CV and Cover Letters

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CVs and Covering Letters

A Careers Service Guide to

CVs and

Covering Letters

Gettin a Job Series


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INTRODUCTION

This Booklet has been written to help students start creating their CV. We suggest thatstudents read it, look closely at the sample CVs provided and write a first draft.

The booklet should ideally be read in conjunction with attending a CV Workshop (seeWebsite for dates of workshops or ask at the Reception Desk).

You can bring your draft CV to the Quick Enquiry Desk where a Career Consultant will look itover and give you some feedback.

If you feel, for any reason, that you are at a disadvantage in the application process (e.g.because of a disability or any other issue), please make this known to a member of staffwhen visiting the Careers Centre, and we will do our best to help you.


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CONTENTS

THE CV

Why do you need a CV? . 1

When do you use a CV? . 1

General Rules Things to Include 1

Layout 2

Strategies for Getting Started . 3

CV Speak Effective Language . 4

Optional Extras . 4

International CVs .. 4

On-line CVs 4

Mature Students and CVs .. 4

Academic CVs ... 4

Disabled Students & CVs 6

Sample CVs ... 7

COVERING LETTERS

Why? .. 17

Hand Written or Typed? .. 17

How Long? 17

Format 17

Speculative Letters ... 18

Sample Covering Letters . 20

DOs . 21

DONTs ... 21

Check List .. 21

Further Information ... 21

APPENDIX

Skills Databank . 22


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1

THE CV

WHY DO YOU NEED A CV?

The purpose of a CV is to get you to interview. Sent to an employer either

speculatively or in response to an advertisement, a CV should entice an employer to

want to have a look at you in person, rather than on paper. In short, A CV IS ANADVERTISEMENT FOR YOU! A good advert makes you want to know more abouta product. In a CV, you are the product.

WHEN DO YOU USE A CV?

! In response to a job advert when a CV is requested (never when you arespecifically asked to fill in an application form).

! When you are writing speculatively to an employer to find out if there are any

opportunities in the organisation.

GENERAL GUIDELINES THINGS TO INCLUDE

Personal Details

! Name.

! Address (permanent and term time).

! Telephone number and/or e-mail.

NB 1: Marital Status, Health, and Gender not necessary unless you have specificreasons for including these.

NB 2: Sometimes a persons nationality is obvious, and sometimes it isnt. If yournationality has an impact on work permit issues, make this clear.

Education

! Reverse chronological order.

! Dates, name of institution (not full address), subject, grades.

(NB: Not essential to include all GCSE grades, use your discretion. You may wantto give a short explanation of your degree, especially if it is relevant to the job/type of

work. See sample CVs.)

Employment or Work Experience

! Reverse chronological order.

! Include work experience, voluntary, paid, related, unrelated.

! Expand a little. Explain duties and skills developed. What did you do? What didyou learn? Highlight any achievements and responsibilities.


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! You may want to divide into related work experience and other work

experience. This can have the benefit of giving less recent, but more relevantexperience a higher priority.

! A large number of jobs that are similar? You could group these together, butmake sure you highlight the skills you have developed from the work.

Skills

This is an important part of the CV. The length of this section will depend upon thecontent of the rest of the CV. Look at the example CVs that follow to get you started.

! Entitle the section Key or Relevant Skills.

! Avoid duplication with the rest of the CV. For example, if you have brought out

skills in your work experience, there is no need to repeat this in a skills section.

! Some of the skills may be hard skills e.g. IT (mention specific packages), others

may be softer skills e.g. public speaking skills gained through debating.

Interests/Responsibilities/Achievements(You may want one or two sections here, depending on what you have done.)

! Dont just list. Explain a little, highlighting how your experiences have made youmore employable.

Referees

! Two, unless more are asked for.

! One academic, one employer if possible.

! Include address with postcode, telephone numbers and e-mail.

! Ask referees first.

LAYOUT

! The norm is two pages.

! Generally no more than two pages although exceptions can be made foracademic CVs.

! Some employers, for example, some areas of the media, like a one page CV,more like the American Resum. This may also be acceptable for first years who

do not have lots of work experience.

! Think about where information is positioned on the CV. Information on the firstpage has more impact.

! Space = importance. Give more space to those parts of your CV that sell youbetter.

! Avoid splitting an important point between two pages, where possible.

! Keep it simple. No fancy fonts, colours etc.

! Look at some of the sample CVs for ways of formatting your CV.

(NB: Although layout is important, dont rely on it. The content is crucial.)


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STRATEGIES FOR GETTING STARTED

Stage 1

Putting pen to paper is always difficult, but there are some sections of your CV that

hardly require any thought personal details, date of birth, education, exam resultsetc. Start with these and you will have made progress immediately.

Stage 2

The most difficult part of the CV is pulling together relevant skills and linking these tothings you have done. You need to think hard about the skills you have developed.You also need to research the sort of employer/type of work you want to enter, andfind out what skills you have to give evidence of:-

1. Think about what skills you have developed so far in your academic career andfrom your work experience. List these skills and give evidence.

2. Research your employer or area of work. What skills are they asking for? How

can you give evidence of these?

