university of otago career development ... and job websites page 22 check out info on otagocareerhub...

CV INFORMATION 1

CV InformationCAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

UNIVERS ITY OF OTAGO

Find graduate jobs on

OtagoCareerHubwww.otago.ac.nz/careers

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTREISB Building (NE corner – next to the Library)Tel 03 479 8244 Email [email protected]

2 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE

CONTENTS PAGE

GETTING STARTEd

The process page 3

What’s essential in your CV? page 3

Referees and testimonials page 5

WRITING YOUR CV

Employer expectations page 6

How to respond to skills criteria page 8

Action words to use page 11

CV & COVER LETTER ExAmPLES

Cover letter suggested layout page 13

CV suggested layout page 14

CHECkING YOUR CV

Self review checklist page 16

Electronic/Online applications page 17

Academic CVs page 18

Personal Statement/Statement of Intent page 19

RESOURCES

Newspaper article page 20

Career Development Centre resources page 22

Career and job websites page 22

Check out info on OtagoCareerHub for up-to-date career informationhttp://otagocareerhub.ac.nz/careers

ACkNOWLEGmENT

This 2010 booklet is the product of handouts written by Careers Advisers over many years at the University of Otago. The current editors are Mark Cumisky, Manager, Robyn Bridges, Graduate Recruitment Co-ordinator, Yvonne Gaut, Careers Adviser and Rachel Foster, Reception/Administration.Grateful thanks to graphic artists Peter Scott, University of Otago, and Dominique O’Leary, Visual Eyes Creative.

CV INFORMATION 3

CV PROCESS FLOW dIAGRAm

WHat needs tO be in my CV – essentiaL CONTACT dETAILS

• Smallfont,discreet,avoidunnecessarydetailssuchasdateofbirth(unlessaskedfor)

QUALIFICATIONS/EdUCATION• Listmostrecentfirst• IfrequestedattachanAcademicTranscript• IfyouwanttotypeyourAcademicrecord,includeitattheendofyourCV• Includeyourhighestschoolqualificationbutnoneedtoincludeschoolsubjectsandgrade(unlessaskedfor)

SkILLS SECTION• Looksreallygoodonthefirstpage.Pickoutthemostrelevantaspectsofthejobandgiveexamplesofthe

skills you possess which meet employer criteria • Useactionverbs• Highlightyourdissertationorthesis• Includecommunityorvoluntaryworkaswellasstudyandpaidworkforevidence

WORk ExPERIENCE/EmPLOYmENT HISTORY• Indicatewhetherfullorpart-time,temporaryorpermanentpositions• Showpositiontitle,employer’sname,location,datesyouwereemployed• Includedetailsofrelevantdutiesandresponsibilities• Thinkvalue-addedoutcomes

INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES • Providesomedetailssothereadercanfindoutabitmoreaboutyouasaperson• Limitinterests/activitiestorecent/currentones

REFEREES• Seepage5

GET TO GRIPS with the basics

BRAINSTORm what you’ve got to offer

RESEARCH

mATCH

CHECk!

dRAFT

REVIEW

Attend seminar – book on OtagoCareerHubView dVd in Career development CentreView InfoSheets on OtagoCareerHub Read this CV guide

List achievements (academic & other)Work experience & skills gainedPersonal qualitiesQualificationsInterests

Research the companyGet job description from employer website or advertisementCheck out kiwiCareers www.kiwicareers.govt.nz to get an idea of the skills required by the role

match your brainstorm with the employer requirementsGive evidence to back your skills profile – check employer expectations in this guideApproach your referees

Get someone else to check your CV, spelling and layoutCV checks at the Career development CentreSee details on Events section in OtagoCareerHub

draft CV & Cover Letter using this guide layout

Self Review using checklist in this guide


LENGTH OF CV• ForNewZealandandAustraliangraduateCVs–aimfor2-3pagesmaximum4pages(thisdoesnot

includeyouracademicrecordortranscript)• ForholidayworkandparttimeworkinNZ–1-2pagesareallthatmostbusyemployerswanttoread• ForUSAemployersgenerallyonepageonly–checkoutresourcesintheCareerDevelopmentCentreto

help with American resumes

CLEAN TIdY PRESENTATION• Avoidfolders• Usepaperthatcanbephotocopied• Avoidbinding

my CV – OptiOnaL

CAREER OBjECTIVE• Usefulifyourdegreedoesnotnaturallyindicatethejoborfieldforwhichyouareapplying• Asentenceaboutwhereyouseeyourfuturecareer-wise,yourgoalsandobjectives• ShouldbeatthebeginningtofocustheCVandcaptureattention

WRITING YOUR OWN ACAdEmIC RECORd• Startwiththemostrecentyear• Namepapersinfull–leaveoffcodesandsemesters• Listbygradesoralphabetically

PROFILE /HIGHLIGHTS/PERSONAL STATEmENT• Providesa‘snapshot’ofyoubeforeyoufollowwiththeskillssectionstogiveevidence,seepage19

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Usequotessparinglyfromwrittenreferencestoprovideevidenceofpersonalqualities

ACHIEVEmENTS/AWARdS• Putonfirstpageiftheyarerelevant• Fororganisationsthatprizeacademicexcellenceincludeyourprizes,scholarshipsandawards

TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL dEVELOPmENT• Includeshortcoursesandskillsdevelopment

PUBLICATIONS/CONFERENCES• Essentialforacademicpositions,seepage18

PHOTO• Someemployersrequestaphoto• Ifyouincludeonemakesureitshowsyouasaprofessional• Canremindthepersonwhoyouareifyou’vemetpreviouslye.g.atemployerpresentations

hot tip“Qualifications and academic results are important, but employers are also interested in other aspects of your experience and character. For example, at kensington Swan, we look favourably on team work, community involvement, work experience and responsibilities, and extracurricular achievements.”

Catherine mcCabe, HR Advisor, Kensington Swan, 2010

CV INFORMATION 5

REFEREES Oneofyourrefereesneedstobesomeonewhocancommentonwhatyouhavedoneintherecentpast.Soifyouarestillatuniversity,orhaverecentlygraduated,itisusualtonameoneofyourprofessors,HeadofDepartment,lecturers,demonstratorsortutorsasareferee. Theotherrefereeshouldbesomeonewhoknowsyouwell,ideallyinaworkcapacity;analternativeissomeonewhohasknownyouforalongtime.Itisimportanttochoosesomeonewhowillspeakpositivelyaboutyou.

Employersusuallyfollowuprefereestobackuptheopiniontheyhaveformedfromyourcoverletter,applicationform,CVandjobinterview.Refereescanalsocorroboratedetailssuppliedbytheapplicant.Sometimesemployersgiverefereesastrictchecklistofitemstocoverintheirreference,butmanysimplyaskthemtoprovide‘areference’.

RemembertoaskpermissionofyourrefereesbeforeincludingtheirnamesinyourCV.Thenkeepthemwellinformedaboutyou,yourcareeraspirations,applicationsandactivities.AlwaysgivethemacopyofyourCV,coveringlettersand,ifpossible,thejobdescription.Refereedetailsmustbecorrectandshouldnormallyfollowthelayoutofabusinesscard.

