EFFECTIVE CVS

SESSION COVERS

• Main components of a graduate CV

• Compare a selection of real CVs

• Judge the pros/cons of these CVs

• Application of the above to creating or updating your own CV

WHAT IS A CV?

It’s your advertisement !

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CV?

To get you an interview

CV CONTENT

What information would you include in your CV?

CV CONTENT

References

AdditionalSkills

Achievements&

Interests

WorkExperience

Education &

Qualifications

Profile

PersonalDetails

CV

PERSONAL DETAILS

David Smith1b Gateway Street

Leicester

LE1 2BB

0116 123456

07779 123456

dsmith@dmu.ac.uk

Make sure your email address is professional !

No SuZy_babe@ or hunkyLAD@ or Yerbut_nobut_yerbutno@

PERSONAL PROFILE

Tell them concisely

1) Who you are

2) The relevant experience you have

3) Your career aims

PERSONAL PROFILE EXAMPLE

A motivated business studies graduate with experience of working in an office environment seeks a career as an administrator.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

2006-2009 De Montfort University, Leicester

BA (Hons) Business and Finance (2:2)

Include relevant modules

Dissertation or major project details

2002-2006 Tonbridge School, Kent

A levels: Business Studies B, Economics C, English D

GCSEs: 8 at grades A-C including English and Maths

ALL EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHETHER IT IS PAID, VOLUNTARY OR WORK SHADOWING

Relevant• Work placement in

Office Environment • Part-time data entry job• Treasurer for University

Society• Voluntary work

answering phone for local charity helpline

Other• Part-time job at

McDonalds• Saturday job at Asda• Student Ambassador at

University• Activity Leader Summer

Play Scheme

Experience

EXPERIENCE

• List in reverse date order• Put your job titles in bold• List your responsibilities and achievements

in each role• Use words relevant to the job you are

applying for• Start each bullet point with a Power Word

POWER WORDS

Create a positive impression when describing your experiences by using action words that emphasise your skills such as:

achieved organised

communicated presented

developed supervised

improved researched

ACHIEVEMENTS/INTERESTS

• Show that you are motivated to pursue other activities

• Focus on recent achievements

• What were your contributions?

• What skills did you develop?

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Briefly list skills such as

• Language abilities• Computer and

keyboard skills• Driving Licence

REFERENCES

• Two referees, one academic and one work-related, or a character referee if allowed.

• Give their phone number and email along with their title and full contact address.

• Always ask for their permission first and remember to keep them informed of your career aspirations and achievements to date.

REFERENCES CONTINUED

• If a reference from your immediate manager is not possible, consider using someone else in the company.

• If using an international referee, it’s a good idea to confirm with them that they can provide a fax or email in English.

• If you’re running out of space, and referees’ details are not explicitly requested, it’s acceptable to state

‘References available upon request’.

GROUP TASK:

In groups please:

• Compare the example CVs.

Based on their CV, which candidates would you shortlist for interview and why?

CV PRESENTATION

• 2 sheets of A4• Good quality paper• Arial font size 11 or 12• Use headings• Bullet points• Short sentences• Selective use of

BOLD for emphasis

CV

DON’T

• Make spelling mistakes

• Write curriculum vitae at the top

• include your date of birth

• include marital status or religion CV

COVERING LETTERS/EMAILS- PURPOSE

• To introduce yourself

• To display motivation and relevant skills

COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT

Usually has 4 paragraphs

1.The Opening

• Introduce yourself• Tell them which job you are applying for and • Where you saw the advert• That you have attached your CV for their

reference

COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT

2. Why them?

• Explain why you are interested in this job• Explain why you are interested in their

organisation or company

Research the company!

COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT

3. Why you?

• Explain how your ….• knowledge• skills • and experience match their requirements

You will find what they are looking for in their job advert, job description and person specification

COVERING LETTERS - CONTENT

4. The ending

• Explain when you are available for interview • Thank them for considering your application

Please remember

If you begin your letter with Dear (Name) end with Yours sincerelyDear Sir/Madam end with Yours faithfully

SUMMARY

• Understand what the employer wants

• Excellent overall presentation

• Tailor each CV, Personal Statement and Cover Letter to the job

• This is their first impression of you so make it count!

EFFECTIVE CVS

How will you apply what you have learned to your own CV from

now on?

ONLINE RESOURCES

• Careers Success Toolkit

http://dmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-study/employability-and-careers/advice-support-and-guidance.aspx

• www.prospects.ac.uk• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm