CVs, Recruiters, Interviewing CVs, Recruiters, Interviewing --how to succeedhow to succeed

Presented by Lewis TurnerPresented by Lewis Turner

The Start! The Start! Writing a CVWriting a CV

Beginning your CVBeginning your CV

JOHN DOLEJOHN DOLE--SMITH BEng. (Hons) SMITH BEng. (Hons) MBA MIEEMBA MIEE

Mount Pleasant, Cambridge, CB3 0RNMount Pleasant, Cambridge, CB3 0RNTel:+44 1223 443920 Tel:+44 1223 443920

Email:j.d.smith@displaylink.comEmail:j.d.smith@displaylink.com

←← Name and professional Name and professional qualifications clearly shown qualifications clearly shown followed by contact information.followed by contact information.

Keep it clean and elegantKeep it clean and elegant, use only a couple of typefaces, and simple , use only a couple of typefaces, and simple separators for the sections.separators for the sections.

Profile:Profile:

Ambitious and enthusiastic Software Ambitious and enthusiastic Software Engineer with demonstrable Engineer with demonstrable commercial C++ in a Windows commercial C++ in a Windows environment. environment.

Seeking an opening with new Seeking an opening with new challenges and opportunities to challenges and opportunities to expand his personal and technical expand his personal and technical skills.skills.

←← Short summary of your Short summary of your experience, skills and abilities in experience, skills and abilities in no more than five lines. no more than five lines.

Your AchievementsYour Achievements

KEY ACHIEVEMENTSKEY ACHIEVEMENTS

�� Architected a new software Architected a new software solution for a complex machine solution for a complex machine automation product, delivering automation product, delivering on time and on budget on time and on budget

←← The 3 or 4 things The 3 or 4 things which you are most which you are most

on time and on budget on time and on budget

�� Successfully led a high calibre Successfully led a high calibre software team on multiple software team on multiple projects.projects.

�� Planned and scheduled the test Planned and scheduled the test strategy to minimize onstrategy to minimize on--site site problems on delivery.problems on delivery.

which you are most which you are most proud of in your proud of in your career and education career and education so far. so far.

Your SkillsYour Skills

KEY SKILLSKEY SKILLS�� Works well on own initiative or as part of a Works well on own initiative or as part of a

team, works well under pressure, experienced team, works well under pressure, experienced at seeing projects through from inception to at seeing projects through from inception to completion, quick and enthusiastic to learn, completion, quick and enthusiastic to learn, flexible.flexible.

�� 6 years C++, 3 years C#, 1 year C 6 years C++, 3 years C#, 1 year C (Embedded), Win32 (NT/2k/XP), MFC, COM, (Embedded), Win32 (NT/2k/XP), MFC, COM,

←← Clearly state both technical and Clearly state both technical and soft skills soft skills

(Embedded), Win32 (NT/2k/XP), MFC, COM, (Embedded), Win32 (NT/2k/XP), MFC, COM, multimulti--threaded applicationsthreaded applications

�� OOAD, 6 years SQL (Oracle and Sybase), 2 OOAD, 6 years SQL (Oracle and Sybase), 2 years PLC (IEC61131), VB, IP networks, Linuxyears PLC (IEC61131), VB, IP networks, Linux

�� Solid knowledge inSolid knowledge in CAN, Stäubli robots (6CAN, Stäubli robots (6--axis axis robotic arms), Servo/Stepper motors & robotic arms), Servo/Stepper motors & controllers, IP networks, electrical and controllers, IP networks, electrical and mechanical competencies, PCB designmechanical competencies, PCB design

Your CareerYour Career

CAREER SUMMARYCAREER SUMMARY

04/2006 to date My Current Co Ltd04/2006 to date My Current Co LtdMachine Automation SoftwareMachine Automation SoftwareSenior Software EngineerSenior Software EngineerResponsible for the design, implementation and Responsible for the design, implementation and testing of machine control systems including software testing of machine control systems including software and hardware. Leading teams to deliver projects and hardware. Leading teams to deliver projects

←← Include a brief one line of Include a brief one line of what the company does.what the company does.