TESTImONIALS

Sometimespeopleattachaletterofreferencewhichtheyhavebeengiven,perhapsbyapreviousemployer.Strictlyspeakingthisisnotareferencebutatestimonial.Usuallyareferenceisconfidentialbetweentherefereeandtheemployer.Thereisnoharminincludingatestimonial,solongasitdoesn’tmakeyourapplicationlookoverlong,buttheemployerisunlikelytopayagreatdealofattentiontoit.

Ifyouhaveincludedaquotefromatestimonialinyourskillssectiontoprovideevidence,youcanput“Writtenreferencesavailableonrequest”afteryouhavesetoutyourreferees.

hot tipsUse action words (in the past tense when appropriate to show you have “done” it) to convey your examples (see our list provided p11). Having the theory is great but employers are interested in how you have applied the learning Some employers like whole paragraphs but more prefer bullets and snappy action statements Avoid too many “ability to” statements – instead show you have done it Take out any negative sounding words or phrases – employers prefer positive statements Avoid words which suggest doubt “I believe I have…..” “I hope…” Try to provide results of what you did – great to include percentages, or quantify in some way

Check, check and check again for spelling & grammar errors


EmPLOYER ExPECTATIONS: WHAT THEY WANT ANd HOW TO dELIVER

Organisations recruiting at Otago have given feedback to the Career development Centre. They say:

Researchthecompanybyattendingtheirpresentations,checkingouttheirwebsite,readingtheircompanyprofilesandreports,talkingtopeopleworkinginthecompany,andreadingthoroughlythegraduaterecruitmentinfoprovidedbythejobdescription/role.

Onesizedoesnotfitall.MakeyourCVspecifictothejobyouareapplyingfor.ManyemployerscommentthattheCVstheyreceivearenotrelevanttotheircompany.Watchthecutandpaste-someemployerscommentedonreadinga letter obviously written for another company whose name appeared throughout! Easy to do when you are in a hurry but just as easy to put in the bin!

Dowhattheyaskyoutodo.Iftheyaskforaphoto,supplyone(butonewhichshowsyouasaprofessional,notasapartyanimal).IfthereisanapplicationformprovidedwhichasksyoutorepeatwhatyouhavealreadyincludedintheCVyouaresending,answerthequestion–don’twrite“SeeCV”.Ifyoucan’tsupplytheinfosaywhy.Whenansweringbehaviouralquestions(e.g.“Tellusaboutatimewhenyoushowedinitiative”)telltheemployeraboutwhatyoudidindividually,notwhatthegroupdid.

Checkgrammar,punctuationandspelling.Mistakescreateabadimpressionespeciallyifyougetthecompanynamewrong!Manyemployerstelluswhiletheydon’twantlongCVs,toobriefisjustasbad.Itmustgiveapictureofyouandyourskills,notprovidethereaderwitha“findthemissingskills”puzzle.Mostemployershaveazoneoftoleranceof2-3pages.

Presentationisimportantandemployersexpectaprofessionaldocument.Mostpreferthenofrillsapproach.However,creativejobsdemandaCVthatdemonstrateswhatyoucando.

AvoidmissingyearsinyourCVandgivesuccinctexplanationsforgaps.

Itcantaketimetofindouttowhomtoaddresstheletter,butit’sworthwhile.Itshowsyouarepreparedtogothatbitfurtherinwhatyoudo.Thisisdoublyimportantwhenthejobinvolvesbuildingrelationshipswithclients.

Inyourcoverlettertellthemhowyoumatchtheirrequirementsandthebenefitsyouwouldbringtothecompany.Thisisyourchancetohighlightyourqualificationsandotherworkexperiencewhichhasprovidedtheskillsandcompetenciesforwhichtheemployerislooking.Remembertoreadthejobadvertisementandjobdescriptioncarefully.Usualruleofthumb–nomorethanonepage.

Inyourcoverlettersaywhyyouwantthisparticularjobandwhyyouwanttoworkforthisparticularcompany.

Academicstudyisobjectiveandanalytical.Youcangetsousedtowritingforacademicrequirementsyoucanforgethowtoenthuse-humanbeingsrespondtosomewarmth.ThereaderofyourcoverletterandCVistryingtogetapictureofwhatkindofapersonyouare.

SendyourCVbyemailinacommonfiletypesuchasAdobeAcrobat(.pdf).SeeElectronic/Onlineapplications,page17.

Wearesousedtowordprocessingdocuments,it’seasytooverlookthesignature.Again,thisisnotagoodlookifyouwanttobeanaccountantorlawyer!Ifemailingyourletter,useadifferenttypefont(maybeincolour)forthesignature.

hot tipmany students forget the CV is their first chance to show what they can do. If you want a job as a communicator or marketer, then this is your chance! don’t tell them you have an eye for detail while your CV is full of silly mistakes. If you want an IT or a design position, think about how you can utilize the very skills you want an employer to pay you for!

know us

tailor your CV

follow instructions

express yourself

accurately

avoid folders

explain all

write to a person

tailor your cover letter

why us

be enthusiastic

email friendlysign it

CV INFORMATION 7

EmPLOYER ExPECTATIONS: WHAT SkILLS ARE VALUEd IN A CV

top 10 skills/attributes sought after in University Graduates

Rank 2006* 2003

1 Strong Interpersonal Skills Strong Verbal and Interpersonal Communication Skills

2 Strong Verbal Communication Skills Self-motivated / Self-management / Self-Starter

3 Strong Written Communication Skills Team Player

4 Flexible and Adaptable “Can do” Attitude Sound Academic Achievement

5 Sound Academic Achievement Analytical and Conceptual Skills

6 Self-motivated / Self-Starter Strong Written Communication Skills

7 Team Player Flexible and Adaptable “Can do” Attitude

8 Energy and Enthusiasm Problem Solving Skills

9 Problem Solving Skills Energy and Enthusiasm

10 Analytical and Conceptual Skills Professional Ethics

* 2006 Graduate Recruitment Survey of Employers at Vic Career development and Employment

additional skills and attributes identified by employers in 2006 included:

1. Well rounded individuals – a balance of study, work and other interests

2. Social employees that get on well with others

3. Organisational skills

4. Learning agility

hot tips“As we have seen in recent times it is getting more competitive for students to secure jobs. Therefore it is more important than ever that your CV really captures your skills and experience and helps you to stand out from the crowd. With employers like kPmG you are competing with hundreds of students from all over the country so a badly written or poorly presented CV would certainly prevent you from being short-listed. my advice? Use all the careers services resources available to help you get it right.”