3. Include all of this information on your CV.

Example:

You are thinking about sending your CV to a firm of accountants.

! Do some thinking about why you are going to make a good accountant. Do youhave the necessary skills? If so, how did you gain them? Give evidence.

! Do some research on accountancy (lots of information in our Careers ServicesLibrary and on Websites). What skills do accountancy firms look for? Do youhave the potential to develop these skills? If so, how?

! Now you need to include this information in your CV. You can do this in a varietyof ways. Under your work experience, explain how you have developed relevant

skills. Maybe you will also want to include an extra skills section where you canhighlight some of these skills too? Did you develop any relevant skills in yourdegree? If so, bring them out.

(NB: Examples of situations in which work related skills can be developed are given

at the back of this Booklet.)


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CV SPEAK EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE

How you say something can be just as important as what you say . The same istrue when writing a CV. You need to be positive, professional and enthusiastic in

your CV.

! Choose words with an impact that will convey your ability to achieve. The bestwords to use are ACTION words. Examples are:-

Achieved Managed Wrote ImplementedPersuaded Presented Organised ProducedInvented Developed Researched Analysed

Negotiated Created Conducted

Start your sentences with these action words rather than overusing the word I.

! Keep your sentences short. This has the effect of making your CV sound punchyand concise.

! Always use positive language. Sell yourself if you dont, no one else will do it

for you.

See example CVs for good examples of CV speak.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Personal Profile or Career Aim

! This can be an excellent way to grasp attention and to give the reader somefocus to the sort of career you want to enter. It needs to be done well though. Abadly written, unfocussed personal profile can give a negative first impression.

! Especially useful for students or graduates not wanting to focus on their degree

discipline and for Mature Students who have a variety of different skills andexperience to summarise.

! If you include a Personal Profile, ensure that the skills that you highlight arebacked up by the rest of your CV.

! Beware: some of the more traditional employers e.g. law do not like Personal

Profiles. Research this before sending off your CV and if you are unclear, ask aCareer Consultant when you bring your draft CV in for feedback.

INTERNATIONAL CVs

If you are applying for work outside the UK, you must check the standard CV formatfor that country and adapt your CV accordingly. In the USA, for example, the

emphasis is on a one page document and in Germany, a photograph in the top right

hand corner is the norm. Our Library has an excellent publication called GlobalResume and CV Guide to help you with this.


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ON-LINE CVs

! The need to target your CV and provide evidence of skills is essential when youare asked to submit a CV on-line. Many firms or recruitment agencies will searchelectronically for key words like organised, managed or Excel (according to

the description of the job for which you are applying). Some firms search forbehavioural traits like enthusiasm or responsibility. If you have not used thekey words, they will not be highlighted in the electronic search and so you mightnot be selected for interview.

! If employers use this method of selection, they will make their key words clear, soit is even more important that you do your research before submitting an on-line

CV to an employer.

MATURE STUDENTS AND CVs

Mature Students often have a wealth of work and life experience that can be veryvaluable to a future employer. Not all employers initially realise this, and so MatureStudents need to anticipate the gap and go the extra distance to market themselves

on their CV. Career Changers should focus more on transferable skills gained fromprevious employment, rather than job specific, specialist skills.

! Consider using a Personal Profile.

! You may also want to include another section called Summary of Experience.This could be positioned in several places in the CV; before Education, before

Employment History, instead of a Skills Profile. The Summary of Experienceshould summarise your work history to date but highlight skills you havedeveloped that make you stand out from other graduates.

! See Combination CV- sample below.

! Ask in the Careers Service Library for the Mature Students folder. This hasuseful information on different approaches to the job hunting process for Mature

Students.

ACADEMIC CVs

The same rules apply to academic CVs and for other types of CV -sell yourself on

paper in the best possible way and expect to accompany the CV with a coveringletter/covering e-mail.

Below are some points to get you started. Remember to show a draft to a CareerConsultant and to your academic supervisor to get as much feedback from as manysources as possible.

! A Personal Profile is optional (see example CVs for an example of a PersonalProfile). It is a good way of highlighting the area of research you want to enter

and can be adapted for each application.


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! Education should be in reverse chronological order, PhD first. You have a choicewhen writing about your PhD you can either spend a paragraph describing your

research at this stage, or you can just put the title under the Education sectionand describe your PhD research in more detail in another section of the CV,

perhaps one called Research Experience or as an Appendix.

! Split employment/experience between Research-Based Employment andOther Employment or perhaps Research Experience and Other Experience.

! Other sections to include where relevant:

Published papers

Teaching Experience

Presentations/Posters at conferences

Prizes/Awards received

Section on Skills (see example CVs for ways of doing a Skills Section)

For further information the Academic CV, see the Careers Service bookletCVs for PhD Students.

DISABLED STUDENTS AND CVs

If you have a disability, it is up to you when you choose to disclose this, if at all. If

you decide to disclose your disability at the CV stage it is important, as ever, tomarket yourself effectively and highlight the skills and qualities that you have gainedthrough the management of your disability. For example, a visually impaired

student/graduate may have developed an aptitude for IT and other technical skillsthat will be useful in the area of employment in which he/she is interested. It may

also be useful to highlight the determination and self reliance that undertaking adegree and managing your disability may have required.