←← Brief job description and then Brief job description and then list key responsibilities. list key responsibilities. and hardware. Leading teams to deliver projects and hardware. Leading teams to deliver projects

within time cost and quality requirements.within time cost and quality requirements.Key Technologies: C++ (Inc. STL), C# (Inc. Key Technologies: C++ (Inc. STL), C# (Inc. WinForms), Embedded C, Win32, OOAD, MultiWinForms), Embedded C, Win32, OOAD, Multi--axis axis Robot Control.Robot Control.

08/2007 to 03/2006 LastCompany Ltd08/2007 to 03/2006 LastCompany LtdMachine Control DevelopmentMachine Control DevelopmentSoftware Control EngineerSoftware Control EngineerResponsible for designing, implementing and Responsible for designing, implementing and commissioning software for machine control and commissioning software for machine control and safety systems in a cell culture machine including 6 safety systems in a cell culture machine including 6 axisaxis--anthropomorphic robotic arm, motor controllers, anthropomorphic robotic arm, motor controllers, pneumatic and electrical automation systems.pneumatic and electrical automation systems.

01/2003 to 07/2007 CCG Ltd 01/2003 to 07/2007 CCG Ltd Computer Graphics CardsComputer Graphics CardsJunior Software Engineer Junior Software Engineer Developing low level device drivers for graphics cards.Developing low level device drivers for graphics cards.

list key responsibilities. list key responsibilities.

←← Be specific and quantify your Be specific and quantify your achievements. achievements.

←← Positions which are not Positions which are not relevant because of time past relevant because of time past should show much less detail should show much less detail

Your EducationYour Education

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

19981998--2001 2001 1st class BSc. (Hons.) degree in Computer 1st class BSc. (Hons.) degree in Computer Science from University of YorkScience from University of York

Key Modules:Key Modules:Embedded and Real Time Systems, Digital and Linear Embedded and Real Time Systems, Digital and Linear Design, Digital Computer design, Operating Design, Digital Computer design, Operating Systems,Software Specification and Design, User Systems,Software Specification and Design, User Interface Design, Engineering Project Management, Interface Design, Engineering Project Management,

←← Mention your most Mention your most significant qualifications significant qualifications or grades to date and any or grades to date and any relevant courses or relevant courses or

Interface Design, Engineering Project Management, Interface Design, Engineering Project Management, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Networks and Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Networks and Distributed Systems.Distributed Systems.

Projects:Projects:Design and construction of analog and digital Design and construction of analog and digital microcontroller based audible 'piccolo' modem, microcontroller based audible 'piccolo' modem, including writing some embedded assembler for including writing some embedded assembler for digital signal processing. digital signal processing. Key Technologies: C, PIC Key Technologies: C, PIC and Z80 microprocessor programmingand Z80 microprocessor programming

Designed and wrote a 3d demo program in OpenGL Designed and wrote a 3d demo program in OpenGL to demonstrate a range of techniques for creating to demonstrate a range of techniques for creating realistic visual rendering. realistic visual rendering. Key Technologies: Linux, Key Technologies: Linux, Unix, C, OpenGLUnix, C, OpenGL..

19961996--1998 1998 East Barnet School: 4 A Levels, Physics(A), East Barnet School: 4 A Levels, Physics(A), Computing(A), Maths(B), Chemistry(B)Computing(A), Maths(B), Chemistry(B)

relevant courses or relevant courses or diplomas. diplomas.

If you are quite If you are quite experienced, this can just experienced, this can just

be the top line!be the top line!

Interests and MembershipsInterests and MembershipsMember of the Institute of Electrical Member of the Institute of Electrical

EngineersEngineers

INTERESTSINTERESTS

I am a keen football player and am currently I am a keen football player and am currently the treasurer of the local club. Personal the treasurer of the local club. Personal computing interests include C++, 3D graphics computing interests include C++, 3D graphics (OpenGL), embedded software and all things (OpenGL), embedded software and all things

←← List memberships to List memberships to guilds, institutes or guilds, institutes or organizations here. organizations here.