Richard Westney, Senior HR Manager, People, Performance & Culture, KPMG, 2010

“I find that students quite often use university jargon in their CVs. This makes perfect sense to you, but often the employer doesn’t understand what you are referring to.”

debi Fitzpatrick, Human Resources, Mainfreight Ltd, 2010

“We look for a cover letter that gives a brief overview of skills and why you want this position and/or to work for this company. We are looking for a clearly set out CV that includes your academic transcript. most importantly, remember to run a spell check and check the company name is spelt correctly.”

kelly macknight, HR/Administration Manager, ADInstruments Ltd, 2010


evidence

evidence

evidence

IdEAS FOR RESPONdING TO SkILLS CRITERIA

1 STRONG INTERPERSONAL SkILLS Interpersonal,socialorsoftskillsdeterminethestyleofinteractionyouhavewithothersaswellashow

youtypicallybehavewithingivensituations.Employersliketoknowthatyouareabletoeffectivelyinteractandbuildrelationshipsandnetworksbysharinginformation,demonstratingempathy,negotiatingorinfluencingothersappropriately.

Relationshipswithpeers,co-workers,supervisors,managers,clients,patientsorcustomers,alsohandle difficultcustomersorworkingrelationshipssuccessfully

2 STRONG VERBAL COmmUNICATION SkILLS Communicationincludeslistening,engagingindialogue,givingfeedback,cooperatingasateammember, solvingproblems,contributinginmeetingsandresolvingconflictbycommunicatingeffectivelywithothers.

Effectivepresentationstogroups;interactionswithcustomers;explainingcomplexideasinasimpleway; awardsinpublicspeaking;debatingexperience;studentradio

3 STRONG WRITTEN COmmUNICATION SkILLS Employersvalueclearwriting,goodgrammarandcorrectspelling.Itisespeciallydesirableinjobswhich

demandaneyefordetail.

Reportwriting;wellconstructedessays;abilitytowriteagoodbusinessletter;presentingandcommunicatingscientificresults;publications;clubnewsletters;articlesforstudentnewspapers;conference posters

4 FLExIBLE & AdAPTABLE – “CAN dO” ATTITUdE Employerswantpeoplewhoarepreparedto‘giveitago’,whoarewillingtogotheextramileandarenot

confinedby‘it’snotinmyjobdescription’attitude.

Timeswhenyou’velearntnewsystems;studyingorworkingoverseasparticularlyinverydifferentcultures;summerjobswhichrequiredarangeofskills;shiftwork;takingonextraresponsibility;rangeofsubjectstaken(doubledegreecanillustratethis);overcomingapersonalobstacleyouarepreparedtomention;includeyourworkhistoryofholidayandpart-timejobs,eventhoughnotdirectlyrelevanttheyshowyouhave a work ethic

5 SOUNd ACAdEmIC ACHIEVEmENT Manyemployersaskforyouracademictranscriptsowhiletheyareinterestedinyourperformance,they

arealsooftenlookingforqualitiesthatshowawellroundedperson.Sodon’tdespairifyouarenotastraightAstudent.

Gradeaverage;consistentperformanceacrosssubjectsandyears;recoveringfromapooryear;coherentchoiceofpapers;includeyourNCEAresultsinyourqualificationssection;dissertationorthesis;conferencepapersandposters;publications;highlightaprojectyouortheteamreceivedagoodmarkfor;tutoringexperience;awards,scholarshipsandacademicprizes

6 SELF-mOTIVATEd, SELF-mANAGEmENT Employersareoftenimpressedbystudentswhoworkaswellasstudy.Thismeansyouunderstandthe

worldofworkandcanbalanceuniversitydeadlineswithworkresponsibilities.

Listyourworkexperienceandhighlightskillsrelevanttothepositionyouareapplyingfor;provideanexampleofpromotion(i.e.responsibilityfororganizingothers,orteachingnewcomersinyourcasualjobtherolerequirements);soleresponsibilitypositions(i.e.beingleftinchargeofthestoreinweekends);managingfinancestosupportyourselfwhileatuniversity

7 TEAm PLAYER / TEAm WORk Abilitytobeaco-operative,supportive,reliableandacommittedteammember.

Groupprojectswithsuccessfuloutcomes;customerserviceteams;sports;leisureactivities;usewordslike“committed”“cooperative”;timeswhenyoutookinitiativetogettheteambackontrack;voluntarywork;holiday jobs

evidence

evidence

evidence

evidence

CV INFORMATION 9

evidence

evidence

evidence

evidence

8 ENERGY & ENTHUSIASm Youcanhaveanacademicrecordtodiefor,butifyousoundboringinyourletterandyourCVshowsvery

fewoutsideactivities,employersmaythinkyoulackpeopleskillsandwouldnotfitwellintotheirteam.

Conveyenthusiasmforthecompanyandtherolebyusingpositivelanguageinyourcoverletter;inyourskillsprofilesectionofyourCVincludeaquotewhichmentionsthesequalities(restrictschooltestimonialstoonequote);evidencemightincludeyourcontributiontoincreasingsales;customersseekingyououtspecifically;publicspeaking;tortexperience;extracurricularactivities;peersupport;residentialassistantexperience;clubandsportactivities

9 PROBLEm SOLVING SkILLS Thinkingdifferentlytoproducenewsolutions.

Lateralthinkingi.e.lookingataproblemfromdifferingperspectives;conflictresolutioningroupwork;casestudyrecommendations;initiativesadoptedbyemployerinholidayjobs;successfulapplicationofexperimentalmethod;experimentaldesign;testingandprovinghypotheses;systemsdesignorredesign;improvements to existing methods or structures

10 ANALYTICAL, CONCEPTUAL ANd RESEARCH SkILLS Understanding,analysing,reasoning,interpreting&presentinginformation,&theabilitytothinkcritically.

Providetherangeofresearchmethodologiesyouhaveused;includeprojects,case-studies;mentionthedissertationorthesisyouarewriting;recommendationsyouhavemadeaspartofcoursework;interpretingfigures,charts,graphs,tables;criticalthinking,manipulationofdataandresults;reportingandwritingupofexperiments;literaturesearchesandreviews

Other skill areas that are often mentioned

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS A situation where the opportunity to be unethical exists but sticking to professional standards which you consideredethical.

Timeswhenyouwereresponsibleforhandlingcashorcashingup;responsibletenant,trainedstaff,confidentialitywithpersonalorsensitiveinformation,resistedpressureortemptation,treasurerorothercommitteemember,involvementwithEthicalBehaviourContactNetworkorstandingupforothersindifficultsituations,residentialassistanceactivitiesorinvolvementasaclassrepresentative

CREATIVE/INNOVATIVE Newwaysoflookingatthingsandcomingupwithnewideas,theories,concepts,methodsanddesigns.

Designandinnovationofnewproductsorprocessesforaprojectoraspartofyourcoursework;creativevisualising;conflictresolutionininterpersonalactivities;productsdesigned;solutionstoproblems;casestudyrecommendations;prizesoracknowledgementforbrightideas;schoolenterprisescheme

TECHNICAL ExPERTISE Thisisthedepthor“grunt”youbringfromyourdegreeand/orexperiencedirectlyrelatedtothejob

requirements.InsomejobsthismaybeIT,dentistry,marketing,accounting,genetics,chemistry,languages.

Ifyourdegreedoesnothaveavocationalfocus,yourtechnicalexpertisewillbecriticalthinking,datamanipulationtechniques,reliablefieldworkanddatarecording,writingskills,database/softwareskills;

Provideexamplesofthespecificsofwhatyouhavedoneinyourcoursework;methodologies,toolsandtechniquesused,softwareandequipmentinvolved;practicalprojectsespeciallyifdoneforarealbusiness

hot tip“Your CV needs to convince an employer that your skills, experience, and personal style are relevant to the position you’re applying for.”