For further information on this look at www.skill.org.uk

The Careers Service runs two workshops on Should I Disclosure a Disability to aPotential Employer? and How to Identify Disability & Diversity Friendly Employers.To sign up for these and all other workshops, log onto www.cardiff.ac.uk/carsv


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SAMPLE CVs

The following section of this booklet provides you with some sample CVs to help youcreate your own document. Read them all carefully and decide which format willwork best for you.

You may find that you wish to adapt your own format based on different sections ofthe CV. For example you may want to use the Chronological CV format but includea Personal Profile. Or perhaps you like the Functional CV but want to give yourEducation section a higher priority. It is up to you. Your CV is your document. Stickto the General Guidelines outlined at the beginning of this booklet and concentrateon marketing yourself effectively. Dont forget that you can book a Quick Enquiryappointment and get some feedback on your first draft from a Career Consultant.


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CHRONOLOGICAL CV

Jennifer Thompson

Term time address:

5 Roderick StreetCardiff CF1 3ATe-mail: [email protected]: 029 2066666

Home address:

42 High StreetCoventry CV4 2PY

Tel: 01203 666666

Date of Birth: 12th February 1983 Nationality: British

EDUCATION

2002 - 2005 Cardiff UniversityBSc Genetics (Class 2.2)Modules included Molecular & Microbial Genetics, Cyto-Human andImuno-Genetics, Microbiology, Biotechnology and GeneticManipulation.Industrial Placement year below.

1999-2001 Goodstone Sixth Form College, Coventry

3 'A' Levels: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Mathematics (B)

1995-1999 Greyhill Comprehensive School, Coventry

9 GCSEs: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Mathematics (A), English (A),History (A), Economics (B), Geography (B), French (C), Music (C)

WORK EXPERIENCE

2003 - 2004 Unilever, Industrial Placement YearInvestigated the genetic control of virulence factors for pathogenicEcoli. Gained experience of a range of genetic analysis techniques,including plasmid manipulation, DNA extraction, PCR and cloning.

Summer 2002 Coventry City CouncilData Processing Assistant- Sorted and processed data relating to the housing list.- Evaluated new software packages.

- Responsible for training new staff.

Summer 2001 General Foods, Moortown- Logged deliveries of soft fruit and vegetables.- Worked well in small team under considerable pressure

maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

Student has highlightedmodules relevant to thejob she is applying for

Highlighted all GCSEs.Not always necessary.

Use your discretion.

Student hasincluded key skillsin her workexperience.Always try to linkyour skills andexperience to the job for which you

are applying.

Personal details can goat the beginning or endof a CV. Marital status is

not necessary.


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FUNCTIONAL CV

Jennifer Thompson

Term time address:

5 Roderick StreetCardiff CF1 3ATTel: 029 2066 6666E-mail: [email protected]

Home address:

42 High StreetCoventry CV4 2PYTel: 01203 666666

Date of Birth: 12 February 1983

PERSONAL PROFILE

A commercially aware and IT literate Science graduate with problem solving, interpersonal

and communication skills gained through industrial year, now looking for a career opportunityin Management Consultancy.

KEY SKILLS

Problem Solving - an analytical, logical and determined approach to problem solvingdemanded by research work at Unilever.

Ability to work independently - worked unsupervised for much of the time during IndustrialPlacement and final year project.

Teamwork - made effective contributions as both team member and team leader inarchaeological digs.

Computer Skills - worked with wide range of databases and statistical computer packagesincluding Word, Excel, Access, SPSS, SQL

Communication Skills - Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in various workexperiences and in publication of articles in student newspaper.

Business Awareness- Gained insight into work in both the public and private sector.

EDUCATION

2002 - 2005 Cardiff UniversityBSc Genetics (Class 2.2)Scientific study developed logical and analytical approach to problemsolving. Computer programmes used for modelling, database andstatistical purposes.Industrial Placement Year at Unilever

1999-2001 Goodstone Sixth Form College, Coventry

3 'A' Levels: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Mathematics (B)

This grabs the readers attention and gives afocus to the sort of career you want to enter.

This is useful in bringing out skills relevant to the job description. Bulletpoints are effective. There may be room for expansion in this example,

but dont include too much. Evidence here is well expressed and brief.

Compare this description of the degree with that ofthe previous CV. See how different parts of thedegree have been highlighted to make it much more

focussed towards Management Consultancy.


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1995-1999 Greyhill Comprehensive School, Coventry

9 GCSEs: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Mathematics (A), English (A),History (A), Economics (B), Geography (B), French (C), Music (C)

WORK EXPERIENCE

2003 - 2004 Unilever Industrial Placement Year- Organised own work as part of a research project.- Developed project management skills including management of

resources and budget, scheduling work and communication withothers working on the same project.

- Gained insight into financial implications of and constraints onscientific research.

Summer 2002 Coventry City Council- Data Processing Assistant- Sorted and processed data relating to the housing list.

- Evaluated new software packages.- Responsible for training new staff.

Summer 2001 General Foods, Moortown- Logged deliveries of soft fruit and vegetables.- Worked well in small team under considerable pressure

maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

INTERESTS

Hiking: Organised several hikes whilst a member of the University RamblingClub.

Explored the Auvergne whilst on vacation in France.

Travel: Organised a group visit to Italy in 2001 which included a tour of themajor cities in central Italy.

Archaeology: Participated in two Easter digs (1999 & 2000) at the Thornton RomanSettlement in Dorset.Team leader in 2000.

Student Journalism: Interested in current affairs and have had several articles published inGair Rhydd, the Cardiff student newspaper, chiefly science newsarticles.

REFEREES Dr P A Burnford Dr Geoffrey MillmoreSchool of Biosciences Head of Research LaboratoryCardiff University UnileverCardiff CF1 3AT Colworth House

SharnbrookBedford MK44 1LQ

Tel: 029 2055 1451 Tel: 0158 4565 4459E-mail: [email protected]

Personal Tutor Industrial Placement Supervisor

You should have two referees one academic and personal oremployment related. Include atelephone number and e-mail

address where possible.


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Professional Experience

Direct Marketing Manager Jan 2003 - Mar 2005

E D & F Man Investment Products, SwitzerlandResponsibilities included: definition of target groups for lead general and direct sales;

development and execution of communications programmes for specific client segments;analysis of results and programme refinement.

Achievements established direct marketing function thereby improving theeffectiveness of the sales process by delivering targeted messages

developed the contacts database to function as a marketing and salessystem and introduced windows-based reporting package

outsourced mailshot and faxshot activities resulting in significant costsavings and wider distribution opportunities

Marketing Analyst Jun 2002 - Jan 2003

E D & F Man Investment Products, Switzerland

Responsibilities included: analysis of product performance against the competition andpresentation of results of sales support material; project management of fund launchactivities: briefing design, video, translation and PR agencies, producing brochures, creatingpresentations, analysing success; support of a range of marketing activities including

corporate material production and event organisation.

Achievements initiated and produced the first divisional corporate brochure

extended use of analytical software to improve sales arguments andtools

Assistant Marketing Consultant Jun 2001 Jun 2002

KPMG Management Consulting, CardiffResponsibilities included: provision of marketing research support to senior consultants for arange of government, utility, private sector and professional clients; organisation of regionalseminars individually and with co-sponsors; initiation and co-ordination of internal marketingprojects.

Achievements promoted December 2001

introduced and modified market research workshops for executives

Administrative Asst: Social Sciences Research Inst, UCS, Swansea July 2000 - Aug 2000Market Research: Guardian Royal Exchange Properties, London Jun and Sep 1999

Work and travel abroad (Europe and Middle East) Sep 1997 - Sep 1998

Professional Training

Management Essential Management Skills, Chartered Institute of Marketing (5 days)

Consulting Skills Workshop, KPMG Training Centre (5 days)Marketing Direct Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing (3 days)

Market Research Skills, Chartered Institute of Marketing (5 days)Presentation Presentation Skills (2 days), Effective Speaking (2 days); KPMG

References available on request

Description of work split betweenResponsibilities and Achievements.This is a good way to highlight

effectiveness in the workplace.

Less relevant work experience takes up less space.


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LAW CV

Gemma Bailey120 Walker Street

New Estate

CARDIFFTel: 029 20 1234

EDUCATION

003-2006 Cardiff University, LLB Law (class 2i)LLB III LLB II

Modules ModulesEtc Etc

Etc EtcEtc Etc

LLB I Modules, Etc, etc, etc

2000-2002 Coleg Glan Hafren, CardiffA Levels: Sociology (A), Geography (A), History (B)

1993-2000 New Estate High School, CardiffGCSEs

A Geography, Art & Design, WelshHistory, English Language, Literature,B Double Science, Maths

C French

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

Dec 2005 to date Evenings Administrator, XYZ Law Firm, Cardiff

Paralegal work experience consisting of updating case files, dataentry work on nationwide database and answering out-of-hours

research requests. Broadened knowledge of the legaladministrative framework and gave a real grounding in a varietyof commercial issues.

Summer 2005 Vacation Scheme, ABC Solicitors, Bristol

Invaluable insight into the work of a major regional commercialfirm. Shadowed a trainee in the Commercial Propertydepartment for a fortnight, then spent a week working in theProjects department.Highlights included sitting in on a number of client meetings andtaking an active role in the organisation of a press briefing.

July 2003 Voluntary work experience %& Solicitors, Cardiff

Unpaid administrative experience in this busy three partner

Criminal practice. Updated files, fielded telephone calls, sat in onclient interviews and attended Court on three occasions.

Personal Profile? Many commercialfirms advise against incorporating thisinto your CV. Stick to a traditionalapproach which highlights education

and legal work experience.

The profile is best used in applicationsto smaller private client practices or bymature applicants or candidatesconverting to Law from another degreediscipline.

List all your modules year by year in reversechronological order, to give a full picture of thelegal content of your degree.

If final degree outcome is unknown, you will needto give a breakdown of your 2

ndyear results (add

1st

year results as well, if impressive).


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OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

Summers2004 & 2006

Sales Assistant, Village Pharmacy, New Estate, Cardiff Advised customers on a wide range of health and beauty

products. Took responsibility for tills and shop security in theoccasional absence of pharmacist and pharmacy manager.