←← There is often a There is often a keen interest in this keen interest in this

computing interests include C++, 3D graphics computing interests include C++, 3D graphics (OpenGL), embedded software and all things (OpenGL), embedded software and all things Linux. Often contribute to the open source Linux. Often contribute to the open source community and am an active member of community and am an active member of ACCUACCU

keen interest in this keen interest in this section as it reveals section as it reveals character and your character and your general attitude general attitude -- for for example, liking example, liking technology!technology!

←← But make it true..But make it true..

Completed CVCompleted CV

JOHN DOLEJOHN DOLE--SMITH BEng. (Hons) MBA MIEESMITH BEng. (Hons) MBA MIEE

Mount Pleasant, Cambridge, CB3 0RNMount Pleasant, Cambridge, CB3 0RNTel:+44 1223 443920 Email:j.d.smith@displaylink.comTel:+44 1223 443920 Email:j.d.smith@displaylink.com

PROFILE:PROFILE:

Ambitious and enthusiastic Software Engineer with demonstrable commercial C++ in a Windows environment. Ambitious and enthusiastic Software Engineer with demonstrable commercial C++ in a Windows environment.

Seeking an opening with new challenges and opportunities to expand his personal and technical skills.Seeking an opening with new challenges and opportunities to expand his personal and technical skills.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTSKEY ACHIEVEMENTSKEY ACHIEVEMENTSKEY ACHIEVEMENTS

�� Architected a new software solution for a complex machine automation product, delivering on time and on budget Architected a new software solution for a complex machine automation product, delivering on time and on budget

�� Successfully led a high caliber software team on multiple projects.Successfully led a high caliber software team on multiple projects.

�� Planned and scheduled the test strategy to minimize onPlanned and scheduled the test strategy to minimize on--site problems on delivery.site problems on delivery.

KEY SKILLSKEY SKILLS

�� Works well on own initiative or as part of a team, works well under pressure, experienced at seeing projects through from incWorks well on own initiative or as part of a team, works well under pressure, experienced at seeing projects through from incepteption to ion to completion, quick and enthusiastic to learn, flexible.completion, quick and enthusiastic to learn, flexible.

�� 6 years C++, 3 years C#, 1 year C (Embedded), Win32 (NT/2k/XP), MFC, COM, multi6 years C++, 3 years C#, 1 year C (Embedded), Win32 (NT/2k/XP), MFC, COM, multi--threaded applicationsthreaded applications

�� OOAD, 6 years SQL (Oracle and Sybase), 2 years PLC (IEC61131), VB, IP networks, LinuxOOAD, 6 years SQL (Oracle and Sybase), 2 years PLC (IEC61131), VB, IP networks, Linux

�� Solid knowledge in CAN, Stäubli robots (6Solid knowledge in CAN, Stäubli robots (6--axis robotic arms), Servo/Stepper motors & controllers, IP networks, electrical and meaxis robotic arms), Servo/Stepper motors & controllers, IP networks, electrical and mechanical chanical competencies, PCB designcompetencies, PCB design

CAREER SUMMARYCAREER SUMMARY

04/2006 to date My Current Co Ltd04/2006 to date My Current Co LtdMachine Automation SoftwareMachine Automation Software

Senior Software EngineerSenior Software Engineer

Responsible for the design, implementation and testing of machine control systems including software and hardware. Leading teResponsible for the design, implementation and testing of machine control systems including software and hardware. Leading teamams to s to deliver projects within time cost and quality requirements.deliver projects within time cost and quality requirements.

Key Technologies: C++ (Inc. STL), C# (Inc. WinForms), Embedded C, Win32, OOAD, MultiKey Technologies: C++ (Inc. STL), C# (Inc. WinForms), Embedded C, Win32, OOAD, Multi--axis Robot Control.axis Robot Control.