Catherine mcCabe, HR Advisor, Kensington Swan, 2010

evidence

evidence


evidence

evidence

evidence

LEAdERSHIP/INITIATIVE Employersarelookingforpeoplewhohaveforesightandcanbeproactive.Workisfrequentlycarriedout

inautonomousself-directedteamssoemployersneedpeoplewhodon’trequireconstantsupervision.

Teamleadershipincludingsports;beingchosentorepresentagroup;promotioninholidayjobs;deliveringtotargets;goalsetting;possiblyincludeacareerobjectivewhichshowsyouareheadingtowardsresponsibility;includeinyourskillssectiontheresultsofwhatyouhaveachieved.

ORGANIzING/PLANNING Employersareexpectingmorefromfewerstaffandlimitedresources.Beingabletoorganiseand

prioritiseyourtimeisessential.Today’sworkplacerequiresmultitasking.

Anyprojectsyouhavetakenfrombeginningtosuccessfulconclusion;membershipofclubcommittees;eventsorganised;timemanagementofstudyworkandoutsideactivities

COmPUTER LITERACY MostCVsneedtoincludethissectionasmostworkrequirescomputercompetency.Ifyouarean IT/Computermajorthissectionshouldbevisibleasyourtechnicalexpertise.Foronce,youareencouraged

tousejargon–toshowexactlywhatyoucando.

Highlightsoftwareandprogramsyouhaveusedduringyourstudies,inholidayjobsorplacements;listprogramsyouhaveused(Word,Excel)andanyspecialistsoftwaree.g.Toniq,MYOB;includeinternetresearch;buildingandmanipulatingdatabases;desktoppublishing,scanningandlayoutwork;webdevelopment and maintenance

BUSINESS ACUmEN/COmmERCIAL AWARENESS Oftenemployersliketoknowyouarenotanovicewhenitcomestounderstandingcustomerservice,

competition,managingtightresourcesandhaveexperienced(oratleastunderstand)thepressuresofrunningabusiness.

Workingtosalestargets;cashhandlingexperience;readingabalancesheet;startinguporrunningownsmallbusiness;appliedprojectwork;holidayjobswhereyouworkedinanoffice;enterpriseschemeatschool;participationinstockmarket;attendingbusinessorindustryspecificnetworkmeetings;includingarefereewhoisabusinessperson;beingraisedinafamilyofentrepreneursorsmallbusiness;treasurerforclubs and societies

TREATY OF WAITANGI Publicsector,Iwienterprisesandeducationalorganizationsareverykeentofindoutwhatyouknowabout

biculturalismandTreatyobligations.

MentionpaperswhichhavecoveredresourceimplicationsoftheTreaty;Mäori language and culture papersstudied;participationinbiculturalawarenessseminarsorworkshops;includewhakapapa and/or iwiaffiliationswhenappropriate

hot tips“double check – no, triple check your CV and Covering Letter before sending it. make sure you don’t forget to change the details in your covering letter each time you apply for a different job. You would be surprised at how many applications I receive where the applicant doesn’t even get our company name or the role correct. Needless to say, these go straight into the”NO” pile.

don’t ever use text language in your CV or Covering Letter. These two documents should be some of the best documents you have ever produced. If spelling and grammar isn’t your forté, get someone to proof it for you.”

debi Fitzpatrick, Human Resources, Mainfreight Ltd, 2010

evidence

evidence

CV INFORMATION 11

LIST OF ACTION VERBS

Achievement Skills

accomplishedachievedawardedcommendedestablishedexpandedimplementedimprovedincreasedinitiatedovercameprocuredproducedraidedreceivedsecuredset upsucceeded

Clerical or detail Skills

approvedarrangedcataloguedcheckedclassifiedcollatedcollectedcompiledcorrecteddetaileddispatcheddistributeddocumentedenforcedexecutedexpandedfiledgeneratedimplementedinspectedlocatedmanagedmonitoredoperatedorderedorganisedplacedpreparedprocessedpurchasedreconciledrecorded

reducedreportedretrievedrevampedscreenedsortedspecialisedspecifiedstreamlinedsystematisedtabulatedtranscribedtypedupdatedutilisedvalidated

Communication Skills

addressedadvertisedansweredarbitratedarrangedauthoredcommunicatedcomposedconductedcontactedcorrespondeddevelopeddirecteddiscusseddisseminateddraftededitedencouragedexplainedexpressedformulatedinfluencedinterpretedlecturedmediatedmoderatedmotivatednarratednegotiatedpersuadedpresentedpromotedproposedpublishedrecommendedrecruitedreported

solicitedspokesuppliedtranslatedtransmittedwrote

Thinking & Cognitive Skills

adaptedappliedbalancedconceivedconceptualisedcreatedderiveddevelopeddiscriminatedgeneratedimprovisedintegratedmemorisedperceivedrecognisedresearchedsynthesizedtheorisedupdatedvisualised

Creative Skills

actedcomposedconceivedconceptualisedconductedcreateddanceddesigneddevelopeddeviseddirecteddrafteddreweditedentertainedestablishedexpressedfashionedfilmedfoundedillustratedimaginedinitiated

institutedintegratedintroducedinventedlearntmappedmasteredmodelledoperatedoriginatedperformedphotographedplannedpresentedpublishedrevitalisedsangstyledtapedwrote

Financial Skills

administeredallocatedanalysedappraisedauditedbalancedcalculatedcomputedcosteddevelopeddoubledestimatedevaluatedforecastmanagedmarketedplannedpreparedpricedprogrammedprojectedpurchasedreducedresearchedreviewedrevised

Helping Skills

advisedappointedassessedassisted

caredclarifiedcoachedcontributedconveyedcounselleddemonstrateddiagnosededucatedempathisedengagedescortedexpeditedfacilitatedfamiliarisedguidedliaisedlistenedmediatedmotivatednursedparticipatedprovidedraisedreferredrehabilitatedrelatedrepresentedresolvedrestoredservedservicedsympathisedtrainedunderstoodutilisedvolunteered

Leadership Skills

arbitratedchairedconfronteddirectedguidedinitiatedinspiredledmanagedmediatedmotivatednegotiatedorganisedrecruited


Learning Skills

acquiredappreciatedattainedassessedcombinedcommencedcommitteddiscoveredestimatedevaluatedexpandedexperiencedexposedfamiliarisedgainedgraduatedgraspedlearntobservedobtainedperceivedprogressedrecognisedscannedsized

management Skills

administeredanalysedappointedapprovedassignedattainedauthorisedbuiltchairedcommissionedconsolidatedcontractedcontrolledcoordinateddealtdelegateddesignateddesigneddevelopeddirectedemployedenforcedevaluatedexecutedfiredhired

improvedincreasedinitiatedissuedmaintainedmanagedorderedorganisedoversawplannedprioritisedproducedprogrammedprojectedrecommendedreviewedscheduledselectedstrengthenedsupervised