2002-2003 Pensions Telesales, Legal & General, CardiffGap year work taken to help fund degree. Contacted

prospective clients on a cold-calling basis and marketed therange of pensions services. Arranged follow-up appointmentswith pensions personnel. Exceeded monthly target by 20% onsix occasions.

2001-2002 Evening Store Replenishment Team, J Sainsbury, CardiffGap year work (evenings) taken to help fund degree. Workedeffectively in teams to ensure that store maintained agreed stock

levels. Promoted to team leader of a group of four colleagues.

SKILLS

! Languages Fluent Welsh speaker, conversational French and German.

! IT Literate Use of Microsoft Word, Access and Excel databases and e -mail.

! Presentation skills Developed via Student Tutoring and PR work at ABC & Co.

! Business acumen Attained commercial awareness whilst at Legal & General.

INTERESTS

Netball Enthusiastic player at school, representing South Glamorgan in

two tournaments. At University, played for the Law School teamthroughout first and second year.

Travel Frequent visitor to Europe, represented New Estate Youth in adelegation to Stuttgart as part of the twin-town exchangesconference of 1997. Inter-railed through Eastern Europe inSummer of Gap Year.

Voluntary Work Student Tutor, acting as a Higher Education mentor for schoolpupils in a local secondary school. Gave talks on student life

and career objectives to groups of 6 th formers.

Date of Birth 2 September 1980

REFEREES

Prof Holmes Ms S AckermanTutor, Commercial Law Graduate Recruitment Co-ordinator

Cardiff Law School ABC & Co. SolicitorsMuseum Avenue Markets Avenue

CARDIFF CF1 0YZ BRISTOL BS1 1XYTel: 029 20 987654 Tel: 0117 123 6789

(Personal Tutor) (Work Experience Supervisor)


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ONE PAGE MEDIA CV

ANDREA HAYWARD16 Holne ChaseLondon N2 OQQ

Tel: 020 8633 4267e-mail: [email protected]

Date of Birth: 10-7-83British/Canadian citizenFull clean driving licence

50 wpm typing

WORK EXPERIENCE South Wales Argus 23 March 4 April 2005Portsmouth News 13 April 17 April 2004Gair Rhydd Students Newspaper Feature Writer 2003 - 2004Big Issue Freelance work published 2004 2005

SKILLS Features writing, layout and design, excellent spelling, Word,EXCEL.

EDUCATION

Oct 02 June 05 Cardiff University, BA Hons History and Politics 2:1

Sept 00 June 02 South Hampstead High School, London3 A levels History (A) Politics (B) English (B)

EMPLOYMENT

Summer 2004 Alfred Marks Employment Agency, LondonTemp work in PR Agency

Summer 2003 John Lewis, London

Sales Associate

INTERESTS Politics and current affairs, literature, playing oboe and piano,tennis and badminton.

REFEREES

Dr W DaviesSchool of History and ArchaeologyCardiff UniversityCardiff CF1 3EBTel: 029 2045 7855E-mail: [email protected]

Mr J FreemanEditor South Wales NewsWheeler StreetNewport NP1 3AQTel: 01636 885222E-mail: [email protected]

Relevant work experience reallyempowers a media CV. This isconcise. The interested employercan ask for portfolio evidence at alater date.

Relevant journalistic skills highlightedhere.

WARNING

This format should only be used if you have a substantial amount of relatedexperience in, for example, journalism, public relations, broadcasting or advertising.

Otherwise consider using the two-page Functional CV format.


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COVERING LETTER

WHY?

A covering letter personalises your CV and gives you the opportunity to express your

enthusiasm and specific suitability for a post. They should always be sent with a CV.

HAND WRITTEN OR TYPED?

Either. If an employer specifically asks for a handwritten letter, then clearly youshould submit one. The majority of covering letters these days are word processed,however.

HOW LONG?

Usually one side of A4 (handwritten covering letters will take up more space)

FORMAT

Section 1 Why are you writing?In response to a specific advert or speculatively.

Section 2 Set the Scene.Who are you?What have you done?

Section 3 Why them?Explain what attracts you to a company/type of work

Give some evidence that you have done some thinking andresearch about the employer.

Personalise this section dont send the same paragraph toevery employer.

Section 4 Why can you do the job?Outline your skills and experience.

Refer to your CV, but dont repeat points.If you are replying to a specific advertisement, match yourself to

two or three points in the job description.Bring out a real enthusiasm in this section.

Section 5

(optional)

Dealing with problem areas.

A failed A level, a change of course or a health problem can bementioned here.Only do so if you feel the problem area is significant. Ask a

Career Consultant if in doubt.If you are referring to a mistake, emphasise what you have learntfrom the problem.

Section 6 Close.Give details of how you can be contacted.


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SPECULATIVE LETTERS

Many companies do not advertise vacancies externally, so there are many missedopportunities out there. This is especially so in media related jobs and also in areas

like charity work or environmental work. One way you can improve your chances of

finding a position is by sending your CV directly to the company on a speculativebasis. Follow the format above, but remember the following important points:

! Identify the key decision maker. This may need a telephone call to the Human

Resources Department.

