Natalie Smith & Amy WigginsCareers & Employability Service

Introduction to the Careers and Employability Service.

CVs: Aims and objectives. The purpose of a CV. What to include on a CV. Person specifications and how to tailor a CV

to a job. How to make a CV clear and easy to read. Covering letters.

www.kent.ac.uk/ces

www.facebook.com/ukmemployability

www.twitter.com/ukmemploy

Aim: to learn how to create a high quality CV.Objectives:By the end of the session you should be able to:Name at least three sections to include on a CV.Explain what a person specification is and how to tailor a CV to a job.Describe at least three things you can do to make a CV clear and easy to read.

Curriculum Vitae (Latin: the course of one’s life)

An outline of a person’s educational and professional history

What is the purpose of a CV?

• To inform the employer about your education, work experience, skills and interests

• To ‘sell’ these qualities and to persuade the employer to invite you to interview

When an employer asks for a CV. When an employer states ‘apply to…’

without specifying the format. When making speculative applications.

On average how long does a recruiter spend looking at a CV?

a.0-30 secondsb.30 seconds – 1 minutec.1-2 minutes

You will be given three CVs and you will have 20 seconds to look at each one and decide which one you would invite to an interview.

The job is a sports management role working with children and young people. It requires: A sport-related degree. Experience of working with children/young

people. Communication and team work skills.

Job requirements:A sport-related degree.Experience of working with children/young people.Communication and team work skills.

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Job requirements:A sport-related degree.Experience of working with children/young people.Communication and team work skills.

End1234567891011121314151617181920

Job requirements:A sport-related degree.Experience of working with children/young people.Communication and team work skills.

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Which one did you choose and why?

Personal detailsPersonal profile (optional) Education from GCSE level –

institutions, qualifications & dates (most recent first)

Relevant work experienceWork historyOther informationReferences

Name (as a heading rather than ‘CV’) Address Telephone number Email address

Make sure this is a professional email address, not ‘sexybeccy@hotmail.com’

Start with the most recent Don’t forget your current study

Mention relevant modules

You might like to mention top marks

You don’t have to put your grades on if you weren’t happy with them

Include the years of study Primary school not needed

Education and Qualifications

2011 – Present University of KentBA (Hons) Photography (Predicted 2:1)Modules include: Creative photography, technical equipment and business skills for photographers.Highlights include:

• Winner of the College Photography Award• Portfolio grade of 75%

2009 – 2011 Maidstone Grammar SchoolA-levels: Media Studies (A), Art (B), Information Technology (C)

2005 – 2009 Wrotham SchoolGCSEs: 8 GCSEs grade A-C including English and Mathematics

Dates, name of company, position, location.

Don’t just list your duties – sell your skills and provide evidence. Which skills are relevant to the position/company you are applying to?

Sales Assistant Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone April 2010 – June 2011

•Delivered excellent customer service as demonstrated by my mystery shop result of 91% and by receiving ‘Sales Assistant of the Month’ award three times.•Achieved a sales result of 5% above my target illustrating my advanced selling skills, as well as my determination to succeed.

What examples can you give from your work experience?If you have no paid work experience, give examples from voluntary work or from your course

created instructed analysed produced

negotiated designed calculated maintained

administered controlled reviewed observed

consolidated delivered founded increased

studied invented supplied detected

programmed recommended distributed

developed solved prepared installed

selected arranged formulated solved started

Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate skills relevant to the job such as:

• Team work• Organising• Commitment• Your intellectual abilities• Your personality• Your artistic ability

Ideally, one academic and previous/current employer.

Ask permission from your referee and let them know what position(s) you’ve applied for.

Use relevant references if possible.

You can say ‘references available on request’ rather than including contact details if you wish.

• It is not ‘one size fits all’, you need to tailor your CV to each position you apply for.

• Research the company. Do they have a mission statement or core values? What will they be looking for in you? Check the job description/person specification.

What is a person specification? See example on handout.

Look at the example person specification. Write down some evidence showing that

you have ‘the ability to work as a member of a team’, as you would do on a CV.

5 minutes

What do you do when a company does not provide a person specification?

Look at the job advert and highlight key words e.g.

‘You will be adaptable and socially confident, enabling you to build strong relationships quickly, which will be key to your success’.

Look at the company values on their website.

The first visual impression of your CV is important.

For standard CVs, use plain white A4 paper.

Do not double side (?) Keep your CV to two sides of paper. Check your spelling. Use bullet points and bold font but in

moderation.

Formatting – make sure it’s consistent. Size 11-12 font (depending on font

style). Clear font e.g. Arial, Calibri. 2:1, not Two One or 2,1. Use short, concise sentences.

My hobbits include - instead of 'hobbies.'

I have good writen skills.

i am a prefectionist and rarely if if ever forget details.

I hope to hear from you shorty.

In my spare time I enjoy hiding my horse.

Restaurant skills: Severing customers

Slides are on:www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htmwww.kent.ac.uk/ceswww.prospects.ac.ukhttp://www.careers.lon.ac.uk/files/pdf/How_to_Write_a_CV_leaflet2010.pdf http://www.seo-london.com/get-started/making-a-strong-applicationhttp://www.gradskent.com/graduates/application_advice/61/

Never send a ‘naked’ CV!

1 side of A4 – similar to a UCAS personal

statement

Opening paragraph – motivation for the job

Followed by skills and experience developed

through study, work experience and paid work

‘Matching up’ with job description http://www.prospects.ac.uk/covering_letters.htm http://www.wikijob.co.uk/wiki/how-write-cover-letter http://www.wikijob.co.uk/wiki/example-cover-letter

Aim: to learn how to create a high quality CV.Objectives:By the end of the session you should be able to:Name at least three sections to include on a CV.Explain what a person specification is and how to tailor a CV to a job.Describe at least three things you can do to make a CV clear and easy to read.