The Insider Perspective on CVs, Cover Letters & Interviews:

Top Tips from Industry & Academia

Facilitators

Catherine Jennings

HR Manager – Ineos

and

Lynne Thorn

HR Manager – Department of Chemistry

Course Outline

• Generic CV rules – what you should and should not record on your CV

• Academic applications – CVs and Covering Letters

• Industry applications – CVs and Covering Letters

• Interviews – what to expect

• Practice Session

Generic CV rules

• Always adapt your CV for the job you are applying for• Ensure that you have covered all the person specification

requirements• Focus on your achievements which are most directly related to

the job in question• Include only relevant information• Limit your CV to a suitable number of pages• Keep the style simple• Be concise• Ensure spelling and grammar are checked• Ensure that you are able to prove what you have stated• Check to ensure your CV makes sense• Keep a copy

Academic Applications

• CVs should be no more than four or five pages• Research fully the area you are applying for – ensure that your area

of expertise matches the job role• Be clear and concise about publications, research and qualifications• Highlight areas which have a direct link with the job role• Publications – list in reverse chronological order• Education – in reverse chronological order • Professional Qualifications and Memberships – detail in full• Funding – list how much and where from• Teaching – detail any experience• Positions of Responsibility – committee membership• Conferences and Seminars• References

Academic Covering Letter

• Link letter to the essential points of the job description and person specification

• Highlight areas of specific interest linked to the job or the organisation

• Ensure that you can prove you have looked at the research undertaken by the group

• Focus on key points or areas not covered in the CV

• Always spell and grammar check• Do not waffle

Industry Applications

• Research the Companies• Use/develop your networks• The application

– Cold calling– Specific vacancy– Annual process

• Aim to avoid deselection• CV should get you the interview, not the job

Industry Covering Letter

• Customise for role

• Make sure you send right version!

• Be succinct

• Match your skills to job spec or Company

• 1 page max

Interviews – what to expect

• Be on time• Dress appropriately• Research the interview and organisation• Provide examples• Consider other questions • Presentation• Be positive and flexible• Questions for the interviewer(s)• Thank the panel for their time• Get feedback

Interviews – helpful tips

• Limp handshake is off putting• Put yourself in interviewers shoes • Give concise answers• Check if you are answering OK as you go

along• Don’t talk for 10 minutes without stopping!• Don’t be afraid to think or say you’re not sure

Questions

Any Questions?

Practical Session

Interview Practice Session