People Skills

appointedassessedassignedbuiltconductedcounselledemployedengagedenlistedformedgradedguidedliaisedmanagedmediatedmotivatednegotiatedprovidedrecruitedrelatedselectedscreenedstimulated

Problem-solving Skills

advisedappliedarrangedchangedconverteddeterminedeliminated

furnishedgraspedhandledidentifiedimplementedinitiatedmodifiedproposedpursuedrectifiedrefrainedrepairedreplacedresolvedrestoredreviewedrevisedsavedstreamlinedstudiedsubcontractedsubmittedsupplied

Research Skills

analysedassessedclarifiedclassifiedcollatedcollectedcompiledcritiqueddiagnoseddissectedenquiredevaluatedexaminedextractedhypothesizedidentifiedinspectedinterpretedinterviewedinvestigatedlearnedobservedorganisedpreparedrecognisedre-evaluatedresearchedresourcedreviewedrevised

studiedsummarisedsurveyedsystematised

Teaching Skills

adaptedadministeredadvisedbriefedclarifiedcoachedcommunicatedcoordinatedcounselleddesigneddevelopedempoweredenabledencouragedevaluatedexplainedfacilitatedguidedhelpedinformedinitiatedinstructedlecturedlistenedorganisedpersuadedplannedpreparedset goalsstimulatedtaughttrainedtutoredutilised

Technical Skills

appliedassembledbuiltcalculatedcodedcomputedconstructeddesigneddevisedengineeredfabricatedinstalled

machinedmademaintainedmanufacturedmodifiedoperatedoverhauledprogrammedrebuiltremodelledrepairedreplacedsolvedtestedtrainedupgradedwired

CV INFORMATION 13

COVER LETTER SUGGESTEd LAYOUT

LineSpacing

24 Ross St Smithtown2 spaces 9May20102 spaces Firstname,Surname HumanResourcesOfficer ABCCompany 101 Sunset Drive Auckland Postcode2 spaces Dearfirstname&surname(ifyouknowMr/Mrs/Ms/Missusethiswiththelastname)1 space Job title and Reference Number1 space 1) Details of the Job Nominatethejobforwhichyouareapplying.Beenthusiasticforthecompanyandtheposition.Indicate thesourceanddateofthejobinformation.Providedetailsofcontactyouhavehadwiththeorganisation. Ifyouhavebeenreferredbyafriendorcolleagueoftheemployergivedetails.1 space 2) What you have to offer the organisation Highlighttheextenttowhichyoumatchtherequirementsofthejob,e.g.qualifications,experience, qualities,capabilities,transferableskills.Outlineanyfurtherpointsinyourfavourrelatedtothejob. Beenthusiastic.Researchthecompany!1 space 3) Why you want to work in this position for this organisation Outlineyourinterestintheparticularjoband/orthepositionandtheorganisation.Makerealistically positivecommentsaboutthereputationandperformanceofthecompany.Beenthusiastic.1 space 4) Conclusion Keepitshort,reiterateyourenthusiasmandrefertoyourattachedcurriculumvitaeandotherrequested material.2 spaces

Yourssincerely5 spaces

(Signaturehere)

Firstname,Surname


CV SUGGESTEd LAYOUT

Name Here Contact Details

Education

Bachelor of XXXX MajorinYYYY(Finalist) UniversityofOtago 2010NCEA/Cambridge(HighestLevel)Bursary YeOldeHighSchool 2006

Relevant Skills [Usethisspacetohighlighttheskillsrelevanttothepositionadvertisedand/ortheorganisation.Seethejobadvertisement,jobdescription,and/orwww.kiwicareers.govt.nzformoredetailsonrelevantskills]

Inthissectionyoushouldshowhowyourexperiencegivesyoutheskillsrequired.Ifyouareapplyingforarolewhichinvolvessignificantclientinteractionandworkingtotightdeadlinesyoucoulduseevidencefrompreviousroles,forexample:

Customer Service –FeedbackfromcustomersandmanagersinseveralrolesisthatIhaveexcellentclienthandling skillsandmaintainafriendlyandprofessionalmanneratalltimes.

Time Management – AtuniversityIbalancestudy,workandextracurricularactivitiesandalwaysfulfilmy commitmentsbeforethedeadline.AtworkmymanagerscommentthatI“getthejobdone”,and I’veneveraskedforanassignmentextension.

Theseexamplesshowthereviewerthattheapplicanthasthoughtaboutthisspecificrole,abouttheskillsrequired,andabouthowher/hisexperiencehaspreparedher/himforthis.ThesubtextisthatthisisnotagenericCV,butonethatistailoredforthisapplication.

Achievements[Optional:usethisspacetohighlightyourachievements.Achievementsarewiderthanacademicawards;refertopersonalachievementsinextra-curricularandworkcontexts.Focusstronglyonthisareaforscholarshipapplications]

Awardedthe“Bestteamleader”SocialActivityGroup2009Participated in… Gained …Scholarship…[Otherheadingsthatcouldbeusedherearelistedintheoptionalsectionseepage4]

Employment History [Discussyourtasksanddutiesinbulletpointformatandtrytostartwithaverbe.g.planned,prepared,organised.] Waitress (part time) Last Minute Productions, Dunedin 2008-2010

Job Title Company Name, Place Nov2005-Feb2008

• Tasksanddutiesandoutcomesie,successfullycompleted

Job Title Company Name, Place Summer 2005 • Tasksandduties

Job Title Company Name, Place Nov2003-Feb2004 • Tasksandduties

CV INFORMATION 15

CV SUGGESTEd LAYOUT cont

Referees[Listyourrefereesandcontactdetails.Makethemappropriatetothepositionthatyouareapplyingfor.Useaninvisibletabletolayoutneatly]

Name NameJob Title Job TitleDepartment / Company Department / CompanyPhysical Address Physical AddressPhone number Phone numberEmail contact Email contact

Professional Affiliations [Optional:usethisspacetohighlightprofessionalorganisationsyoumaybeamemberof.AnotherheadingforthissectionmightbeCommunityActivities.

Profile/Highlights/Career Objective[Optional:canbeatthebeginningofCVoratendtoprovideasummary.Thissectionshouldbeconciseanduniquetoeachopportunityandcreateacontextfortheapplication.Agenericstatementsuggeststhatthecandidatehasmadelittleornoefforttounderstandtheopportunityortheorganisation. Interests[Giveabrieflistanddescriptionofanyhobbies,interestsorotheractivitiesthatyouwouldliketomention–donotbetooboringshowsomeenthusiasmorpassionforwhatyoudo–giveafeeltowhoyouareandwhatyouarelike]

Optional Sections to be Added as Appropriate


NOW YOU HAVE YOUR dRAFT….. TImE FOR SELF-REVIEW

HoldouttheCVatarm’slength.Is the structure obvious?

Page numbers included?

Qualificationsonthefrontpage?Is an academic transcript/academic record included?Ifso,ismentionmadeonfrontpageofCV? Does my name stand out? Is it included in the footer of the other pages? Contact details available but discreet?

