 Scholarship and first place Award granted from the NSF (Greece) for excellentdegrees achieved in the entry examinations for the School of Agriculture,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPsGEOTEE (Geotechnical Chamber of Greece)IAgrE (Institute of Agricultural Engineers),CIWM (Chartered Institute of Waste Management)ISWA (International Solid Waste Association)

LANGUAGESGreek (Mother Tongue), English (Fluent), German (Conversational).COMPUTER SKILLSMicrosoft Office ; Statistical software (GenStat, Statistica); Programming (Visual Fortran)

PUBLICATIONSDimitriadou A. and Hann M.J, 2010. The effects of using municipal solid waste (MSW) and

vegetable compost in agriculture. In: Lowe, P., Horan, N. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 10 th

European Biosolids and Biowastes Conference and Workshop, 13-16 November 2010,Wakefield, UK, Aqua Enviro Technology Transfer, 51.1-51.7

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J., 2011. Using biowaste and vegetable compost in agriculture. 7 th

Postgraduate Research Conference, 29 June 2011, Cranfield University, UKDimitriadou A., Hann M.J.,and Godwin R.J., 2011. Biowaste and vegetable compost

utilization in agriculture: an agronomic and environmental assessment. In: Proceedingsof the 17th ISTRO Conference Sustainability - its Impact on Soil Management andEnvironment, 28 August - 3 September 2011, Kiel, Germany, 1431-1436

Diamantopoulou M., Antonopoulos V., Papamichail D., and Dimitriadou A., 2011. Applicationof principal components and cluster analysis for the interpretation of the water quality datafrom river Pinios in Greece. In: Proceedings of the 10th Hellenic Conference of the HellenicHydrotechnical Union, 13-16 December 2011, Xanthi, Greece, 339-346

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J., 2011. Crop production and nitrogen leaching from biowasteand vegetable compost amended sand. In: Proceedings of the Sardinia Symposium 2011 11th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium, 1-5 October 2011S.Margherita di Pula (Cagliari), Italy (in press)

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J., 2011. Agricultural use of biowaste and vegetable wastecomposts: effect on crop production and soil properties. Under preparation for theInternational Conference on Agricultural Engineering & Industry Exhibition (AGENG 2011).

INTERESTSI enjoy sports, especially athletics, and have been a member of the Athletics Association of

Larissa (2000-2003). I was also a member of my high school basketball team in 2003.I also enjoy volleyball and swimming.

I highly appreciate the Olympic spirit and was a volunteer in the Olympic Games in Athens(2004).

Playing and listening to music I find a relaxing pastime. Learning to play the piano requiredhigh levels of self-motivation and commitment, reflected in being awarded the higherdegree in music theory and composing in 2002.

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Part 3Cover letters

Always write a cover letter to go with your CV. And always adapt the cover letter for eachindividual application. Use it to emphasise the skills the employer is looking for and any detailswhich you feel will convince them to interview you. Your cover letter should be no more than

one page. Three or four short paragraphs will be sufficient. Always use positive language. Yourcover letter needs to say three things:

Introduction Say why you are writing and if in response to an advertisement alwaysmention where you saw it, the job title and any reference quoted. Say briefly what your currentstatus is. For example:

I am very interested in the position of Offshore Development Assistant as

advertised on the BWEA website on 19 March 2012. I will graduate in September

2012 from Cranfield University with an MSc in Offshore and Ocean Technology

with Renewable Energy.

Why them? - Target the letter to show that you know something about the company. Mentionany contacts you have made with them at careers fairs. Show that you know something aboutwhat they do, and that you arent sending the same letter to thirty-six different companies

I am keen to build a career within the sustainability sector. With its unique marketexpertise in the property area, I feel Upstream will be well placed to take

advantage of growing pressures for sustainable performance and increasing

government targets for low carbon homes in the UK, and beyond. As Upstream

sets about expanding internationally I believe that my knowledge and experience,

as well as my Spanish and Russian language skills, would be of value to your

team.

Why you? - Tell them why you are the person for the job - you can use the advertisement orcompany information as reference. Give some appropriate examples of what you haveachieved. Avoid saying as you can see from my CV: try to add a bit of personal colour thatgoes beyond your CV.