! Personalise the letter. Show you have found out something about the company.

! Using the word job or vacancy can cause instant rejection if there are no

actual vacancies better to use the words openings or opportunities which are

more open ended and may get the employer thinking about innovativepossibilities.

! Be enthusiastic and promote a positive self image.

! Ask for a meeting.

! Show your draft to a Career Consultant.


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SAMPLE SPECULATIVE LETTER

18 Coychurch RoadCardiff

D J RollesonDirector of Administration

Care & Concern WalesLlanishen Business ParkCARDIFF CF11 2AB

Dear Mr Rolleson [1]

As an experienced volunteer, I have been very impressed with Care &Concerns latest publicity campaign, which balances an innovativeapproach with traditional principles of care for the individual. [2] Having

requested further information about volunteering within the local area, Iwas delighted to learn of your forthcoming expansion in South Wales

and am now writing to enquire whether your organisation might haveany administrative opportunities for a recent graduate with provenvoluntary experience and a real desire to make a long term contributionto the not-for-profit sector. [3, 4]

From the enclosed CV, you will see that whilst completing my degree inSociology and Welsh, I undertook a placement at the Donate Worldwideheadquarters in London. Whilst at DW, I was not only able to see the

administrative function of a major charity at first hand but was alsoencouraged to play an active part in the organisation of a number of

campaigns. Most notably, I was given the responsibility of creating amailing database for last years hugely successful Pounds versusPoverty campaign. My experiences during this three-month stint

proved invaluable when compiling my final year dissertation on theimpact of charities and donating on the student population, which

produced some unexpected and interesting results. [5]

I am now seeking an opportunity to use my experience, knowledge andcommitment to the voluntary sector within an administrative function of

a major, forward-thinking charity. I would particularly welcome thechallenge of working on new fundraising and promotional campaignswhere my highly developed communication, creative and organisationalskills could all be put to good use. [6]

Should you feel that there might be a suitable opening, now or in the

future, I would be pleased to discuss the possibilities with you. I can becontacted by letter or by telephone on (029) 20 987 6543. [7]

Yours sincerely [8]

Rhian Edwards

Comments

[1] Has identified andwritten to key decision

maker.

[2] Employers are more

interested inthemselves than in you,so starting your letter by

talking about themgrabs their attention.

[3] Has found outsomething about the

company.

[4] Openings orOpportunities instead

of job or vacancy.

[5] An element of intrigue

perhaps the employerwill want to find outmore at a face to face

meeting.

[6] Conveyed enthusiasm

and energy, outliningwhat she can do for thecompany rather than

the other way round.

[7] Asked for a meeting.

[8] Finished with YoursSincerely (following

Dear Mr..)

TOP TIP

! The message conveyed in this letter is Ive found out about you and this iswhat I can do for you.

! Avoid a message which says Here I am, an amazing graduate and Im interestedin what your company can do to help me in my career.


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SAMPLE COVERING LETTER IN RESPONSE TO AN ADVERTISEDPOST

10 Renton Street

Cardiff, CF3 4JS

Date:

Ms P Jones [1]DirectorCastle Housing Association

CARDIFF CF6 9PJ

Dear Ms Jones

re: TRAINEE HOUSING ASSISTANT (REFERENCE: 123)

[2]

Please find enclosed my CV in response to your

advertisement in the Western Mail for the position ofTrainee Housing Assistant. [3]

You will see that I graduated from Cardiff University in Juneof this year with a BA Hons degree in Social Administration

2:1. This course has stimulated my interest in social policy

and particularly in housing which formed the subject of mydissertation. I am now very keen to begin a career inhousing management, hence my application. [4]

During my vacation last year I worked in the HousingDepartment of Torfaen District Council. This gave me

experience of the procedures involved in housing allocationand an insight into resource planning. I can relate well topeople at all levels, have good organisational skills and

have a constructive approach to problem solving. [5] Theposition of Trainee Housing Assistant is exactly what I am

seeking and I believe that my enthusiasm and knowledgewould enable me to make a valuable contribution to yourorganisation. [6]

I would be very pleased to attend an interview for this

position and can be contacted by letter at the aboveaddress or during the evening on 029 2078 6566. [7]

Yours sincerely [8]

Jason Budd

Comments

[1] Find out the name of the

person responsible forrecruitment in thecompany.

[2] Make it immediately clear

what the letter is about.

[3] An enthusiastic first

sentence. The candidatehas made it clear wherehe/she saw theadvertisement.

[4] The second paragraphshould explain why you are

writing and why you areinterested in the field ofemployment.

[5] Paragraph 3 shouldhighlight relevant workexperience and skillsgained. This is your

chance to sell yourself.

[6] This candidate is making itclear he is making aninformed decision to enter

Housing Management.

[7] Be positive. Tell them youare available for interviewand how they can contact

you.

[8] Finish with Yourssincerely (following Dear

Mr/Mrs.)


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APPENDIX

HOW TO USE THIS DATABASE

Use this database as a prompt list when you are thinking about possible evidenceyou could use to support your claims for having various skills.

The skills listed here are those most often sought by employers.

Examples are given for possible evidence for having developed these skills.