Completed CV Cont.Completed CV Cont.08/2007 to 03/2006 LastCompany Ltd08/2007 to 03/2006 LastCompany Ltd

Machine Control DevelopmentMachine Control DevelopmentSoftware Control EngineerSoftware Control EngineerResponsible for designing, implementing and commissioning software for machine control and safety systems in a cell culture mResponsible for designing, implementing and commissioning software for machine control and safety systems in a cell culture maachine chine including 6 axisincluding 6 axis--anthropomorphic robotic arm, motor controllers, pneumatic and electrical automation systems.anthropomorphic robotic arm, motor controllers, pneumatic and electrical automation systems.

01/2003 to 07/2007 CCG Ltd 01/2003 to 07/2007 CCG Ltd Computer Graphics CardsComputer Graphics CardsJunior Software Engineer Junior Software Engineer Developing low level device drivers for graphics cards.Developing low level device drivers for graphics cards.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

19981998--2001 2001 1st class BSc. (Hons.) degree in Computer Science from University of York1st class BSc. (Hons.) degree in Computer Science from University of York19981998--2001 2001 1st class BSc. (Hons.) degree in Computer Science from University of York1st class BSc. (Hons.) degree in Computer Science from University of YorkKey Modules:Key Modules:

Embedded and Real Time Systems, Digital and Linear Design, Digital Computer design, Operating Systems,Software Specification Embedded and Real Time Systems, Digital and Linear Design, Digital Computer design, Operating Systems,Software Specification anand d Design, User Interface Design, Engineering Project Management, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Networks and Distributed Design, User Interface Design, Engineering Project Management, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Networks and Distributed Systems.Systems.

Projects:Projects:Design and construction of analog and digital microcontroller based audible 'piccolo' modem, including writing some embedded Design and construction of analog and digital microcontroller based audible 'piccolo' modem, including writing some embedded assembler for digital signal processing. assembler for digital signal processing. Key Technologies: C, PIC and Z80 microprocessor programmingKey Technologies: C, PIC and Z80 microprocessor programming

Designed and wrote a 3d demo program in OpenGL to demonstrate a range of techniques for creating realistic visual rendering. Designed and wrote a 3d demo program in OpenGL to demonstrate a range of techniques for creating realistic visual rendering. Key Key Technologies: Linux, Unix, C, OpenGLTechnologies: Linux, Unix, C, OpenGL..

19961996--1998 1998 East Barnet School: 4 A Levels, Physics(A), Computing(A), Maths(B), Chemistry(B)East Barnet School: 4 A Levels, Physics(A), Computing(A), Maths(B), Chemistry(B)

Member of the Institute of Electrical EngineersMember of the Institute of Electrical Engineers

INTERESTSINTERESTSI am a keen football player and am currently the treasurer of the local club. Personal computing interests include C++, 3D grI am a keen football player and am currently the treasurer of the local club. Personal computing interests include C++, 3D grapaphics hics (OpenGL), embedded software and all things Linux. Often contribute to the open source community.(OpenGL), embedded software and all things Linux. Often contribute to the open source community.

Covering LettersCovering Letters

�� Do one!Do one!

�� Tailor itTailor it

�� Be careful about namesBe careful about names�� Be careful about namesBe careful about names

