How to Write a Good CV

How to Write a Good Curriculum Vitae

Stand out From the CrowdDare to Be DifferentThis Means YOU!

Attention Please What is the aim of this session?After watching this presentation you should have a clear idea of what should and should not be included in your CV.You should be able to identify the best way to present information about yourself.You Should be able to write a covering letter to be included with your CV.

What is the Purpose of a CV,When to use

Your CV - The PurposeA presentation to an employer of selected facts about yourself which are relevant to a particular post.

Selling document - Your CV and covering letter are marketing documents with the single purpose of getting you an interviewWhen to use a CV?You should send a CV to an employers when they ask for one in a job advert, or when you are enquiring if any jobs are available. Requesting letters of recommendationApplying for scholarships, honors and awardsWhat is a good CV?Attracts attentionCreates a good impression Presents relevant skills and qualities clearly and concisely Gets you an interview for the job

7What is the employer looking for in the CV?(employer perspective)Does the CV demonstrate skills that the job requires?Does it outline experience relevant to the job?Has the individual successfully handled similar challenges in the past?Does the individual have the right personal qualities for the position? 9 Golden rulesKeep it simple - look, style, languageMake it clear - ensure that the reader can understand everythingKeep it short - ideally 2 sides of A4 and definitely no longer than 3 pages

10The EssentialsTake time to check - it must be 100% error freeEnsure that your CV covers your whole careerBe Positive - accent your achievements and minimise your weaknesses11Vary your language to keep interestKnow your CV - so that you can talk positively at interviewUpdate it regularly to include new experiences, qualifications and achievementsThe Essentials (cont.)CV versus Resume?CV - Individually designed summary of personal, educational and experience qualifications (as well as Application Form)Resume - Written advertisement about your skills, abilities and accomplishmentsNB! Both require covering letter! CV DontsUse jargonCopy someone elses CVInvent informationLie about yourselfWorry about boasting about your strengthsUse poor photocopies 14Use coloured or patterned paper; don't add borders or clip-art

Don't use decorative or comical fonts, don't mix upper and lower case letters without reason.

Don't change styles of headings or layout within the one document.

CV Donts (cont.)Don't include anything irrelevant.

Don't mention your primary school.

You don't need to give reasons for leaving previous jobs, and certainly never indicate any ill feeling about previous jobs.

Don't finish off a paragraph with 'etc'; this tells people nothing.

CV Donts (cont.)WHAT TO INCLUDE

Content of Your CVPersonal details (contact details)Profile (personal statement)QualificationsEmployment (work experiences) Education and other skillsInterestsAdditional informationReferences18Personal Details; Contact DetailsNameAddressTelephone number or Mobile Phone numberE-mailDate of BirthPhoto (Optional)Nationality and work permit

Profile; Personal StatementBrief but punchy statement, informative paragraph that makes you sound great!Gives readers a really powerful idea of your career Makes them think that you fit their jobe.g. I am a A with B years experience of C. I have X skills and a good record of achievement in YPersonal StatementYou should include at least two positive personal qualities

Examples:I am a friendly, confident person I am an energetic, caring personPersonal StatementYou should also include at least two positive professional qualities.

Examples: I am a hardworking, motivated personI am very flexible and experiencedPersonal StatementYou should also include the highest qualification you have related to the job youre applying for.Example: I have a grade C in IT, so I am very comfortable when required to work with computers. Personal StatementYou should also include the most relevant work experience you have related to the job youre applying for

Example:I have lots of customer service experience, so I am very comfortable dealing with members of the public. QualificationsStart with the most recent It often helps to put them in a table

Only include qualifications that you passedIf you dont have any qualifications leave this section out all togetherQualificationsGradesName of School / CollegeYear AchievedM.Sc

B.Sc

Excellent

ExcellentSouth Devon College

South Devon College2007

2005The first part of your CV should look something like this

Work ExperienceUsually start with the most recent

However, if you have experience related to the job you are applying for that is more relevant you could start with that.

It often helps to put them in a tableName of EstablishmentPeriod of employmentOverview of DutiesSouth Devon College

SainsburysJan-June2007

Aug-Dec2006Answered the phone, dealt with customers, worked with a database, wrote letters, made appointments for studentsWorked as part of a teamRelated Experience (Optional)Write a brief paragraph outlining any work or personal experience you may have had related to the job you are applying for.

For exampleif you want to work with children and you have childcare experience you could write about it, but remember to include why this is relevant!

If you dont have experience, dont include this section at all. Professional Development;SkillsList any courses you have done or are intending to do that will help you to succeed in the workplace.Computer SkillsAUTOCAD, SAP, ANSYS, MATLAB, etc

If you are not taking any courses leave this section out.InterestsOn one line list a few things you like to do in your spare time.

This shows that you have other interests and suggests things about your character.

For example you can write down hobbies that suggest you are motivated, energetic, sociable, etc

References Provide details of two people that could provide a reference for you. (One should be your current employer)References ideally one academicone employer - ASK PERMISSIONInclude:Name of person and what they doName of companyAddressPhone NumberEmail Address

LayoutSpend some time making your CV look attractive and professional!

Use a font that is easy to read, use bold headings for each section and make sure it is lined up smartly.

You could consider printing on special paper to make it stand out.The rest of your CV should look something like this

Putting it all together

Covering LettersYour CV should link you to the area of work

The Covering Letter should link you to this particular opportunity

Make sure it reaches the right person

Use good A4 white paper - one page

Write on one side of the paperCovering Letters address it appropriately Dear MrYours sincerelyDear Sir.Faithfully

use black ink - photocopies better

make it neat and legible word processed or hand written if your hand writing is good Covering LettersTake care with spelling, punctuation, layout etc

Draw attention to your strengths

Deal with administrative matters such as your availability for interview

Be briefYour AddressEmployers Namedate& Address

Dear.

Heading (if appropriate)Main TextWhy you are writingWhat you can offer the employer - give evidenceAdministrative information. End Positively

Yours..

SignatureYour NameCovering LettersThe address for reply. If another address is to be used after a certain date, include this information in your letterA Heading - such as Marketing Assistant Vacancy - can show the reader instantly what the letter is aboutIf possible, write to a specific person, with name, job title etc. If not possible, specify title, department etc of intended reader. Check details.If you know the name -Dear Mr Smith. For female addressees - Miss, Mrs or Ms if unsure.If you dont know the name - Dear sir...The ending depends on howyou began - Dear Mr.Yours sincerelyDear Sir..Yours faithfullyIt is a good idea to print or type your name legibly beneath yoursignatureThe Opening

to apply for the position of

OR

to enquire whether there are any vacancies as a graduate Covering LettersBeginning a cover letterI am submitting my credentials for your considerationAvoid overuse of I when starting a sentence.Alternatives:This letter is being submittedThis is to express my interest in

Examples of phrases in cover lettersTo keep myself updated, This year I successfully completed I took part in a research study under the direction ofAs a member of an international team I will continue to participate in educational activities that will update my skillsExamples of phrases in cover lettersThus, I feel I am well-qualifiedAt this time, I would request that you consider my candidacy for a position.Enclosed please find my credentials for your consideration.I look forward to hearing from you.If you should have any questions, please give me a call at

Your CV - Key PointsFirst impressions countMake it user friendlyKeep it positive and upbeatMaximum length - 2 sides of A4Target it to the type of workKeep it relevantDont leave unexplained gapsAlways send a covering letterGOOD LUCK!NOTHING SHOULD STOP YOU NOW.Write your CV