CVs & Covering LettersPart-Time/Temporary &

Volunteer Work Rebecca Weymouth Job Shop Manager

Placement & Careers Centre

Anthi Vakali

Brunel Volunteers

During this workshop….

• CV design and content

• CV examples

• Covering letters

• Where to look for part-time, vacation work and volunteering opportunities

• The recruitment cycle

• Further information and help

CV’s

CVs - some observations…..• CVs aren't read - they are scanned• The majority are rejected and those who meet the

entry requirements & show care and motivation are short listed

• There are no hard and fast rules - just guidelines • No sample will meet your needs exactly. Use ideas

from several different CVs• No 2 CVs should ever look exactly the same• Target your CV to what you are applying for – this

may mean having several different versions• Expect conflicting advice – decide what

makes sense for you• The market is competitive – put in the effort to get

real results.

The basic sections of a CV….

Personal details

Profile

Education & training

Employment

Name, address, email,telephone number

Optional. Try not to soundclichéd, arrogant or vague.

Provide a summary of yourqualifications

Include part & full-time,temporary & voluntary work & placements, includingfamily jobs.

The basic sections of a CV…

• Skills & achievements

• Interests & hobbies

• References

Related to the job you areapplying for. Highlight anypositions of responsibility Current or recent, avoidordinary or obvious things

One academic plus one other (employer). Ask permissionfirst.

Golden rules…

• Length

• Paper

• Fonts

• Effects, graphics,

templates

Usually 2 pages

Good quality white or cream

Keep fonts simple andconsistent, usually size 12

Exercise caution. Avoid excessiveunderline, bold, capitals andcolour. Some templates make allCVs look the same.

Over to you….

• In pairs or 3’s spend 10 minutes looking at Cheryl Smiths CV.

• Cheryl is applying for a part-time Sales Assistant Role in Debenhams.

• List what’s good about the CV and what you would change.

Specific to you….

• Profile• Content of degree modules• Skills gained need to be

appropriate• Layout• Volunteer jobs, work experience

Cheryl SmithFloor 5 Flat 7 77 High StreetFaraday Halls of Residence HarbourneUxbridge BirminghamMiddlesex West MidlandsUB8 3PH B17 8PDEmail: hs05ces@brunel.ac.uk Mobile: 07850 929839 Date of birth: 13/11/1986

Career objectiveSecond year Psychology student with particular interest in Cognitive Psychology and Psychological Disorders and four years experience of working with children. Committed to a career within children’s charity sector. Education

Sept 2007 – to present BA (Honours) Psychology Brunel UniversityModules include: Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods, Cultural Differences, Psychoanalytic Approaches, Cognitive

Psychology, Psychological Disorders, Developmental & Social Psychology.

Sept 2005 – June 2007 A level- Sociology (B), Art (B), Music (C), General Studies (D). St. Bernard’s Convent Grammar School Sixth Form, Birmingham.

Sept 2001 – June 2005 GCSE- Maths (A), English Literature (A), English Language (B), Religious Studies (A), Double Science (B/B), Art & Design (A), German (B), Music (B), Technology (A).St. Bernard’s Convent Grammar School, Birmingham

Skills ProfileLiteracyMy psychology degree is giving me the ability to write both succinct reports and more lengthy analyses, exploring issues in detail. I am also able to critically evaluate, allowing me to anticipate problems or difficulties.

NumeracyThe ability to handle and interpret statistical information drawing implications from data summaries and probability statements.

Computer literacyThe ability to use a computer package for word processing, statistics, or data management, and the ability to learn new ones.

Interpersonal awarenessKnowledge of the mechanisms of social communication and the potential sources of personal conflict. Working with people at different levels.

Problem-solving skillsThe ability to identify different strategies and approaches to solving problems. This may be on a large-scale level, in applying totally different perspectives or levels of analysis to the problem, or at a more basic level, in terms of choosing appropriate methods to deal with it.

Information-gathering skillsI can seek information on a particular topic or general area, know where to look, what to use and how to use it.

Research skillsKnowing how to go about gathering systematic information, whether by observational, experimental or case-study techniques.