Studying environmental geosciences gave me substantial field work experience,including geological mapping and surveying techniques, which enabled me to develop

a range of skills, in particular systematic observation and interpretation and the ability to

communicate technical data to experts and non-specialists. Studying environmentalmanagement for business has provided me with an additional understanding of

national and global environmental issues as well as sound business awareness. A

group project involving an international team of eight students in an environmental

review of Cranfield University has recently been successfully completed with a report

and presentation to senior managers in industry and the University.

End positively: give them the impression youd like to work for them.

I enclose my CV for your attention. I am happy to provide any further information

in support of my application and am available for interview at any time. I look

forward to hearing from you soon.

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Some things to rememberAlways send a cover letter with your CV. If you send your CV to a jobs agency orrecruitment website, write a cover letter in the form of a personal statement.

Always try to write to a named person. The personal touch is very important. A job advertwill tell you who to write to. If youre making a speculative application you may have tosearch an employers website for an appropriate name, or telephone and ask. AvoidDear Sir/ Madam or To whom it may concern. If you cant find a name, write to a jobtitle: Dear recruitment manager or Dear operations director for example.

Get the form right: in English, formal business letters beginning Dear Ms Jones end withYours sincerely and letters starting Dear recruitment manager end with Yours faithfully.Its easy to get it right, and good to avoid irritating the kind of people who are irritated bysmall mistakes in language.

When emailing your cover letter and CV send them as one attachment, with the letter aspage one and the CV pages two and three. The usual format is as a Word document(.doc) but pdf is also acceptable, and some recruitment websites will ask for it in thisform. Check before you send! The email message can be very simple, as in

Dear Ms Jones,

Please find attached my CV and covering letter in relation to your vacancynumber 123 as advertised in New Scientist on 12 September 2012..

Yours sincerely

Use positive language in your letter and CV. The table on the next page has a list of the kindsof positive and active words that are useful when preparing a job application.

For more information about CVs and cover letters, look onthe Prospects websitewww.prospects.ac.uk

The Careers Service runs workshops throughout theacademic year on CV and cover letter preparation.Sign up to one of these for some interactive CV guidance:look for information about the workshop programme on theCareers Service website: www.cranfield.ac.uk/careers.

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Part 4Application forms

Application forms things to rememberEmployers use application forms to assess your motivation and skills (and your spelling,

grammar and punctuation). Questions are designed to assess specific attributes, so applicants

can be compared systematically. Carefully research the organisation, the industry and the role

to determine:

The skills you need to promote

What attracts you to the job (your specific motivations).

Clearly state what you have to offer and why you should be considered. Analyse the job

advertisement/ job description/ person specificationwhat exactly is the employer looking for?

Carefully check your spelling and grammar as poor English is the main reason why most

applications are initially rejected.

Use short sentences/paragraphs which are easy to follow.

Use one idea per paragraph and state the key information in the first sentence.

Answer the questions. Make sure that what you write is relevant and concise.

Highlight your achievements and dont tell them what you dont know.

Provide relevant evidence.

Include key words if there is a chance the form will be electronically scanned.

Remember to use a variety of experiences to evidence your skills and attributes and beaware that, once you have thought of one experience, it may easily be the first exampleyou recall for answering other questions.

Answer all the questions. Never write See enclosed CV in place of an answer. Yourapplication may be disregarded if you do not comply with the company applicationprocedure.

Applicants often do not answer every aspect of every question and are therefore not shortlisted.To avoid this mistake, read each question carefully and list its constituent parts. Take thefollowing question as an example.Tell us about a time when you have worked as a member of a team. Describe your personalcontribution, how you faced any problems that arose and the outcome.Your answer needs to describe four things:

A specific example of when you have worked in a team

Your personal contribution How you dealt with any problems

The outcome

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If you have qualifications that are not from the UK, try to help the employer bysuggesting the UK equivalents. If youre not sure what they are, ask the Careers Servicefor advice about the best ways to do this.

Check for the closing date. If you are not sure of this contact the company before

completing the application to ensure the deadline has not passed.

Before you complete an application form on line, download a copy to work on first.Consider, plan and sketch out examples of answers before actually starting to fill it in.

When you are called for interview ensure you keep a copy of your completed applicationform this will come in useful as you may be asked questions about your application.

Some application forms may have psychometric tests as part of the onlineapplication form you should try some practice tests before you start applying.