Clearly labelled sections? NCEAlevelstated.Outstandinggradesidentified? AcademicAwards(ifonthefrontpage)conciseandcleari.e.acronymsexplained?

Do the headings match the job description or advertisement? Isback-up/data/evidenceprovided?

HaveIprovidedevidenceof“technicalexpertise”andexperiencefrommydegreeorwork?

Couldthissectionbeimprovedbyremovingoverdonewordssuchas“I”,ableto, responsible,abilityto?

Isitclearlylaidoutwithtitle,nameofemployerbusiness,location,dates? Is there repetition of wording used on the front page?

Can the reader get a picture of me as a whole person?

Isitappropriatetouseheadingse.g.Academic,Employer,Character/Mentor Are all the contact details provided? Isitappropriatetoinclude“WrittenReferencesAvailableonRequest”

Is the letter addressed to a person by name and includes their title? Doesthefirstparagraphconveywhatappealstomeaboutthecompany?

Aremyqualificationsstated,ifappropriate? Do the second and third paragraphs link my expertise and skills to the position? Have I used work experience as well as academic experience to illustrate my skills? Doesthefinalparagraphconveyenthusiasmfortheroleand/orthecompany?

Have I signed my name?

skills profile

work history

interests

referees

cover letter

CV INFORMATION 17

ELECTRONIC/ONLINE APPLICATIONS

TheguideandbestpracticeforwritingCoverLettersandCVsappliesequallytocompletingonlineapplications.Itisworthconsideringthefollowingpointswhendealingwithelectronicapplications.

Readtheseverycarefully.

Itislikelytotakelongertocompletethanyouthinkandyouneedtimetonavigateyourwayroundthewebsite.Manypeopleassumebecauseitisanonlineform,itisgoingtobeeasyandwon’ttakelongtofillin.Wrong!

Manyonlineapplicationsaskyoutoregisterbeforeyoucanaccesstheform.Makeanoteofyourregistrationdetails(itisnotagoodtolooktobetalkingabout‘eyefordetail’or‘yourgoodorganisationalskills’,andthenhavetosendanemailbecauseyou’veforgottenyourpassword).

Ifyoucannotlookatthewholeform(youmayhavetoworkthroughit)thennotethequestionsasyoucometothem.Manyonlineformsallowfortheapplicanttocompletetheapplicationacrossseveralsessions.

Ifyouhaveaqueryoraproblemwiththeformorwebsite,orareunsureofsomeinstruction,usethehelpcontactwhichwillbeonthewebpage.Itisperfectlyacceptabletoringupaswell.

Eachanswerusuallyhasaword(orevenacharacter)limit.AgoodstrategyistowriteyouranswersinaWorddocumentandwhenyouarehappywithwhatyouhavewritten,cutandpasteyouranswersintotheform. Keep a copy of your answers for your own reference.

Makesureyouhaveaddressedwhatisbeingaskedofyouinthequestion.YoumayfeelthequestionisalreadycoveredinyourCVorCoverLetter.Resistanytemptationtosay,‘RefertomyCV’or‘SeemyCoverLetter’,asyouranswer.Manyquestionsareoftenbehaviour-basedforexample:“Tellusaboutatimewhen...”.Refertoansweringbehaviouralinterviewingpg29intheInterviewguide.

Thiswillprotectthelayoutofthedocument.

Proof reading is as essential for online applications as it is for hard copy applications! Have another pair of eyes to read yourapplicationforanymistakesoranswersnotansweredproperly.Avoidgivingthereaderanexcuseforconsigningyourapplicationtothe‘No’pile.

hot tip“Equally a CV does not stand alone. You need a strong, compelling and personalised cover letter to go with your CV and the element of motivation to the skills and knowledge your CV demonstrates.”

jeff Lewis, HR Manager, L’Oréal New Zealand Ltd, 2010

keep a copy

instructionstime

familiarise yourself

query

check numbers

answer

pdf optionfinal check


EmAILING APPLICATIONS:

Generally when emailing attachments you will need to include a short professional note in the body of the email tellingtherecipientwhyyouaresendingtheemail.Whileyoudon’thavetolaytheemailoutasaformalbusinessletter,youdowantyouremailtolookprofessional.Thereforedonotwritein‘emailese’,usetxtspelling,orwriteyourmessageinuppercaseletters.Rememberalltherulesofgoodgrammarandpunctuationapplytoemails!

Ithelpsthereaderprocessyourapplicationmoreefficientlyiftheattachmentisnamedappropriately.Youdon’twantyourpreciousdocumentsbeinglostoroverlookedbecausetheyareunnamedand‘gotmislaidinthesystem’!

Sometimestherequestisforonedocument.Ifindoubt,check.Alwaysfindoutwhatiswanted.

Thereceivercanthenseewhattheemailisaboutbeforetheyopenit.Rememberpeoplereceivelargequantitiesofemail.Clearlyidentifiedemailislesslikelytogetlostinsomeone’s‘Inbox’!

Useasalutation.Aswithaletter,useagreeting,e.g.Greetingsfirstname,surname.

Writeinwholesentences.E.g.‘PleasefindattachedmyCVandcoverletterforthepositionof….’

Whenfinishingoff,‘Yoursfaithfully,Yourssincerely,and‘Kindregards’areacceptable.Onanotherline,writeyourname.

ACAdEmIC CVs

Academic styled CVs differ from general CVs as they focus on academic and research skills and are used when applyingforacademicorresearchpositions.Apartfromtheusualheadings(suchaseducation,workexperience,awardsandachievements),otherheadingscouldinclude:researchactivities,teachingexperience,publications,conferencepresentations/attendance,university/communityservice,professionalactivities,positionsofresponsibility,memberships,awardsandresearchgrants.Includespecificfundingfiguresforresearchgrants.

AnacademicCVhassimilarprinciplestoallCVs.Itneedstodemonstrateyourstrengths,itneedstobefreeoferrorsandpresentedinaneasilyreadformat,andtobepresentedinastylethatisrelevantandrecognisedbythosetowhomyouareapplying.Alwayssendaletterasanintroduction.

Toeffectivelytargetyourapplication,researchtheuniversitytowhichyouareapplying;anysuggestedCVformats,identifyingafitwiththecurrentdepartment,carefullyreadtheadvertisementtogetanideaofthespecificcompetenciesorrequirementsoverandabovetheusualacademicqualifications.Youmayneedtoadaptyourresearchtotheparticularaudienceordepartment.

SeekfeedbackabouttheimpressionyourCVgivesareaderwhodoesnotparticularlyknowyou.Makesureyoucheckwithyoursupervisorforanyideasortips,feedbackandsuggestionsforstructuringyouracademicCV.Someacademicstaffhaveon-lineCVsoranE-portfolioandcouldprovideideasfordevelopingastyleofCVthatsuitsyou,yourdisciplineandyourparticularstrengths.