ExperienceSept 2007 – Present Date Hillingdon Borough CouncilI run a Sports Club for children with special educational needs two afternoons a week which includes: • Safeguarding and looking after 5-25 year olds with special needs• Keeping accounts of the float and medical records• Maintaining confidentiality• Taking registers of staff and children• Developing fun new activities• Supporting children/young people and their families• Making sure the team works efficiently• Ensuring children are progressing

July 2005 – August 2007 Hillingdon Borough CouncilI was a play scheme instructor and assistant to children with behavioural problems. My responsibilities included- as above plus:• Liasing with staff, parents and children• Working effectively in a team• Carrying out additional training• Reporting back to the council on how the club is going• Maintaining a sensitive understanding at all times

Jan 2005 – August 2007 Clarks Shoes I was a Sales assistant working in the Heathrow, Uxbridge and Regent Street branches at the weekends and in university/college holidays as needed. My duties included:• I have been given responsibilities, which included going over banking, and handling cash lifts. • I have been very keen to learn new things such but still shown dedication to the job. • I have been able to improve my leadership responsibilities by using my initiative to pick up customers and general floor control. • I also learnt how to change and improve how shoes, handbags and other products are displayed around the shop making use of my problem solving skills. • This job involves serving and advising customers, as well as collecting and fitting shoes. I also do stock work, which requires me to use my organisational skills.• You need to be able to talk to a variety of people.

April 2004 – December 2004 Next Ltd• Employed as a Customer Service Adviser at weekends which included:• Carried out general cash handling duties including refunds and exchanges.• Job role involved quickly identifying and adhering to needs e.g. stock replenishing.• Used telephones and computers to order stock.

December 2003 – January 2004 Boots• Employed as a Sales Assistant during the Christmas sales period which included:• Carried out general cash handling duties including refunds and exchanges.• Job role involved quickly identifying and adhering to needs e.g. stock replenishing.• Used telephones and computers to order stock.

ReferencesDr Martina Reynolds Brunel University Ken Saunders Hillingdon Council Martina.reynolds@brunel.ac.uk k.saunders@hillingdon.gov.uk 01895 267327 01895 887655

Getting it wrong - how to put an employer off…

• Bad spelling, grammar and punctuation

• Untidy layout and presentation

• Gaps in dates, inconsistencies

• Vagueness, not giving enough information, lack of focus

• Giving too much or irrelevant information

• Jargon or abbreviations which may not be easy to understand

Top 5 CV lies…

• Making up jobs if you haven’t had one before!

• Exaggerating levels of responsibility in previous jobs

• Last salary – often rounded up. £7.25 per hour becomes £7.75

• Hobbies & interests – the ability to order a croissant in a boulangerie becomes “fluent French”

Covering Letters

Covering letters

A business-like, word processed, formal, carefullypresented, one-page letter which should:

• Say what you are applying for

• Explain why you are interested in the job and that employer

• Emphasise your suitability and highlight your strengths

• Indicate your interest in meeting the employer

What to avoid in a covering letter

• Over elaborate, flowery language used out of context:

“Additionally, my interpersonal skills can also be a major factor, in terms of being an ideal candidate for this job. The proficiency to be organised ….. my tendencies to be … and hence not….. My extensive and prolonged general knowledge….. ”

• Massaging a company’s ego/telling them what they already know

“Top Shop is a renowned leader in retail with a first class reputation in the fashion industry”

• Humour and informal/text language. Eg:

Hi, I want to get a job with u

Where to Look

How to find part-time/ vacation work

• Part-Time & Vacation Work Fair• www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc/jobshop• View the local newspapers such as the

Gazette and Leader• Contact recruitment agencies in person

and on-line• Summer work experience schemes• Voluntary Work

Volunteering

• How to find volunteer work:www.brunelvolunteers.orgwww.do-it.org.uk• Why join?Volunteering awardsResources

Where can I get more info…….

• Job Hunting• Working rights• View part-time/vacation vacancies

www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc/jobshop• Drop in and get your CV checked• PCC resources

www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc• Brunel Volunteers