ADAPTING

CONFRONTING

CO-OPERATING

CREATIVITY

DECISION MAKING

DEXTERITY

DIRECTING

LISTENING

MEMORY

NEGOTIATING

NUMERACY

ORAL COMMUNICATION

PERCEIVING

PERSUADING

PLANNING

PROBLEM SOLVING

QUESTIONING

SOCIAL CONFIDENCE

SPATIAL SENSE

VERBAL COMPREHENSION

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

This skills databank has been extracted from the PROSPECTS Plannercomputerguidance package.


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ADAPTING

Changing or modifying your behaviour in response to the needs, wishes or demands of others.

These types of activity will demonstrate your adaptability:

Living abroad as part of an exchange programme

Vacation work in a shop, restaurant or factory

Playing team sports

Being an au pair Group outdoor pursuits or expeditions

Working or living with children or the elderly

Industrial placements or teaching practice

CONFRONTINGChallenging the beliefs, wishes or actions of others in a face-to-face situation.

If you have had any of these types of experiences you will probably have had to confront others:

Arguing a case in a tutorial

Sharing house with other than close friends

Political canvassing

A job that involves disciplining people

Teaching practice

Being a course or hall representative

Evangelising (or dealing with people who are trying to convert you)

Committee work

CO-OPERATINGWorking with other people in a co-ordinated or complementary way in order to meet an objective or

complete a task.

Co-operating is important in many organisations, regardless of the job for which you are applying.

So selectors are often looking for evidence that you have worked with other people constructively.

Forms often ask you to write about a time when you worked constructively with others.

Remember: Suitable evidence need not be limited to actual work experience. You should think about

all aspects of your work, studies and social life.

These types of activity involve co-operation:

Group project work during your course

Team games or outdoor pursuits such as climbing

Committee work

Organisation of social events

Vacation work

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Amateur dramatics


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DIRECTING

Controlling and organising the work of others by setting objectives, giving instructions and monitoringprogress.

The interest that selectors show in directing or leadership skill is so common that it is almost a clich.

As student life tends to be co-operative, rather than hierarchical, many students are unsure about the

sort of experience that is relevant or even if they can give any evi dence at all.

There are some student activities in which the connection is apparent. There are others where you

may have used this skill without realising it.

Obvious examples include:

Being a team captain

Drama directing

Belonging to the Officer or Air Training Corps

Chairing a committee

Less obvious examples are:

Editing a magazine Doing lab supervision as a postgrad

Co-ordinating the activities of a group who are planning a social event

You will have used this skill if you have worked in these types of jobs:

Teaching

TEFL

Childrens summer camps and play schemes

Any supervisory work

So your directing skill can be demonstrated by writing about social, study or work activities.

LISTENING

Accurately understanding orally expressed views or information without misinterpretation or distortion.

Lectures obviously involves listening, but your lecturers are (or should be) good communicators.

Jobs that involve listening may well involve trying to understand in difficult circumstances.

Sensitive listening may have been developed by:

Working on a student nightline or helpline

Being a course or hall rep, or committee work

Having a job where you were hired and then left to find out what to do from your colleagues

You may have had work experience that involved answering questions, such as:

Reception work

Childrens summer camps

Tourist guide

Teaching

Summer play schemes


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MEMORY

Accurately recalling facts, data or details of procedures.

Students use memory extensively so selectors often take it for granted and do not look for evidence.

But your memory could be demonstrated by:

A bar or restaurant job remembering orders

Leisure activities that make extensive use of memory Trivial Pursuits, Pub quizzes, Bridge, Acting memorising lines, cues etc

Representing students on a university committee

Student Union work

Trade Union work

Parent/Teacher committees

NEGOTIATING

Holding discussions with people in order to reach a position of mutual satisfaction and agreementabout a contentious topic.

It is likely that you will have used negotiating skills in many aspects of your day -to-day life.

Try to think of situations where you have wanted something and the person you have been dealing

with has been reluctant to give it to you. This is very common when dealing with bureaucracy e.g.

Dealing with problems about welfare benefits

Dealing with your landlord

Extending your overdraft

You might have been in more formal negotiating situations such as:

Getting sponsorship for a project.

NUMERACY

Understanding and using facts or ideas expressed in numbers, graphs or simple equations.

If a very high level of numeracy or mathematical ability is required, then a degree in a numerate

subject will be an essential entry requirement. Whatever the requirements, if yours is a numeratedegree, you will not need to offer further evidence.

Selectors who are particularly concerned about numeracy often use numeracy aptitude tests. YourCareers Service will probably be able to arrange for you to try one of these or you could get a copy ofthe Penguin book Know Your Own IQ.

Your numeracy would be demonstrated by:

A, A/S or Scottish H level Maths

A numerate BTEC

Grade A pass in GCSE or Scottish S level Maths

A job that involved a significant amount of work with numerical data

A leisure or extra-curricular activity that involves manipulating figures.


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ORAL COMMUNICATIONUsing speech to express ideas, give information or explanations in a way that is easily understood by

others who are unfamiliar with the topic.

Selectors are often looking for good communication skills oral communication is one aspect of this.