Ensurewhendiscussingyourresearchthatyouidentifytheaims,outcomesandtechniquesorresearchmethodologiesused.ThinkaboutwhathasmadeyousuccessfultodateandensurethatthisisidentifiedorhighlightedinyourCV.Somedepartmentsmayrequirewrittenstatements.

email

general

clearly name

prinicples

how many

focus

general

subject line

feedback

achievements

CV INFORMATION 19

PERSONAL STATEmENT / STATEmENT OF INTENT / STATEmENT OF PURPOSE

Forsomepositionsapersonalstatementisrequested.Someorganisationsmakeitclearwhattheywantfromthisexercise(Pleasetellusalittleaboutyou.Whydoyouwantthisposition?Whatstrengthsdoyoubringtotherole?Howdoesitfitintoyour5yearcareerplan?Usenomorethan350words).Otherorganisationsgivenoindicationwhatsoever.Inthelattercaseitisrecommendedthatyoucontacttheorganisationandaskthemforguidelines,however,somemaydeflectthequerysaying“Justputwhateveryouthinkisappropriate...”orsomethingsimilar.

Therearemanyreasonsforaskingforastatementlikethis.Itmakestheapplicantstopandthink,anddiscouragesthosewhoarejustsendingoutgenericapplications;mostapplicationreviewersbelievethatthefewergenericapplications,thebetter.Itforcestheapplicanttoaddressher/hisownmotivationandsuitabilityfortheposition.Itprovidesasampleoftheapplicant’swrittencommunicationskills(spelling,format,structure,coherentargument,grammar,relevance,readability,flow,appropriatelength).Itprovidesmaterialtobeprobedatmoredepthatinterview.Itisatestofconsistencyintheapplicant’smessage,i.e.doestheapplicantcontradictthemselvesbetweenthecoverletter,CV,andstatementordothedocumentsformacohesivemessage?

Itisagoodideatobreakthestatementintothesuggestedsegments(e.g....tellusalittleaboutyou.Whydoyouwantthisposition?Whatstrengthsdoyoubringtotherole?Howdoesitfitintoyour5yearcareerplan?...),toanswereachfully,separatelyandconcisely,andthentomergetheanswerstofitthestatement.Thiswilltakeseveraldraftsofeachpartoftheanswer.Bewareofover-emphasisingoromittinganyonepartoftheanswer–thisisaclassicerrorinthesestatementsandtellsthereviewerthateitheryoudidn’trealisethateachparthadtobeansweredequallyorthatyourwrittencommunicationskillsjustaren’tuptothestandardrequired.Ineithercaseyourapplicationisedgingtowardsthe“No”pile.

Inthiscaseitisusefultocreatesomeforyourself.Typicallyorganisationsareinterestedinyourmotivationfortheprofession,organisationandpositionconcerned,theyarealsointerestedinwhatstrengthsyouhavethatwouldenableyoutoadaptandexcelinthisenvironment,theytypicallywouldlikesomesenseofyourpersonalvaluesinthecontextoftheposition,andinhowyouseeyourcareerdevelopingovertheshorttomediumterm,say2-5years.

Usetheorganisation’swebsite,therelevantprofessionalassociation(e.g.thePublishersAssociationofNewZealandforthoseinterestedinpublishing),thekiwicareerswebsiteandotherresources,(forexample,talkingtothematoneoftheUniversityofOtago’sCareerFairsorotheremployerevents,orusingyourpersonalnetworktomeetpeoplefromtheorganisation–NewZealandonlyhas2degreesofseparation,remember!).Fromthisresearchyoucangetasenseofwhattheorganisationthinksisimportantinpeople,forexampleitmightplaceastrongemphasisonclientsatisfaction,personalintegrity,self-motivation,amongothers.Youcanthenusethisinsighttowriteastatementwhichaddressestheirissues.

hot tipsRemember that the statement is about you in the context of this specific application – your greatest strength may be your saxophone playing, but it’s unlikely to be relevant here. Only include relevant material.

Get someone to read it over to see how it flows and/or if you have addressed the key points, you could make an appointment with a CV Consultant at the Career development Centre to do this.

Less is more. Reviewers have to read lots of these things, the concise and succinct ones will make an impression, the rambling and incoherent ones will too!

does it convey a sense of you? The exercise is trying to get a sense of you as an individual and your motivation for the field / organisation / position. Tell them, honestly, why you want it, what your driving force is.

why

formats

with guidelines

research

without guidelines


SHARP CV FIRST STEP TO GETTING A jOB kathleen Hennessy – The Observer

ThereisnosuchthingastheperfectCV.ButthereareseveralwaysofwritingtheCVthatarelikelytoachievethedocument’sraisond’etre:securinganinterview.

CVsaremarketingmaterial,notautobiographies.Theyshouldsellyouasthebestpersonforthejob,oratleastoneworthconsidering.Followtheseuniversalgroundrules:

• Keepitshort–nobodyisgoingtoploughthroughmorethantwopages.• Makeiteasytoread–don’tcramalltheinformationintoonepageifitreallyneedstwo.• Trytograbthereader’sattentionquickly,bystartingwithasummaryorprofile(seebelow).• Alwaysuseachronologicalformat(seebelow).• Neverusethewordscurriculumvitaeoritsabbreviation–thefirstitemtoappearonyourCVshouldbeyourname.

Thislastpointisimportant.AccordingtoStuartLindenfieldofDBM,whenemployersreceiveCVswiththewordscurriculumvitaeatthetop,theyareexpectingapoorapplication,andnotleastbecausemostpeoplemisspellcurriculumvitae.

“It’slikewriting‘brochure’onthefrontofasalesbrochure,”hesays,whenwhatshouldbethereiswhatisbeingmarketed–andinthecaseofaCV,thatisyou.”

FormatAbout95%ofCVshaveachronologicallayoutstartingwiththemostrecentjoborexperience,andworkingbackwards.Thisiswhatemployersexpect,andyoushouldgivethemthatunless:

• Yourworkhistoryispatchyandyouaretryingnottodrawattentiontoit.• Youarehaving,orpreviouslyhad,amajorcareerchange.• Youhaveverylittleexperienceoryouarereturningtothejobmarketafterasignificantgap.• Youwanttoworkinanareawherespecialistskillsareessential.• Youwanttosellpersonalskillswhicharenotreflectedinyouremploymenthistory

Ifyoufallintooneofthesecategories,substitutea“keyskills”sectionfortheemploymenthistory,butlistachievementstosupportyourskillsinthesamewaythatachievementsareusedtoillustratethe“addedvalue”youbroughttopreviousemployers(seebelow).

Personal contentStartwithyourname,address,telephonenumbermobilenumberande-mailaddress.

“Ifyoudon’thaveane-mailaddress,getone,’saysMrLindenfield.“It’sessential–employersexpectit.”

Hesuggestsyoukeepyourmobilephoneswitchedoff,toforceanyonewhoringstoleaveamessage.“Thiswillgiveyoutimetoprepareyourresponse,”hesays.

Next,includeasummaryorpersonalprofile.Thishastobestrongbecauseyouneedtogetthereader’sattentionwithin20seconds.Otherwise,saysMrLindenfield,youcouldbeheadingforthebin.

Profilesarethemostdifficulttowrite.Theyshouldbebetween30and44wordslong,andshoulddescribeyou,yourstrengthsandwhatyoucanbringtothecompany.Forexample:Successfulseniorexecutivewithmorethan10years’experienceinteambuildingandmanagement.Self-startercapableofdeliveringresultswithinbudgetandonschedule.