�� Keep it simpleKeep it simple

�� Polite and to the pointPolite and to the point

Covering letter exampleCovering letter exampleDear Mr. Turner,Dear Mr. Turner,

I am emailing in response to your advert on the Cambridge Network for a Senior Software I am emailing in response to your advert on the Cambridge Network for a Senior Software Engineer. Engineer. Since 1999, I have worked as a software engineer for ABC Company, where I have been Since 1999, I have worked as a software engineer for ABC Company, where I have been repeatedly recognised for developing innovative solutions for multimillionrepeatedly recognised for developing innovative solutions for multimillion--pound, globally pound, globally deployed software and systems. I am responsible for full lifecycle development of nextdeployed software and systems. I am responsible for full lifecycle development of next--generation software, from initial requirement gathering to design, coding, testing, generation software, from initial requirement gathering to design, coding, testing, documentation and implementation. documentation and implementation. With proven and solid clientWith proven and solid client--facing skills, I have participated in proposals and presentations facing skills, I have participated in proposals and presentations that have secured sixthat have secured six--figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into highhigh--quality, costquality, cost--effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints. effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints. that have secured sixthat have secured six--figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into highhigh--quality, costquality, cost--effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints. effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints. My technical expertise includes crossMy technical expertise includes cross--platform proficiency (Windows XP / Vista, UNIX, and platform proficiency (Windows XP / Vista, UNIX, and Linux); fluency in several languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL); and Linux); fluency in several languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL); and advanced knowledge of developer applications, tools, methodologies and best practices advanced knowledge of developer applications, tools, methodologies and best practices (including OOD, client/server architecture and self(including OOD, client/server architecture and self--test automation). I am also a strong test automation). I am also a strong advocate of agile.advocate of agile.My experience developing userMy experience developing user--friendly solutions on time and on budget would enable me friendly solutions on time and on budget would enable me to step into a software engineering role at XYZ Company and allow me to get up to speed to step into a software engineering role at XYZ Company and allow me to get up to speed very quickly. very quickly. I can be contacted on 07813 563762 or by email on joe.smith@abc.co.uk and look forward I can be contacted on 07813 563762 or by email on joe.smith@abc.co.uk and look forward to speaking to you in the near future.to speaking to you in the near future.

Yours sincerely, Yours sincerely, Joe Smith BEngJoe Smith BEng

The Job Search & RecruitersThe Job Search & Recruiters

AttitudeAttitude

�� Spend no more than an hour or two each day on job Spend no more than an hour or two each day on job huntinghunting

�� Keep a record of who you have approached, and Keep a record of who you have approached, and whenwhen

�� Keep a record of any recruitment agencies you have Keep a record of any recruitment agencies you have approachedapproachedapproachedapproached

�� Sometimes you have to put up with a big number Sometimes you have to put up with a big number rejects or no replies to get those interviewsrejects or no replies to get those interviews

�� You must not let these rejects get you downYou must not let these rejects get you down�� Do not be frightened or embarrassed to ask friends, Do not be frightened or embarrassed to ask friends, acquaintances, family / relativesacquaintances, family / relatives

�� Make sure you have emailed them your CV so they Make sure you have emailed them your CV so they can pass it oncan pass it on

JobsitesJobsites

�� Do NOT rely only on job boards such as Do NOT rely only on job boards such as Monster, Jobsite and Planet RecruitMonster, Jobsite and Planet Recruit

�� Work through company directories such Work through company directories such as the Aas the A--Z on the Cambridge Network Z on the Cambridge Network http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/direhttp://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/directory/ctory/ or the local equivalentor the local equivalentctory/ctory/ or the local equivalentor the local equivalent

�� Other sites include Other sites include http://www.applegate.co.uk/indexes/towhttp://www.applegate.co.uk/indexes/towns/allns/all--index.htmindex.htm and and http://www.businesshttp://www.business--directorydirectory--uk.co.uk/uk.co.uk/

�� Another little known but useful site (for Another little known but useful site (for Cambridge) is Cambridge) is http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/cambridhttp://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/cambridgeuk/sect2.htmgeuk/sect2.htm

Recruitment AgenciesRecruitment AgenciesWhy?Why?