You may have developed good oral communication skills by engaging in these types of activity:

Giving presentations as part of your course

Being a member of staff-student committee where you had to explain student grievances orproblems

Involvement in local or student politics

Debating society

Jobs in these types of area also use this skill:

Telesales

Customer relations

Teaching or training

Explaining tasks to others

Giving information

PERCEIVINGAssessing and understanding the feelings, attitudes or temperament of other people.

Life is difficult if this skill is totally absent, so to some extent we can all understand others.

A really perceptive person seems to have second sight. These types of activities will have used

perception:

Parenting or working in a caring role

Being a student mentor


Being a course or hall representative

PERSUADINGConvincing other people to agree with you, or do what you want.

You will probably have used persuasion in many aspects of your day-to-day life e.g.

Living in a shared house

When dealing with children

Getting technicians to help you in the lab Working in groups on your course or on projects

Any occasion when you had to enlist the help of other people

You will certainly have used persuasion if you are involved in these types of activity:

Political canvassing or evangelising

Committee work

Course or hall representative

And if you have had these types of jobs:

Sales work

Working with children teaching, au pair


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PLANNING

Working out how to schedule available resources and activities in order to meet an objective.

You are likely to have used planning skills in your studies, particularly in project work.

On most application forms you are asked to write about your course - if you want to demonstrate thisskill then you should include information about:

How you established what was important

How you planned the work

How you set the timetable

Your planning skill will have been developed if you have experience of these types of activities:

Working to support yourself whilst studying

Having family as well as study responsibilities

Organising inter-railing or backpacking trips

Organising social or sporting events

Fundraising for charity or a political party

PROBLEM SOLVINGDevising and then using an appropriate method, rule, technique or logic in order to find a solution to aproblem.

Problem solving is a core skill that is developed in many HE courses, particularly in sciences,engineering, linguistics, law, philosophy etc.

Many application forms have a section that asks you to write about an aspect of your course that youparticularly enjoy. This skill could be highlighted here.

Forms also ask you about your leisure interests. If you are involved in these types of activity then youcould write about them in a way that highlights their use of your problem solving skills.

Chess

Computing

Logic games and puzzles

Dungeons and Dragons

QUESTIONINGObtaining information from, clarifying the opinions of, or assessing the feelings of others by askingappropriate questions.

You will have used your questioning skill in these sorts of student activity:


Work shadowing or a placement in which you learned by asking others about their job

Student Union welfare work

Tutoring or mentoring other students

Student journalism

Being a course or hall rep

Getting information from poor lecturers

You will certainly have used it if you have worked in these sorts of jobs:

Reception work

Market research interviewing

Specialist sales work where you needed to find out exactly what your customers needed

REMEMBER: The emphasis is on getting accurate information in difficult situations.


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SOCIAL CONFIDENCE

Establishing a good rapport with strangers, and feeling confident of your position in unfamiliarsituations.

These types of activity use the social skills that develop confidence:

Inter-railing or backpacking

Overseas exchange programmes

Giving presentations or public speaking Political canvassing

Industrial placements

Sales work

Any job dealing with the Public

Being a Student Union officer

Your social confidence will have been tested and developed during your first term at University,particularly if you are:

At a very large university

With people from a different background to you

Much older, or younger, than the rest

Studying abroad

SPATIAL SENSEExtracting meaning from, understanding and using the information in diagrams or pictures or three

dimensional structures.

As most jobs and courses that make extensive use of this skill require a vocationally-related

qualification in subjects such as art & design, architecture, geography, surveying, planning,engineering or sciences, then the selectors will assume that it was developed as part of your courseand not expect further evidence.

Selectors who are particularly concerned about it may use spatial reasoning aptitude tests. Your

Careers Service will probably be able to arrange for you to try one of these.

If you do need to present evidence of your skill, these types of experience could be used:

A or H level Art & Design or Engineering Drawing

Work experience in a drawing office

Leisure activities e.g. model making, orienteering, dressmaking

VERBAL COMMUNICATIONUnderstanding complex information, facts, ideas or instructions which are expressed in writtenEnglish.

As all HE courses involve reading complicated text books you will have used this skill extensively, so

many selectors will take your competence for granted.

Selectors who are particularly concerned about it may use verbal reasoning aptitude tests. YourCareers Service will probably be able to arrange for you to try one of these or you could get a copy of

the book Know Your Own IQ.

In your studies:

Understanding instruction or software manuals

Making prcis of technical reports or novels

Background reading in preparation for essays

Outside your studies:

Reading quality newspapers and periodicals

A job that involved complicated instructions


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WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONProducing grammatical, well expressed, easily understood and interesting text about topics that may

be unfamiliar to the reader.

Selectors are often looking for good communication skills written communication is one part of this.

Remember: the way you complete your application form will give the selector a very good indicationof your competence.

In jobs where it is very important (e.g. journalism and advertising), you will be asked to send a pieceof your written work or write a specific article. Your Careers Service may have examples of these.

You may have developed good written communication skills by engaging in these types of activity:

Writing essays, reports or a dissertation

Writing an account of a work placement

Any job that involved producing documentation

Writing publicity material

Student journalism

Creative writing

Documents

CV and Cover Letters