Theseprofilesshouldreflectatleastsomeofthequalitiesthejobadusedtodescribetheidealcandidate,sodonotbeafraidtousethesamelanguage,evenifitsoundsabitpompous.

Employment contentThisiswherealotofpeoplegoterriblywrong,especiallyiftheyusethephrases“responsiblefor”or“dutiesincluded”. “Thesetermsdon’ttellanemployeranythingaboutwhatyouachievedatyourpreviousjobs,”saysMrLindenfield.‘Alltheysayiswhatyouweresupposedtodo,withnoindicationofwhetheryoumanagedtofulfilyourresponsibilities,nevermindexceededthem.”

Hesuggeststhatyoulistachievements.Forexample,let’ssayyouusedyourcontactstogetextrapublicityforyourcompany’snewproductyoupresenttheinformationas:“Achievedwidespreadmediacoverageofmajorproductlaunch,resultingina25%increaseininitialsalesinquiries.”

Thismarksyououtassomeonewhoaddsvaluetocompanies,ratherthansomeonewhojustfulfilshisorherduties.

CV INFORMATION 21

Youdon’thavetoincludeinterestsandhobbiesbuttheyprovideanopportunitytosellyourselfassomeoneinteresting,andtoalludetoskillsnotobviousfromyourworkexperience.Butmakesuretheyaretailoredtothejob.Participationinsportscanindicatethatyouworkwellinteams,whileinvolvementinyourlocalPTAorNeighbourhoodWatchcanshowyouarenotafraidtotakeonresponsibility.

FinallyUsebulletpointsthroughoutastheyhighlightinformationforthereader,andproof-readyourCVthoroughly.Getsomeoneelsetodothisifyoudon’ttrustyourowneditingskills.

Don’tincludeaphotograph,referencesoranysalaryrequirements–anddon’texpecttogetitrightthefirsttime.AgoodCVneedsseveraldrafts.


RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROm THE CAREER dEVELOPmENT CENTRE

TheCareerDevelopmentCentrehasarangeofresourcestohelpwithCVpreparation.ChecktheuniversityandpubliclibrariesforCVresourcesaswell.

Animportantfirststepistoattendaseminar.CheckoutOtagoCareerHubfordetailsonregularseminarson‘WritingawinningCVandCoverLetter’.Thewebsiteishttps://careerhub.otago.ac.nz

BOOkS ON CVS, COVER LETTERS & APPLICATIONS(ThesetitlesareasampleoftheinformationavailableattheCareerDevelopmentCentrelibrary)

Preparing the Perfect CV.Corfield,Rebecca,KoganPage,2010

Resumes – College Students and Recent Graduates – 3rd Edition.VGM,2004

The job winners guide to Resumes.FrenchRupert,Maygog,2006

The Damn Good Resume Guide.ParkerYana,FourthEdition,TenSpeedPress,2002

Ultimate CV – 2nd Edition.YateMartin,KoganPage,2008

Resume for Dummies – 5th Edition.KennedyJoyce,Wiley,2007

Write Your Own CV – A New Zealand Guide.Stenberg,Paula,RandomHouse,2006

Killer CVs and Hidden Approaches – 3rd Edition.Perkins,Graham,Pearson,2007

Pitch Yourself.Faust,BillandMichael,Pearson,2006

How to write a great CV.McGee,Paul,Howtobooks,2007

E- Resumes – a guide to successful online job hunting.Criscito,Pat,Barrons,2005

CAREER ANd jOB WEB-SITES

Remember to check out CareerHub https://careerhub.otago.ac.nzforGraduateJobopportunities.YournumberonesiteforGraduateJobsandInternships.

Thewebsitesbelowareasampleonlyofwhatisavailabletohelpyouinyourjobsearch.

General Employment Sites • OtagoCareerHub:https://careerhub.otago.ac.nz• TrademeJobs:www.trademe.co.nz/jobs• CareerOpportunitiesNewZealand:www.career.co.nz • OtagoDailyTimes:www.odt.co.nz• NewKiwis:www.newkiwis.co.nz(supportsinternationalpeople)• NZJobs:www.job.co.nz• Seek:www.seek.co.nz• StudentJobSearch:www.sjs.co.nz Overseas Work Opportunities• ActionJobs:www.actionjobs.com(Adventure&Action)• Experience:www.experience.com(USVacationWork)• Worldwidejobs:www.anyworkanywhere.com General Careers Advice • OtagoCareerHub:https://careerhub.otago.ac.nz• KiwiCareers:www.kiwicareers.govt.nz • EnterprisesConsultingGroup:www.enterprise.co.nz • TMPWorldwide:www.tmp.com(IT&ExecutiveVacancies)• AustraliaCareers:www.myfuture.com.au• GraduatecareersAustralia:www.graduatecareers.com.au• OverseasInformation:www.wetfeet.com, www.vault.com, www.prospects.ac.uk, www.insidecareers.co.uk,

targetjobs.co.uk, www.goinglobal.com

CV INFORMATION 23

Specialised Employment Sites

IT Vacancies• CandleNewZealand:www.candle.co.nz

Nz Government Sector• NZGovernmentJobsOnline:www.jobs.govt.nz

Legal Recruitment Specialists• Lawstaff:www.lawstaff.co.nz

Recruitment – Science• BiologyJobs:www.biologyjobs.com• ProfessionalandTechnicalHumanResources:www.roblaw.co.nz• Scientific&TechnicalRecruitment:www.scitechrecruit.co.nz• SynergyConsulting:www.synergyconsult.co.nz• LifeScienceJobsspecializesinthePharmaceuticalandBiotechindustries:www.pharmajobs.com

Teaching English Overseas• Dave’sESLCafe:www.eslcafe.com/jobs• Footprints:www.footprintsrecruiting.com• WorldEnglishService:worldenglishservice.com• EnglishLanguageMatters:www.englishmatters.co.nz• TheJetprogramme:www.mofa.go.jp/jet Teaching• EducationGazette:www.edgazette.govt.nz • TimePlan:www.timeplan.com • Smartteachers:www.smartteachers.co.nz • TeachingPersonnel:www.teachingintheuk.com • OasisEducation:www.oasiseducation.co.nz • RedTeachers:www.redteachers.com

Psychometric Testing • SHLGroupDirect:www.shldirect.com • Psychometrictestinfo:www.markparkinson.co.uk/psychometric_links.htm

Career Self Assessment • Aabe’sCareerBuilder:www.kiwicity.com/job/jobbuilder.htm • AdvisorTeam.com:www.advisorteam.com • AustraliaCareerInformationservice:www.myfuture.edu.au • JobHuntersBible:www.jobhuntersbible.com • MonsterBoardCareerTest:http://career-advice.monster.com • NewZealandCareerServices:www.kiwicareers.govt.nz

LinksareavailableonOtagoCareerHub:https://careerhub.otago.ac.nz


NOTES

university of otago career development ... and job websites page 22 check out info on otagocareerhub...

Documents