�� They match a company’s requirements in terms of They match a company’s requirements in terms of qualifications, skills, experience and personality to qualifications, skills, experience and personality to qualifications, skills, experience and personality to qualifications, skills, experience and personality to the candidates on its database the candidates on its database

�� They know the employment market and can They know the employment market and can prepare candidates for interview prepare candidates for interview

�� Should Should guide individuals through the selection guide individuals through the selection processprocess

Recruitment Agencies Recruitment Agencies –– they are all differentthey are all different

�� Vacancy drivenVacancy driven

�� Candidate drivenCandidate driven

SearchSearch�� SearchSearch

�� Should tell you the clients BEFORE sending your CVShould tell you the clients BEFORE sending your CV

�� If can, do send direct, but don’t undermineIf can, do send direct, but don’t undermine

Some (good) agenciesSome (good) agencies

�� ECM SelectionECM Selection

�� IC ResourcesIC Resources

�� ProvideProvide�� ProvideProvide

�� MJH PersonnelMJH Personnel

�� VertexVertex

�� VectorVector

Interview TipsInterview Tips

Preparation Preparation –– be prepared!be prepared!

�� Know as much about the Know as much about the company and the position as company and the position as possiblepossible

�� Have contact details!Have contact details!�� Have contact details!Have contact details!

�� Check your routeCheck your route

�� Read their website Read their website

�� Growth or a replacement? Growth or a replacement?

�� Be well groomedBe well groomed

Be intelligentBe intelligent

�� Intelligent candidates are well Intelligent candidates are well preparedprepared

�� Relevant examples in your Relevant examples in your experience experience experience experience

�� Remember names and datesRemember names and dates�� Take your CV with you, maybe Take your CV with you, maybe a pad and pena pad and pen

�� Clear concise answersClear concise answers�� I not we!I not we!�� Listen to the questionsListen to the questions

Be yourself (no acting)Be yourself (no acting)

�� Relax enough to let your real Relax enough to let your real personality come throughpersonality come through

�� Pleasant personality, this coupled with Pleasant personality, this coupled with good attitude will make you stand good attitude will make you stand above othersabove othersabove othersabove others

�� Give good eye contact to all without Give good eye contact to all without staring people downstaring people down

�� Give a firm neutral handshake (no wet Give a firm neutral handshake (no wet fish), but no knuckle grindersfish), but no knuckle grinders

�� Humour is OK in an interview as long Humour is OK in an interview as long as it is relevant and within reasonas it is relevant and within reason

Your QuestionsYour Questions

�� Do not ask questions you Do not ask questions you could and should have could and should have found the answer to found the answer to before the interviewbefore the interviewbefore the interviewbefore the interview

�� Ask questions that are Ask questions that are relevant relevant

�� Not Salary, holidays or Not Salary, holidays or other benefitsother benefits

Your FeedbackYour Feedback

�� Give feedback before you Give feedback before you finish the interviewfinish the interview

�� If you are honestly keen on If you are honestly keen on the role let them knowthe role let them knowthe role let them knowthe role let them know

�� How you feel you could How you feel you could contribute, why you would contribute, why you would enjoy working with themenjoy working with them

�� It has to be true & natural It has to be true & natural feedback, not a prepared feedback, not a prepared speechspeech

Your AimYour Aim

�� Naturally smart Naturally smart (intelligent)(intelligent)

�� LikeableLikeable

�� Strong desire for the Strong desire for the company and positioncompany and position

Sample Interview QuestionsSample Interview Questions

�� So, what do you know So, what do you know about us? about us?

�� Why do you want this role? Why do you want this role?

�� Why should we select you Why should we select you for this role? for this role?

�� What are your strengths? What are your strengths?

�� What are your What are your weaknesses?weaknesses?

�� Tell me about some of Tell me about some of your past achievements? your past achievements?

�� What do you want from What do you want from your next position? your next position?

�� How would you describe How would you describe your management style? your management style? your management style? your management style?

�� Talk me through your Talk me through your CV? CV?

�� How would your How would your manager describe you?manager describe you?

�� How do your colleagues How do your colleagues view you? view you?

�� How do you react to How do you react to criticism?criticism?

�� What is the hardest What is the hardest thing you have thing you have done?done?

�� Where do you see Where do you see �� Where do you see Where do you see yourself in 3 to 5 yourself in 3 to 5 years?years?

Are you still awake?Are you still awake?

Any Questions?Any Questions?

Lewis TurnerLewis Turner