Free webinar: How to produce an interview-winning CV

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About this webinar60 minutes:

- 20 mins presentation from Fish4jobs

- 40 mins Q&A with Daily Mirror’s Careers Editor, Tricia Phillips

Presentation in two sections:

- CV advice and mistakes to avoid

- Cover letter tips

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VISIT ‘RESOURCES ‘

SECTION:

CV advice

Cover letter tips

Free CV and cover letter templates

Your CV has only 30 seconds to impress

CV mistakes to avoid…

Mistake #1: Bad formatting/layout

Tips

No perfect layout

Easy to scan read

Chronological flow: present and work back

2 pages

Lead with the best stuff first!

Structure

Contact details

Personal statement

Key achievements/skills

Work history

Education

Hobbies & interests (where relevant)

References available upon requestRESOURCES:

CV template

Graduate & School leavers CV templates

Mature job seekersCV template

Avoid fancy formatting

Mistake #2: One CV

Different CVs for different roles/industries

Mistake #3: Generic or no personal profile

3 sections

1. Who you are (education and work history)

2. What you can bring to the table (skills, achievements)

3. Your career aim (what job you want)

Avoid clichés

Keep it concise

Tailor

RESOURCES:

Write a profile that packs a

punch

Examples that state the obvious

“A highly motivated, hard working and enthusiastic individual who possesses the ability to learn new skills. I am punctual with excellent timekeeping and attendance. I consider myself to be very reliable, honest and trustworthy, I get on well with people and enjoy working as part of a team or on my own initiative. I am of smart appearance and well spoken.”

“An employer would find me reliable and responsible as well as being extremely flexible and co-operative. I am eager and willing to expand my skills and try out new challenges that may come my way. I am a bubbly and bright person who works well in a team and solely. I also believe I have enough experience and life skills to excel at any challenge thrown my way.”

"I am a committed and hard working individual who enjoys a challenge. In addition to strong communication skills, I am able to work effectively in a team. I can also demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills and thrive under pressure. My drive and ambition ensure I am a valuable addition to any company.”

Examples that sell“Enthusiastic school leaver with five GCSEs looking for an apprenticeship in the engineering field Possessing good written and verbal communication and an interest in engineering which has spanned my lifetime with particular passion for electrics. For my GCSE Design & Technology project, I built a working calculator and was awarded an A*. Looking for a start in the exciting world of electrical engineering where I can learn a trade and realise a lifetime ambition.”

“A motivated, adaptable and responsible school leaver seeking an entry-level position in public relations which will utilise the organisational and communication skills developed through my involvement with promotional work during vacations.”

“Results-oriented sales professional with 10+ years proven success in both B2B and B2C sales. Confident networker, with established relationships in FTSE 100 companies including BT, Microsoft and major UK retailers. Managed sales teams (15+ people) within IT, telecommunications and retail sectors.”

Mistake #4: Poor spelling and grammar

Some real life examples…

Mistake #5: Too personal

Unnecessary personal data

Date of birth

Marital status

Children

National insurance

Passport number

No photos!

Relevant hobbies

Relevant hobbies & interests

Examples:

Captain of school hockey team (demonstrates leadership)

Duke of Edinburgh Award (demonstrates commitment)

Volunteer/community work (proactive)

Visiting museums and art galleries (if applying for jobs in architecture or the arts)

Cars (if applying to be a mechanic/work with cars)

Amateur dramatics (if applying for drama

or role that involves public speaking)

To recap

Keep the layout clear and easy to scan read, 2 pages

Tailor your CV to individual role/types of role

Include a personal statement that makes you stand out

Get someone to proof read your CV

Remove any personal data that isn’t relevant (esp. hobbies!)

RESOURCES:

CV tips

CV template

Graduate & School leavers CV templates

Mature job seekersCV template

Cover letters

Cover letters: should I bother?

Simple answer, yes!

Majority of candidates don’t include one so sets you apart

Snapshot of why your skills, achievements and experience make you relevant for the job

Always include cover letters when applying for jobs on job sites

RESOURCES:

Cover letter tips

Cover letter templates including

school leavers & graduates

Cover letters: top tips

Keep it short, structured and snappy

Tailor it to each job you apply for

Back up with relevant examples

Bring your reader up to speed on your current situation

Stick to plain, professional language

Proofread your letter or email with eagle eyes before sending

Sounds simple, but remember to include your address, telephone number and email

RESOURCES:

Cover letter tips

Cover letter templates including

school leavers & graduates

Live Q&A with Tricia Phillips, Daily Mirror’s Careers Editor

And finally

facebook.com/fish4jobs @fish4jobs