Common questionsGive details of your main extracurricular activities and interests to date. What have youcontributed and what have you got out of them?Extra curricular activities can provide evidence of skills and attributes that would be useful inthe work place. These may be in teamwork or business awareness. Answer with examples ofpersonal development and achievement.

Give an example of a problem you have solved that required analysis. What methods did youuse and what conclusions did you reach?Concentrate on the process you used to solve the problem rather on than the problem itself.Highlight examples of personal initiative,creativity or effective use of resources in solving the problem.

Describe a time when you were working under pressure with competing deadlines and it wasimpossible to meet them all. What was the situation and what did you do?Try to pick an example that reflects well on your organisational skills (not chaos of your ownmaking).

Show how you: prioritised the task made efforts to renegotiate on the least urgent deadlines delegated tasks to others communicated progress.

What extra efforts did you make to resolve the situation? Your answer will cover a range ofinter-related organisational and communication skills, as well as your attitude.

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Tell us about an occasion when you had to communicate complex information. Why did youhave to do this and how did you go about it? Did you achieve your desired result?Employers are looking for particular competencies. Show your ability with a relevant exampleof your skills in communication with people at various levels.

Remember that communication includes: talking listening effectively responding writing using body language.

You may draw on a personal or professional experience. Be clear, concise andspecific as your response will itself demonstrate part of your communication skill.

Describe a difficult team project you have worked on, the result that was achieved and howyou achieved it.This type of question asks you to address: teamwork leadership time management problem-solving skills.You need to show how you have worked effectively with others. Describe your role and theroles of the others. What were the hurdles? You may not have had an experience exactly likethis. In that case, you might reply by stating that this is the case, but then give yourobservations on what someone else did when you were working in a team, or what you mighthave done.

What is your greatest achievement to date?Your answer will show what you consider to be important or difficult and what you count assuccess. You should emphasise why you consider your example a great achievement and saywhat it has taught you and how you have used the experience. This may be picked up forfurther discussion in an interview.

Using the STAR approach to plan answersThe STAR approach will help you structure your response and provide the informationemployers are looking for. Heres how it works

Situation Around 20% of your answer should be used to set the scene. What washappening?

Task 10% should explain the task either set by yourself or another.Action This is the most important part: 50% of your answer should describe what you didand the skills you used to do it.

Result Use the last 20% to tell give details of the outcome. This should include a good doseof self-analysis. Consider what impact your behaviour had on the result - Perhaps you learntsomething about yourself or it altered your thinking.

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Companies reveal how to answer application form questionsCorus: "Give details of a situation when you have worked in a team environment."THEY SAY:We're obviously looking for good teamwork here. This could perhaps be something youveexperienced through work placements or if you belong to any university or sports societies.We are not really looking out for academic examples from university here, but ideallysomething else you can offer. Other examples that would help you stand out would bevoluntary work, or if you have been travelling and could use your skills and knowledge fromthat. When answering this question, you must demonstrate that you are a good team player,have led initiative and taken the initiative to throw in ideas and see how they overcame anydifficulties they may have found during the process. State what your key role in the endresult of the group work was and how you came to this result; was it a success or failure?One of the most important things is, however, to make sure you demonstrate how you workwell with other people in a team and how you strive towards achieving your goal.

WE SAY:When answering questions about working in a team environment, emphasise that you are ableto, and enjoy, working with other people. Do not rush into giving an example, as recruiters donot want a list of group activities, as it is not necessarily the example that matters but the skillsyou used and what you learned. Don't just say, "I was in a project at school once", or "I was incharge of the sport society; I loved telling everyone what to do all the time". The first exampledoesn't show enough enthusiasm and the other demonstrates too much ego. Think about itcarefully; some voluntary work in which you took initiative, managed to overcomedifficulties that arose calmly and at the end of which you achieved success would be anexcellent example.

ExxonMobil: "Why are you interested in the function or role you are applying for?"THEY SAY:We ask this question to ensure the candidate has given some serious thought as to why he/she wishes to join that particular function. We expect good candidates will state somethingalong the lines of: 'My interest lies within the oil and gas sector [for example] and, in particular,the challenges facing the energy industry as a whole. I believe my problem solving skills andinnovative approach will contribute toExxonMobil's future success.

WE SAY:Ideally you should think about the skills you have learnt and how you would use or adapt themwithin that role. Don't just list the skills you have, but try to expand on them and giveexamples of when they came in useful. Instead of just saying, "I'm good at problem solving",think about why you believe this is the case, and note the positive effect this has had duringyour time at university.

Recruiters are mainly interested in what you will bring to their company so give them realexamples of your successes and let them know that they would benefit from hiring youbasically, make a positive impression. It is also important to want to work in an area that is ofinterest to you or will stimulate you. Finding a job that is enjoyable is essential as it will boost

your enthusiasm as well as enabling you to work to your full potential.

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Companies reveal how to answer application form questions cont ...Logica: "Which of your achievements or activities, not necessarily connected with your studiesor work, has given you the most satisfaction, and why?"THEY SAY:In some ways these questions are like 'tie-breakers' and as such can be the final elements thatclinch an assessment centre invitation. Use these areas to bring out skills you have gainedthat you can apply to working for LogicaCMG. Your involvement in sports activities can beused to highlight your team working skills. Your time as the social secretary at your halls ofresidence can demonstrate your planning and organisation skills. We are looking forenthusiastic people, so show that you are enthusiastic about the achievement that has givenyou most satisfaction. Believe or not, we have had candidates respond to this question with'none'!

WE SAY:Employers don't want to hire brainy and intelligent people with no social skills. They're lookingfor well-rounded individuals who have made the most of their time at university. Equally, theydon't just want people to say, "I had an excellent time at university, I was part of the football,basketball and cricket teams and also wrote for the student newspaper and had a show at theradio station. It is important that you demonstrate your ability to analyse your achievementsand provide tangible examples explaining what you have learnt from your experiences andhow they have shaped your development. The key word is 'your'. Too many people make themistake of selling themselves short and describing the achievements of an entire group using'we'. It's not the group that is applying for a job, it's you. Be proud and detail what aninteresting person you really are.

Here are some ways Cranfield Careers Service can help you with application forms Watch the DVD Your Jobs Online available online on the CVs and Applications page

of the Cranfield careers service website www.cranfield.ac.uk/career.

The Careers Service runs workshops on job application processes. See ourwebsite www.cranfield.ac.uk/careers for more information.

You can also get individual feedback on an application: come along to a drop-in sessionor email us for a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Adviser.

For more information see:Prospects: some of the examples quoted in this section are from the Prospects websitewww.prospect.ac.uk

Vitae Research and PhD information website www.vitae.ac.uk

Total jobs www.totaljobs.com

Target jobs www.targetjobs.co.uk

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Key action words for use in job applications

Communicating

Addressed

AdvisedCommunicatedCoordinatedCourtesyDelegatedDeliveredDemonstratedDirectedFacilitatedEncouragedEnthusiasm

GuidedHelpfulHumourIllustratedInfluencedInstructedInterviewedLedLiaisedMarketedMediatedNegotiated

NotifiedOrderedOrganisedParticipatedPerformedPresentedProgrammedPromotedProposedProvidedPublished

RecommendedRecordedRepresentedResolvedSupervisedSupportedTrained

Problem solving

Acted

AbilityAdaptedAnalysedAppliedArrangedAssessedBudgetedCapableComposedConductedDecreased

DefinedDistributedEfficientEnhanceEstablishedExplainedFormulatedIdentifiedImprovedInitiativeInvestigatedModernisedPlannedPerseverancePreparedProgressReducedRefinedReorganisedReviewedRevisedScheduledSettled

SimplifiedSolvedSurmountedSynchronizedUncoveredUpdatedVerified

Creating

Built

CompiledCompletedComposedConceivedConstructedCreatedDesignedDevelopedDevisedDiagnosedDiscovered

EffectiveEstablishedFoundedGeneratedImaginationImplementedInitiatedInstitutedIntroducedInventedLaunchedLedMadeObservedOpenedOperatedOriginatedPioneeredPlannedPreparedProducedProgrammedPromoted

PublishedSet upTransformed

Achieving

Accomplished

AchievedAmbitionAttainedCompletedConcludedCourageDeliveredDeterminedDistributedEliminatedExcellence

ExpandedInnovateInstalledMaintainedMotivatedOvercameParticipatedPerformedPresentedProcessedPromotedProved

ProvidedPunctualSatisfactoryServedStabilitySubstantialSuccessSucceededSuperiorTransferredUpdated

Won

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www.cranfield.ac.uk/careers

Careers Service

cranfieldcareers@cranfield.ac.uk